Graziani + Corazza have been shortlisted in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about Principal, Berardo Graziani, below:

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Name: Berardo Graziani

Company: Graziani + Corazza

Position within company: Principal

Website: https://gc-architects.com/

Tell us a little about your background in design:

Graduated U of T for Bachelor of Architecture in 1986, Licensed Architect 1992. Member of Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Founded G+C Architects Inc in 1997 with Enzo Corazza and Domenic Biase.

How would you describe your personal design style?

Modern and programmatically responsive/driven. 

Where does your design inspiration come from?

The simplicity and complexity of the natural world.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Large emphasis on sustainability and new materials and methods to reduce carbon footprint.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

Appropriate and innovative use of materials, sustainability, economic responsibility, liveable spaces, timeless design.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Innovation is endless.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

Extremely important as the wealth of designs and ideas encompass architectural solutions from around the world.

What projects are you currently working on?

A significant number, varying in size, scale, location and use.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

Any of the Single-family homes as you are challenged to create a design that is a very personal creation that will be used and enjoyed by a specific, small group of people every day.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

Aura, a 78 Storey mixed use development in Toronto because even though the scale of the development is extremely large, we created a vertical city encompassing over 1000 dwelling units but ultimately dealt with the smallest details of creating a livable home which is its true measure of success.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

My roll of tracing paper and markers.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

Continue to create designs that people can enjoy, even if they can’t figure out why.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

I’m inspired and driven by my never-ending curiosity and desire to rethink and find more intriguing creative solutions to design challenges.

Your most treasured possession?

No material possession is important to me. What is most treasured to me is my family.

Your favourite holiday destination?

Anywhere that has a waterfront.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

My home, which has all 3 elements.

Your favourite book, film & song?

DOMUS, City Slickers, You can’t always get what you want by The Rolling Stones.

Your favourite food and drink?

Homemade pasta and Burbon.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Relaxing at the cottage, watching and hearing the waves hit the shore.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

Probably A Machinist.

Graziani + Corazza