Rosanna Ceravolo from Studio Ceravolo
Founded and led by architect Rosanna Ceravolo, Studio Ceravolo shapes architecture, interiors, furniture and objects with intention—we sit down with Rosanna to explore her design journey, and more.
Photos SEAN FENNESSY, ANNIKA KAFCALOUDIS & TOM BLACHFORD
Malvern House by Studio Ceravolo. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Architect Rosanna Ceravolo is the founder and director of Melbourne-based multi-disciplinary practice, Studio Ceravolo. Photo: Annika Kafcaloudis
Thonet Bentwood chairs in the dining area complete with organic banquet seating at Malvern House by Studio Ceravolo. Photo: Sean Fennessy
At Malvern House, traditional timber flooring was swapped for small-format stone pavers on the ground floor—creating a sense of unity through materiality. Photo: Sean Fennessy
“There’s a sense of flow and harmony that I strive for in my spaces—I consider what it would feel like to move through an interior, from one space to another.”
‘I love [when I’m designing furniture] that I can create something bespoke, which is more sculptural or narrative focused and perhaps doesn’t require a purely practical justification for existing.’ Photo: Annika Kafcaloudis
Hawthorn Cottage by Studio Ceravolo. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Warm tones and textures create a sense of calm at Malvern House by Studio Ceravolo. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Malvern House by Studio Ceravolo. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Malvern House by Studio Ceravolo. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Hello Rosanna—can you introduce yourself?
Rosanna: Hello, I am Rosanna. I am an architect and designer based in Melbourne.
Do you remember when design first made an impact on you?
Honestly, I’d say visiting Rome for the first time when I was 13. The city just had this intense electric energy—its constructed beauty was completely arresting and made me aware for the first time the visceral impact design can have on a person. I’m perpetually jealous of anyone who gets to experience that city or even just that feeling for the first time.
When designing interiors, what’s most important for you?
There’s a sense of flow and harmony that I strive for in my spaces—I consider what it would feel like to move through an interior, from one space to another. What are the feelings I’m trying to evoke, and how can I achieve that through both spatial resolution, internal form and access to natural light. Do I want a dynamic space, a calming space, an intimate or social space? I also consider the placement of skylights or highlight windows carefully.
Materiality is also a big consideration, but for me it is secondary to the spatial and volumetric considerations.
Current material you’re loving using in your projects?
Rather than a singular material, I’m enjoying mixing materials in a way that brings texture to a space. For example, I love the idea of exploring one material, colour or finish in myriad textures just to understand the varying effects in different lighting and different planar configurations.
Your work leans into a highly considered approach—why are the finer details so important for you?
I suppose another way of looking at that would be to consider how poor detailing can really let a project down. I decided early on that considered detailing is integral to a project, otherwise you get a sub par product or project and I don’t really know what the point of that is. The details are the way that you execute the vision for the product or project. It really is what sets something apart and can add so much to the experience of a space.
What’s the first design element you notice when you walk into a room?
The spatial resolution and the daylight. The other stuff is important but it is literally material. I’m not saying they should be, but finishes can be changed at whim. I think a really good project is one that you can visit around about the lock-up construction stage, before all the finishes are applied, and just walking through the space is affecting and has impact.
When do you most feel a sense of purpose when working?
Easily the initial stages of design, such as spatial planning and section studies—I just get into a completely different headspace. I find it incredibly expansive, calming and rewarding all at once.
The Enzo Side Table by Studio Ceravolo was inspired by Italian design legend, Gio Ponti’s penchant for geometry. Photo: Annika Kafcaloudis
Malvern House by Studio Ceravolo. Photo: Sean Fennessy
Exhibited by Studio Ceravolo as part of By-Product, NGV Melbourne Design Week 2021. Photo: Tom Blachford
The Moored Shelving Unit by Studio Ceravolo was inspired by the reoccurring silhouette along the Mekong waters and its traditional row boats. Photo: Annika Kafcaloudis
Exhibited by Studio Ceravolo as part of By-Product, NGV Melbourne Design Week 2021. Photo: Tom Blachford
The most rewarding part of your job?
I really enjoy site visits with the builder, trades and clients. I love seeing the project coming to life bit by bit.
I also especially love witnessing my clients getting to discover the project slowly on a more intimate level than perhaps they had initially appreciated. As designers, we have this whole vision in our mind from very early in the process. It’s so clear to us, but the client is generally learning and discovering the project along the way.
And the most challenging?
Architecture and interior design work is almost always a design response to a particular brief, set within particular site constraints and there is typically a point of reference to begin the work. Personally, my furniture and product work usually requires me to set my own parameters, brief or constraints, and I sometimes find that overwhelming.
Tell us about your furniture designs—is it easy for you to transfer design disciplines from interiors to furniture?
In some ways yes, there are definitely transferrable skills and ways of thinking that make furniture and product design more accessible. I do find product design more challenging than architecture and interiors though, which is probably why I enjoy it. I love that I can create something bespoke, which is more sculptural or narrative focused, and perhaps doesn’t require a purely practical justification for existing.
A dream project you would love to be involved in?
So many! I do love working on seaside homes or something on a stunning rural site. I would love to fit out a dream apartment in a 16th or 19th Century building in Rome. I’d be super-keen to work on a boutique temporary accommodation project. And on the other extreme, I’m also interested in low-mid density multi-residential projects and designing efficient spaces for living well in small spaces.
Where can you find you on a typical Saturday?
I’m either at yoga, a bakery, or with my partner, and a coffee and my poodle walking around the river.
What coming up for you this year that you’re most excited about?
I’ll be publishing some projects, and working on exciting new projects. Also something I ‘m really excited about is an upcoming exhibition with my friend and collaborator, Jordan Fleming.
To stay up to date with Studio Ceravolo visit their website or follow @studioceravolo on Instagram.