Sustainability
Creativity
High-Quality
Eye for detail
design approach
These four keywords are summarising up my fundamentals working values and design principles.
Since the beginning of my career, sustainability has been an essential feature in my designs at every step of the production: from researching the right sustainable materials through the creation of useful, timeless, and functional products.
I prefer to use understated and pleasant aesthetics while keeping an eye on the details to achieve the highest quality in the products I design. My designs are reflecting the principles and values of industrial design, channeled into fashion statements. Besides, my work takes inspiration by high-quality Italian craftsmanship, blended with the progressive Nordic design aesthetics and values.
about
I am Paola Garatto (b.1984), Venice-born Designer based in Helsinki and Venice.
I studied at the High School of Art in Venice and afterward at IUAV (Istituto Universitario Architettura Venezia), under professors such as Michele De Lucchi, Aldo Cibic, and Paolo Lomazzi, earning in 2011 a Master’s Degree in Industrial Design. Straight after, I moved to Helsinki to work at Ilkka Suppanen’s design office, fascinated by the Nordic design principles and values. This first professional experience followed by other collaborations with famous Finnish design companies like Iittala, gaining comprehensive working skills from design concepts to technical and product development.
After working many years within the industry, in 2018, I decided to start my freelancing career as a Freelance Designer. This activity mode allows me to apply my understanding of materials, construction, and manufacturing process to a variety of projects with often tight deadlines. I also assist companies interested in finding the best materials and manufacturers, especially when looking for high-quality Italian goods.
clients
AAV Barbini, Absentus, Calegaro, Celsius, Eugentes, Ennisance, Formest, Harvia Group, Isku, Iittala, Linder, Maeba International, MBE Mail Boxes Etc, Moves, MyClothable, Nosht, Pentik, Puuha, Rörstrand, Saint Vacant, Studio Suppanen, Sunflexion, Tikau, TylöHelo Group, With Secure
companies
I have worked for
Iittala, Inditex Group, Italian Chamber of Commerce in Finland, Lumi Accessories,
Mari Isopahkala Design, Minna Parikka, One Nordic Furniture Company, Studio Suppanen, Studio Zerouno, V°73, among others.