DEFERRARI+MODESTI Architecture and Interior Design Firm in Florence

DEFERRARI+MODESTI was founded in Florence by Javier Deferrari and Lavinia Modesti.

Since 2010, we have been engaged in architectural and interior design, focusing our research research on the creation of residential, commercial, exhibition, and hospitality spaces.

Before establishing the studio, we gained various experiences in Italy and abroad, including collaborations with Enzo Mari, Manuel Gausa, and finally with Stefano Boeri and Giovanni La Varra.

They develop projects of various scales and types, creating a unique concept each time with its own distinct aesthetic—whether for private clients or major institutions and companies, including Le Gallerie degli Uffizi, the Archaeological Museum of Florence, Exenia, Targetti , Castelfalfi Resort, Banfi Castle, Ceramiche Marca Corona, and Mirage.

Over the years, we have received Awards both national and international, and our projects have been featured in numerous publications including AD, Abitare, Dezeen, Domus, Elle Decor, Frame, Living and Wallpaper.

Since 2017, we have held the roles of academic coordinators and lectures for the Bachelor's Degree course in Interior Design at IED Florence.

TH01 Targetti HUB Allestimento e Interior Design by Deferrari Modesti — TH01 Targetti , Florence

Awards and international Awards :

2021 | Iconic Awards – Innovative Architecture, organized by the German Design Council | TH01 Targetti | Winner in the Interior and Innovative Materials categories.

2021 | Participation in the Italian Pavilion"Resilient Communities", at the Architecture Biennale 2021, in the section curated by Rebel Architette and Alessandro Melis "Detoxing architecture from inequalities: a plural act".

2021 | “Anna Taddei Architecture and Design by Women” Award | TH01 Targetti | Special Mention.

2020 | Dezeen Awards | Emerging Interior Designer of the Year | Longlist

2020 | BIGSEE Interior Design Awards | TH01 Targetti | Winner of the “Workplace” category.

2020 | Archilovers Best Projects | TH01 Targetti

2017 | Award IN/Arch Bar Ristoranti Hotel d'Autore | Libreria Brac | Special mention

2017 | Disegnodilegno competitionby Fiemme 3000| Catasta | Third prize

2017 | Participated in the exhibition Prossimo futuro: 45 Italian Designers Under 40,”curated by Luigi Prestinenza Puglisi and Monica A. G. Scanu, at the Acquario Romano in Rome.

2015 | ADI Design Index | Xgone, manufactured by Mirage Granito Ceramico

2014 | Res_tile Competition by Mirage Granito Ceramico | Versatile | Third Prize

How We Work

We design spaces where people can feel at ease. To achieve this, it is essential to carefully study the characteristics of the site where we will be working and to gain a deep understanding of how the space will be used and experienced. Our approach, therefore, is inclusive and fosters active dialogue with our clients, consultants, and collaborators.

We always try to view the design process as a whole, but also in every detail. We strive to maintain a broad yet focused perspective, developing a project in a spiral-like manner: we move forward and then step back to broaden our perspective. This strategy requires an analytical, pragmatic, yet poetic approach.

We view materials, form, color, and light as architectural elements to be used and combined to create a space that stands the test of time. This requires meticulous attention to detail, research into and use of materials, and consideration of the functionality of spaces. To achieve a harmonious interplay between the architecture and interior elements, we often design custom furniture and lighting.

We carefully examine every technical detail with the goal of creating a space that is cohesive across all its parts.
We pay meticulous attention to material sampling, working closely with artisanal businesses to identify the most suitable solutions.

Libreria Brac, Firenze, Interni, bar, ritorante, libreria, progetto Deferrari Modesti — Brac Bookstore, Florence

Lavinia Modesti was born in Pisa in 1979. She earned her degree in architecture with honors and the distinction of publication from the University of Florence. She began her professional career in Milan, collaborating with Enzo Mari. She continued her career in Barcelona with Actar-Arquitectura, then returned to Milan to work at Stefano Boeri’s firm. In 2010, she founded the firm DEFERRARI+MODESTI with Javier Deferrari. Over the years, she has received numerous prizes and Awards, including the “Anna Taddei Architecture and Design by Women” Award. She participated in the Venice Biennale at the Italian Pavilion curated by RebelArchitette. Since 2017, she has been collaborating with IED as the coordinator of the Bachelor’s degree program in Interior Design.

Javier Deferrari was born in Buenos Aires in 1978. He began his studies in architecture at the University of Buenos Aires. In 2002, he moved to Milan, and in 2006, he earned his degree in Architectural Sciences from the Polytechnic University of Milan. After gaining professional experience in Italy and abroad, in 2008 he began working with Stefano Boeri’s firm, which led him to work on the redevelopment project for the former military arsenal in La Maddalena in preparation for the G8 summit. In 2010, he founded the firm DEFERRARI+MODESTI with Lavinia Modesti. Since 2017, he has been collaborating with IED Florence as coordinator and instructor for the Bachelor’s degree program in Interior Design.

THEY HAVE WORKED WITH US

Maria João Aleixo de Barcelos, Ilayda Aşan, Sara Bitossi, Paola Buselli, Dario Calonaci, Jessica Carione, Cinzia Deviti, Francesco Giuffrida, Katerina Margoldova, Oliviero Martini, Robin Muller, Elisa Palaia, Sara Panchetti, Asia Piccinini, Francesca Quaranta, Gioia Romani, Maria Domenica Russo, Lorenzo Saccomando, Michela Tonelli.