Born in Florence in 1988 and now based in Milan, architect and designer Pietro Franceschini, founder of PF|Studio, redefines classic Italian sensibility with a contemporary perspective.
Blending Florence’s balanced Renaissance proportions with the irony and experimental energy of the digital age, Franceschini embraces a “disrespectful yet emotional” attitude in his designs. His creative process is a bold dialogue between timeless elegance and unexpected gestures. This approach, which can transform even marble into a soft, fluid form, carries traces of both digital illusion and traditional craftsmanship in every piece by PF|Studio. Shaped by his experiences in Paris, New York, and Brooklyn, his multi-layered vision makes Franceschini one of the rare names on the global design scene who can exist without compromising his unique identity
Your designs blend classical Italian sensibility with a contemporary approach. How do you bring these two seemingly contrasting elements together in your creative process?
I grew up surrounded by classical architecture and Renaissance proportions, so that sense of balance and harmony is ingrained in me. At the same time, I am fascinated by contemporary culture, by irony, by digital aesthetics. My work becomes a dialogue between the two: timeless Italian rigour meeting the unexpected gestures of today. I don’t see them as opposites, but as complementary forces.
When you describe your work as “irreverent” yet “emotionally impactful,” what should we understand from that?
“Irreverent” refers to my refusal to treat design as something solemn. I like to tease, to surprise, to provoke a smile. But beneath the playfulness there is a strong emotional core an intention to move people, to make them feel something memorable when they encounter an object.
You’ve mentioned an interest in playing with digital illusion and reality. In which project did you explore this concept most clearly for the first time?
My earliest experiments came during the pandemic, when we were all living online. I created pieces that at first looked like digital renderings hyper-polished, surreal surfaces—but they were, in fact, tangible objects. That tension between the virtual and the physical fascinated me, and it continues to inform my practice.
You’ve been influenced by very different cultures Florence, Paris, New York, and Brooklyn. How does this multilayered background reflect in your work?
Florence gave me tradition, Paris refinement, New York ambition, and Brooklyn a raw sense of experimentation. Each city added a layer of personality to my practice. The combination allows me to move fluidly between elegance and boldness, between heritage and irreverence.
What motivated you the most when founding PF|Studio?
The desire for independence, for a space where I could freely explore ideas without compromise. PF|Studio is a platform for curiosity, for collaboration, and for creating a language that feels truly my own.
Do you work with marble and other natural stones? If so, what role do these materials play in your aesthetic approach?
Yes, very much. Stone carries a cultural weight it is eternal, noble, and strong. I enjoy contrasting that heaviness with forms that feel fluid, almost soft. It’s a way of re-writing the narrative of marble: not only monumental, but also playful and sensual.
How do you manage to present a material as “hard” as stone in such soft and fluid forms?
I begin with very detailed 3D models, which give me full control over the volume and proportions of the piece. Once the geometry is defined, I collaborate with skilled artisans who help me select the stone that best fits the goal I am after. It’s a dialogue between digital precision and material expertise—together we ensure the final object retains both the softness of the design and the integrity of the stone.
Your work has been exhibited on many international platforms. In your opinion, what has been the key factor behind your global recognition?
Consistency in vision. From the beginning, I stayed faithful to my language even when it felt unconventional. The design world is global, and if you present something authentic, something with a strong identity, it resonates across borders.
What upcoming projects from PF|Studio can we look forward to in the near future?
There are some exciting collaborations on the way one focusing on marble, and another exploring textiles for the very first time. Alongside these, I am working with new galleries and adding a few fresh pieces to my collection. It is an opportunity to expand the studio’s vocabulary while remaining true to its spirit.
+90 532 585 51 95
+90 532 585 51 95