Giulio Iacchetti on becoming a designer: self-taught path and advice

Giulio Iacchetti, two-time Compasso d'Oro winner, delivered a lectio magistralis at ISIA Faenza's academic year opening, titled 'Design: disegnare il desiderio'. In an interview, he discussed his unconventional path into design: leaving architecture school in the late 1980s, working in an architect's studio while attending evening industrial design classes, and building objects in his home garage. He emphasized the importance of hands-on craftsmanship, free research over performance-oriented schooling, and the value of local artisans for young designers. Iacchetti also previewed a new aluminum chair for Internoitaliano, to be shown at Fuorisalone, made by artisan Emanuele Lispi of Chianciano Terme. He advised against copying his self-taught route, noting that formal education can bring one closer to their limits, after which individual effort is needed. He criticized laziness and comfort-zone choices, and stressed that design schools should foster experimentation, not just technical skills. Iacchetti's studio currently has about sixty projects, including research works, exhibition designs, souvenirs, packaging, and a coffee maker with an innovative system.