A conversation with ETIMOBLU: from material research to sculptural design

ETIMOBLU, Milan based studio born from the mind of the emerging designer Matteo Brambilla, operates at the intersection of disciplines, transcending traditional design boundaries – a philosophy rooted in its founder’s multifaceted background. At its core, the project explores design as cultural expression, anchoring each creation in Italy’s rich heritage of manual craftsmanship, with a strong focus on Mediterranean practices and techniques.

By collaborating with master artisans and specialized producers, ETIMOBLU creates objects that seamlessly blend centuries-old narratives and expertise with cutting-edge innovation. In this conversation with Matteo Brambilla, we delve into the vision behind this ambitious project and the creative process of a designer who brings together artistic sensibility, technical mastery, and a deep appreciation for material, story, and place.

What is the core idea behind the project, and how does it engage with the current conversation around design as a form of cultural expression?

Matteo Brambilla:

“ETIMOBLU merges design and art through a language that focuses on one of the most deeply rooted forms of cultural expression in Italy and the Mediterranean: the craft of making and manual know-how. Through collaborations with master artisans and specialized companies, the project is committed to researching materials and trades, exploring and applying techniques that enhance a heritage, blending centuries-old traditions with technological innovation. Preserving and valuing craftsmanship – and the human aspect behind it – is a way to respect and reflect cultural roots, creating objects that tell stories and express deep ties with the territory.”

Following the strong visual and symbolic coherence of the studio, how would you define each ETIMOBLU’s project aesthetic language, and what references inform the development of its visual and conceptual world?

Matteo Brambilla:

“ETIMOBLU’s language stands out for its coherence and elegance in form, and a clear sensitivity toward proportion and compositional harmony. Each project holds a sense of both movement and permanence, a dialogue of contrasts that carries aesthetic, design, and production value. It’s never about trends, but about a pure, timeless style. Aesthetics doesn’t come before design – but it’s certainly not an afterthought.”

Craftsmanship and collaboration with specialized producers seem to be at the core of your process, defining the general vision of the studio, coherent with its work. How do these partnerships feed into the creative and production phases of your project, Levante?

Matteo Brambilla:

“Sculptural lines, contrasting volumes, and the interplay of solid and void gave life to Levante, a console that bridges artistic expression and design functionality. None of this would’ve been possible without the expertise of Serafini and his team of artisans and engineers. Some aesthetic and structural details were developed only thanks to the experience of those involved. I remember meeting an artisan during production who, without looking at 3D drawings, immediately identified technical details to improve – this, to me, is a rare kind of beauty that deserves to be heard, valued, and shared.”

Levante, presented during the last Milan Design Week 2025, is a console defined by sculptural lines and a refined balance of weight and lightness. Its sharp and soft volumes play with full and empty spaces, creating an elegant dialogue of light and shadow. Beyond functionality, Levante stands as a sculptural object, offering both visual impact and conceptual depth.

Crafted in collaboration with Serafini – a marble atelier based in Chiampo, Italy, renowned for its fusion of tradition and innovation – the piece reflects a deep commitment to craftsmanship. Serafini’s young team combines advanced technologies with artisanal expertise, pushing the boundaries of marble work while preserving the essence of Italy’s stone heritage. Every project is tailored, involving clients directly in the creative and production process, and elevating each piece into a unique experience.

ETIMOBLU’s creations move between design, art, space, and rituals, creating a contaminated language. Who are they intended for?

Matteo Brambilla:

“ETIMOBLU speaks to those who seek an intersection of design, art, and culture – people drawn to the richness of craft heritage. It’s a diverse audience, increasingly interested in how things are made, in the research behind objects, and in the stories they tell. I always look for dialogue and exchange with those I encounter. Through my work, I want to express and share the emotions I feel while designing and bringing these objects to life. That’s the legacy I see in each project: creating bonds that last.”

Essential forms, natural materials, symbolic references: how do you develop the relationship between material and meaning in Levante?

Matteo Brambilla:

ù“I’d sum it all up with a single image: the detail in Levante where the legs meet the top – a gentle curve holding all the strength and beauty of an ancient material like marble. Working with it is an act of kindness. I believe its highest potential should be expressed through carefully considered lines and details. If that’s not the goal, then it’s like pointing to the moon and only looking at the finger.”

What is the vision you imagine for the future? Which direction would you like to take, and what paths do you see the studio exploring from here on?

Matteo Brambilla:

“The direction is to keep collaborating with master artisans and companies in the field, designing and developing pieces with expressive and technical depth. A daily approach guided by the idea that every project should be conceived as a sculpture in itself, balanced between simplicity and poetry. I’d also like to open more toward the world of pure art… step by step.”