Architecture is that which so disposes and adorns the edifices raised by man for whatsoever uses, that the sight of them may contribute to his mental health, power and pleasure.

(John Ruskin)

We met with Sabina D’Urso, one of the most creative interior designers in Rome, in her midtown Trastevere office, on the hottest day of the year. Sabina creates homes people love to live in. As important, D’Urso is engaged from initial vision to final outcome. She designs the project, carries out the construction, and provides decor and installation. D’Urso’s aesthetic ranges far in inspiration. What unites the objects in Sabina’s works is formal integrity and a simplicity that could be called minimal, though the results are often complex.

We asked her some questions about her business, her principles, her passions and her inspirations.

What skills do you draw upon most for your job?

To be in this business, you need to be tidy and detail oriented. Meticulous organization is the key to success. Patience is another one. There are a lot of little nuances when working with clients, and that compounds when you work on multiple projects.

There is a lot of consultation between the client and the designer from start to finish, so you must know how to work with all types of people and personalities.

What are the steps involved in starting a project?

When the prospective client calls, we chat about what type of design they need and the budget. Then we discuss their design needs, the location, and usually set up a first meeting at their home, where I complete a very precise field survey.

One thing I think is lost on many people is the amount of time designers spend ensuring everything fits and fits beautifully. I work with excellent partners, who help me with all my projects, from custom items to hanging art, electrical work, and painting.

I have heard about “ultra luxury”, but most people can only think about “affordable luxury”. What are your favorite budget friendly resources?

I believe you can decorate your home and keep within a budget. Mixing more affordable options with investement pieces can give you a beautiful look; but it is important to maintain continuity.

Are there any tricks to making a house or a room look more impressive?

One thing I’ve learned, and continue to learn, is that it’s all about the details. The personal touches are what make a great home. I personally draw and design unique doors and furniture, such as closets, sofas, beds, chairs, and so on.

I also devote considerable attention to the lighting. Lighting design must consider aesthetic elements as well as practical considerations: the quantity of light required, energy efficiency, and cost. There is a science behind it.

My houses are all different, not stereotyped. Too many architects always replicate the same style and the same standard. I don’t like this kind of laziness

What are the most requested projects?

It depends on the budget. In general, innovations, transformations and changing a property’s use are all the rage; for example, changing an apartment to a bed and breakfast or a restaurant to a pub.

What obstacles do you encounter the most?

Generally speaking, people are traditionalists. Sometimes you have to explain that choosing a good architect that understands construction, design and the client’s needs is a conditio sine qua non for a successfull, well articulated and budget minded project.

Are there any down sides in your job? Is there a frustrating part?

Actually I love my job; the creative side especially. Of course managing bureaucratic things and sometimes fighting against italian red tape is part of my duties, but not my favourite one.

The most fun and creative part of this job is demolishing ,rebuilding and redesigning urban spaces. I would love the nickname “The demolisher”.

What are your favorite sources for inspiration? Which trends are you excited about?

In terms of trends, currently I love “continuous” materials. For instance, I love decorative concrete: the variety of effects is almost unlimited; resin surfaces; or stoneware and laminated stoneware.

“I don’t like strict rules, so rules can be broken.

What’s important is that the result looks

coherent and harmonious.”

I also adore racy designs, for example huge bathrooms which look like living rooms. I am also glad that wallpaper is back and I think it is here to stay for a while, but it must be used cum grano salis.

Are there many competitors in this field in Rome?

There are so many, one can’t count them. In order to not only to survive but thrive in this field, you have to aim for nothing but excellence.

In addition to running your business, you are a mom to two daughters How do you balance both?

There is gender discrimination in this job. Women can be treated differently, never mind mothers! It’s a tough balance, but I’m learning to prioritize what must get done with my family and business first and then work from there. I have a to-do list for my family and one for every client; so each day I try to knock off items, starting with the most important or urgent ones first.

Sabina D’Urso

Via degli Stradivari 21, Roma

s.durso@archiworld.it