Zpstudio

Florence, Italy

Launched in Florence in 2003, Zpstudio is an architecture and design practice. Its work ranges in scale from large architectural projects to branding, product, interior, and exhibition design.  Describing their approach, studio founders Eva Parigi and Matteo Zetti note: “We strongly believe that beauty is a value, and it can help make the world a better place. Our concept of beauty includes a respect for materials and local culture, design that is able to tell stories, and the use of unexpected but simple solutions to solve basic, everyday needs. Through these ingredients, we hope to inspire good feelings in the people who interact with our projects.” 

The studio is involved in international design competitions and exhibitions in Italy and abroad, and their projects are frequently included in design-focused publications. The lighting designs Ottone, Ottone Secondo, and Clochette—as well as the multipurpose, Carrara marble, doorstop-slash-candleholder Plug—were exhibited during Milan Design Week and Fiera Vicenza (both 2015), as well as Fiera Bolzano Arredo (2016). Other standout object designs include Diogenèa—A Tale of Bowls (2015), a limited-edition collection of 20 bowls made by Italian artisans and composed of 20 different materials. Zpstudio’s work has earned multiple awards at international events, including Best of Now (Paris, 2001), Grandesign (Milan, 2002), Tokyo Design Week (2004), and Italian Design on Tour (IDOT, 2005). Clients include, among others, Lumen Center Italia, JVC, Sharp, Parentesi Quadra, Viceversa, and Softline-Allkit.

Parigi (born in Siena, Italy in 1968) and Zetti (born in Firenze, Italy in 1968) met as students at the University of Florence in 1996. Both earned Bachelor’s degrees there (1996). Parigi also has a Master’s degree in exhibition design from Domus Academy Milano (2000) and a PhD in architectural planning from the University of Florence (2005).