Top left and right: 13.1 Architecture & Decor Studio projects © Nicolò Panzeri, bottom left: a portrait of Federico Sigali and Filippo Fiora © 13.1 Architecture & Decor Studio, bottom right: 13.1 Architecture & Decor Studio project © Demy Arlin Aloe

Federico Sigali and Filippo Fiora are the founders of Milan-based 13.1 Architecture & Decor Studio. Their style is modern and refined whilst taking inspiration from diverse sources, situating itself within a rich design history. Join Artsper to find out their design influences, their connection to the world of fine art, and their dream design project!

1. Hello Federico and Filippo! Can you tell us a little bit about your background in interior design? What led you to found your own design studio?

We have been best friends since we were teenagers and we always spent days and nights talking about houses: our mutual obsession. Filippo graduated with a degree in architecture in 2012 and Federico started his career designing marble sculptural pieces of furniture. Then we finally had the idea of joining our forces during the pandemic, in 2020, when Federico was appointed to renovate a beautiful apartment in Milan. That day, Federico came to Filippo and said “let's do it together," and that's when it all started.

2. Being based in Milan, how much would you say that your interior design style is influenced by Italian architecture and design?

Our interior design style is all about references and we are lucky enough to be surrounded by beauty in our country, especially in Milan, and this is a never ending stimulus. We are great admirers of Italian and Milanese Architecture from the first half of the 20th Century, and Italian mid-Century design. Going to work every morning at our studio, located in the heart of Milan, close to Teatro alla Scala, is already a big source of inspiration. Imagine constantly passing by and looking up at historically influential architecture.

13.1 Architecture & Decor Studio projects, on the left © Demy Arlin Aloe, on the right © Nicolò Panzeri

3. Are there any other countries or design movements that have particularly influenced your practice?

We are fascinated by several styles from different periods. This is what led to the creation of our own visual language: a mix of inspirations harmonically joined.

Our projects are filled with inspiration from the 18th century Chippendale style, American Hollywood Regency, French Art Deco, Italian 20th century movements, 70s design and Asian influences. We both think that every style, in its own perspective, can lead to a beautiful project, when the architecture and the decor are well done. Sometimes we look at some projects, either contemporary or from the past, and we find in them a big source of inspiration even if they totally differ from our own style and language.

4. What is one design project that you are particularly proud of?

Among our architectural projects, the one we are really proud of is a project we've been working on for the last two years, and that will be officially completed in Spring 2023. We are also very excited for our very first collection of carpets that will be out in November and that represents a real summary of our style.

13.1 Architecture & Decor Studio projects, on the left © Veronica Ferraro, on the right © Valentina Sommariva

5. Works of fine art often hold an important place in your interior design projects. Have you always been interested in the visual arts, or did this follow on naturally from your careers in interior design?

Art is an inspiration for architecture and design and we truly think that architecture is a form of art itself. Ideas of balance, proportions and colors that we use in our projects often come from there. As Giò Ponti used to say, art is the only aspect of architecture that never ages.

6. Do you often look to the visual artists for inspiration for your design projects? If so, which artists do you have your eye on at the moment?

We both are big lovers of photography and cinematography. Slim Aarons and his series La Dolce Vita is always a dream for us: a representation of an idyllic and perfect world that embraces our aesthetic.

Movie directors that we get inspiration from are Luca Guadagnino and Luchino Visconti, whose interiors have a very strong personality.

7. Finally, if you could design the home of any person in the world, living or dead, who would it be?

Our dream would be to design a house, full of living rooms, reception rooms, parlors and winter gardens, for Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor.