About

Biography
Born and raised in Sicily, I went to secondary school in France and started my architectural training in Syracuse (Italy) where I graduated in 2009. During this period I worked for Studiodeda, an architectural firm based in Linguaglossa (close to Catania). This gave me the opportunity to learn about bioclimatic principles for homes, hotels and the tertiary sector. The excellence of the quality of the building materials was key in all the projects I worked on, in order to design sustainable buildings by X-LAM (wood structure). In 2012, I moved to Avignon where I bought an old house and restored it all by myself taking the role of the architect and the craftman, thereby applying my knowledge acquired during my studies. It was a very enriching experience. Today I work in Avignon and Leipzig.

Philosophy
Above all I favour bioclimatic solutions which allow me to take advantage of the assets of a particular place and to enhance the potential of this place. I therefore limit artificial solutions as much as possible when a natural solution is possible. I also have a particular love for wood, which I use for both the structure and the finish. Indeed, wood has enormous qualities, both anti-seismic and sensory. I also like to mix old and new architecture. I always place the human being and his requirements at the centre and I "ask the place what it wishes to become". Louis I. Kahn (an American architect) said:
You say to a brick, 'What do you want, brick?' And brick says to you, 'I like an arch.' And you say to brick, 'Look, I want one, too, but arches are expensive and I can use a concrete lintel.' And then you say: 'What do you think of that, brick?' Brick says: 'I like an arch.'

Design process
Every new project begins with an analysis of the site and the existing building, if there is one. In practice, this consists of visiting the site, measuring it, photographing it, and above all understanding the structure, its state of deterioration, the materials used, its history, its evolution, its stratifications, and the analysis of its environment. In a way, it is a question of appropriating the existing structure and its context, of finding its weak points and its potential. This is an essential phase because this technical data together with the normative obligations and specifications of the client, must converge into a project. To do this, I use my intuition. Often the problems of a site are transformed into architectural solutions. I could sum up my composition work this way: to fix my intuitions through drawing, the result of the convergence of multiple technical, normative and economic factors... Whatever the size of the project, the method is always the same.

In practice, how do we work together?
The first contact is often made by telephone or e-mail. This will be the opportunity to agree on a meeting by telephone or on site. This first meeting will allow us to get to know each other and to establish the basis for a collaboration. At the end of this meeting, I will be able to carry out the initial checks and submit a preliminary study contract and draw up the specifications. This consists of estimating the necessary budget, checking the standards in force by discussing with the town planning authorities if necessary and then producing a first sketch. We can then sign the contract including the 3D plans, the models, the assembly of the administrative files, the realization of technical drawings and the direction of the works.

Networking
Depending on the assignment, I create a team of trusted collaborators, whether they are assistants to project owners, draughtsmen, architects, engineers, control offices, design offices or craftsmen. I will always be your main contact.

Area of intervention
Thanks to the new computer tools, my area of intervention has expanded to almost all of Western Europe. Currently, with my team of collaborators, I am involved in projects in France, Italy, Germany and Latvia.

Software used
AutoCAD, Photoshop, Indesign, cinema 4D, sketchUp

Languages
French and Italian as mother tongues; English for conversation; German being learned

Certifications
I am a registered architect in France.
I have professional insurance with a ten-year guarantee from the MAF.
I will submit these documents to you before signing any contract.