Hands, Head and Heart

 “ He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”  (Saint Francis of Assisi).

One of architect Michele Simeone’s greatest sources of inspiration is his father, Italian Murano glass blowing artist, from whom he inherited a love for material and the aspiration to touch the materials and turn them into a practical work of art.  Perhaps with the inspiration of his father, the materials he uses are mostly natural materials, such as wood, glass and iron.

“I believe that the work of an architect is is to combine an original and timeless artistic creation, with a functional space that has meaning and a function in daily life.  We must not forget that the success of the project depends on creating a common language with the client,” says Simeone.  “In every project, I get to know the client in-depth, in order to create a unique creation for both the client and myself.”

What do you consider important when starting a new project?

“I think it’s true that God is in the small details.  My design begins with the architectural planning of large spaces and buildings; and later, I focus on the micro level – the smallest details – starting with selecting the furniture to be used in the building, as well as the selection and location of the pictures on the wall and the mirrors in the restrooms.”

“In buildings that I create, it is important to me to facilitate a dialogue with the historical roots of architecture and art, but also to create and introduce a different, profound and inspirational language.  I strive to integrate historical and cultural depth in my projects in order to enable users to feel, even for just a moment that they are being elevated above their daily lives.”