We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Federico Peri a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Federico, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
I am not the perfect example of an optimistic person, but I always try to focus on the positive side of things. In fact, I love surrounding myself with happy, positive people with great energy. I find optimism especially in work: creativity can only be a happy, and therefore positive, theme!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an interior and product designer, and I love my job. My studio is based in Milan, a city many consider the design capital, and I must say I completely agree with this statement. There are many companies that have made the history of global design just 30 minutes away from the city, and this proximity definitely facilitates dialogue with these realities.
I have always worked as an interior designer, but ten years ago, in 2014, I started a path as a product designer, which to this day is probably the aspect of my work that I appreciate the most. Over the years, I realized that while designing interiors, I always tried to leave my mark by designing specific furniture for the space. I believe this was the main impetus that allowed me to confidently tackle the discipline of product design as well.
Currently, we work with various national and international entities, ranging from small family businesses to large multinationals. The criteria that guide me in choosing one collaboration over another is definitely the quality of the proposed business, but I also place great importance on the people involved. If I sense an unpleasant feeling, there is no reason to pursue the collaboration further. Design is primarily about exchanges and sharing, which is why a good feeling is fundamental.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three skills I believe to be crucial are passion, perseverance, and creativity. I suggest to anyone approaching any job to follow their instincts above all else.
At the beginning of my university journey (which eventually leads to your career), I chose to give much more importance to people who tried to advise me rather than listening to what I felt inside. As a result, I initially chose the wrong field of study. When I changed direction and followed my heart, I chose design.
In every profession, there are both sad and wonderful moments. The good moments are like fuel; they motivate us to improve and stay focused on our path. Unfortunately, negative moments always happen, but if faced with passion, they become much lighter and this is crucial for performing at your best.
Therefore, my advice, in a nutshell, is: try to understand as soon as possible what makes you feel good and commit to it for your future.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
Believing in me! This was the most important thing they could do for my personality and for my professional life
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.federicoperi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/federicoperi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studiofedericoperi/
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