Introducing Eddie Maestri: It All Begins with a Sketch
people • makers
Eddie Maestri is the founder of boutique architecture and interior design firm, Maestri Studio.
WEBSITE: maestristudio.com INSTAGRAM: @maestristudio
Words: designeers
September 2018
designeers
Describe what you do:
eddie maestri
I am the Principal Architect and Creative Director at Maestri.
designeers
Tell us about your latest collection and the birth of the Mantel Collection:
eddie maestri
The mantel collection is the culmination of the idea of returning to the idea that “it all begins with a sketch." The simple idea was that by putting pen to paper, I could explore the fundamental and inspirational details of my experiences and travels. From Art Deco-inspired structures to the whimsical flow of fabrics, each mantel represents something that I love to sketch and draw. Each one offers a glimpse into my studio’s travels and style inspirations.
designeers
Can you describe your design process, from concept to final product?
eddie maestri
Just putting pen to paper. I sketch when I travel and try to deconstruct the elements of the style that travel provides. I work to bring each design style down to the essence of what stood out about those spaces. Then, just a lot more sketching. We turned those into full-size mock-ups and formed them out of plaster, foam, and wood in the studio. Finally, we refined them through hard-lined drawings/shop drawings.
designeers
Sources of creative desire:
eddie maestri
Travel is my biggest source of sparking creativity. Even visiting a favorite place more than once, I always try to see it in a new way. The desire to explore, learn, and keep evolving the design approach and thinking.
“I work to bring each design style down to the essence of what stood out about those spaces. Then, just a lot more sketching.”
eddie maestri
designeers
What do you do when you're not working?
eddie maestri
I love to travel, sketch, try new restaurants, and work in the yard.
designeers
Favourite hotel in the world:
eddie maestri
That is so hard. My favorite hotel is the one that connects me most to the destination I’m in. I love the modern seamlessness of the Pulitzer Amsterdam – nestled into the rows of Dutch buildings lining the canals, but a modern representation of European design. I love the history of the High Line Hotel in New York and the relaxed cool vibes of the Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach. Top: Pulitzer Amsterdam, Roma Cavalieri, High Line Hotel, NYC, Hotel Joaquin, Laguna Beach, Doce 18 Concept House, San Miguel De Allende.
designeers
Design hero:
eddie maestri
My design hero is Luigi Rosselli. I love his use of materials, blurring the lines of interior/exterior, and the influences of Italian and mid-century design. His hand sketches are an inspiration to designers who begin their own with pen and paper.
designeers
Penthouse or townhouse:
eddie maestri
Townhouse. I need the connection to the outdoors – the private courtyards and intimate incorporation of even the smallest outdoor garden. Townhomes connect with the city, the streets, the sidewalk and the city passing it by. That urban buzz brings a townhome to life.
