A CONVERSATION WITH ANDREA CARUSO
When stepping into the world of Andrea Caruso, you find yourself in a realm where disciplines intertwine, and design becomes a dialogue between past, present and future. As an industrial designer turned spatial visionary, Andrea’s journey from product design to interior architecture is a testament to adaptability, purpose, and the ever-evolving role of design in our world today. In this interview, Andrea shares insights into his multidisciplinary approach, the significance of responsibility in design, and why interior spaces must move beyond aesthetics to address deeper societal and environmental concerns.
From Industrial Design to Spatial Thinking
Andrea’s path into the world of interiors wasn’t a linear one. Originally from Torino, he studied industrial design and began his career designing products in Italy. Seeking a broader perspective, he moved to Madrid in 2007 to pursue a master’s degree that introduced him to a more holistic approach to design. His early work in photography and videography refined his ability to see spaces with a heightened awareness of composition, contrast, and proportion. “Photography trained my eye in ways I didn’t anticipate,” Andrea reflects. “The way light moves, the way elements interact within a frame – those lessons directly inform my approach to spatial design.” This multidisciplinary foundation helped Andrea transition naturally into interiors, where he began designing spaces with the same sensitivity to visual storytelling that had guided his photographic work. “When I design a space, I think about how it will be experienced, how it will be captured, and how it can create an atmosphere that resonates beyond aesthetics.”
Designing with Responsibility, Not Just Sustainability
For Andrea, the term ‘sustainability’ no longer captures the full scope of what designers should consider. Instead, he advocates for a broader sense of responsibility – one that considers not only materials and energy efficiency but also social impact and long-term viability. “Sustainability used to be something designers added at the end of a project. Now, it has to be embedded in every decision, to the way you approach a project, the impact it creates, and how it contributes to a larger context,” he explains. Rather than seeing interiors as static environments, Andrea views them as opportunities to create more meaningful interactions between people and their surroundings. Whether designing a home, a public space, or a retail concept, he believes the guiding question becomes: How can this space foster meaningful connections and lasting impact?
Life-Centered Design: Beyond the Human Perspective
The evolution of design thinking has shifted from a human-centered approach to what is called “lifecentered design.” This means looking beyond human needs to consider the entire ecosystem – plants, animals, air quality, and urban biodiversity. “In the past, we designed spaces that completely erased the natural world. We would clear a piece of land, build something, and then ‘add’ nature back in as an afterthought. But what if we designed buildings that respected and incorporated the existing ecosystem from the start?” Andrea points to biophilic design as a key principle but stresses that true environmental integration requires systemic change. “We can’t just put plants in a lobby and call it biophilia. The way we design cities has to change at a fundamental level. It’s not easy, but collaboration is the only way forward.”
The Role of Interior Design in Shaping Cities
In his current role as Academic Director at IE School of Architecture and Design in Madrid, Andrea is launching a new master’s program that redefines interior design as a tool for urban transformation. “Traditionally, interior design was about decorating spaces and making them visually pleasing. But in cities like Madrid, where housing shortages, over-tourism, and space inefficiencies are growing problems, interiors can – and should – do much more,” he explains. From repurposing underutilized spaces to designing multi-functional interiors that serve both residents and communities, Andrea sees interior design as a discipline that must address the challenges of modern urban living.
Advice for Those Rethinking Their Own Spaces
For individuals and businesses looking to redesign their spaces, Andrea’s advice is simple: slow down and engage with your surroundings. “Before making any design decisions, take a walk around your neighborhood. See who’s there. Are there local artisans, furniture makers, second-hand shops? Think about how you can source materials locally, repurpose existing elements, and create something that truly reflects the place you’re in.” In a world increasingly dominated by instant gratification, Andrea champions patience and collaboration. “Great spaces aren’t just about aesthetics. They’re about relationships – between materials, people, and the environment. The more we embrace that, the more meaningful our designs will be.” With an unwavering belief in the power of design to shape not just interiors but entire communities, Andrea Caruso challenges us to think beyond beauty and function – to create spaces with purpose, integrity, and lasting impact.
Photos by Salva Lopez.
Discover Andrea's Design Studio Ciszak Dalmas.