Deana Della Cioppa, design manager
In The Workshop: Deana Della Cioppa & Sam Titone
April 30, 2021
Our creative, collaborative team is our greatest assets. Each member of our diverse collective brings unique perspectives and experiences to the team, so we’re starting a new series to introduce a pair of Workshop pros with a series of questions that highlight their interests and inspirations. This month we spoke to design manager Deana Della Cioppa and project manager Sam Titone, an extraordinarily talented pair whose work spans a wide range of residential and hospitality projects.
Name an architecture or design trend you wish would go away:
The “maximalist approach” to design. While an eclectic look can be super successful, I personally think less is more when designing a space. Using too many different patterns, colors, and styles in one space can be too busy and does not create a cohesive look.
A New (or new-er) A&D trend you love or see coming:
This trend has already started to make a comeback, but I love the return of the 70s influence, especially with the pops of color and lines of furniture (burnt orange, mustards, Scandinavian furniture, etc.)
What’s your dream project?
My family and I have always talked about opening an Italian restaurant, so my ultimate dream project would be to design a super chic, modern-but-classic Italian restaurant for my family.
What’s your pandemic hobby?
I love to cook! So I spent a lot of time cooking and trying new recipes.
Describe your style in 3 words (can be personal or design aesthetic)
Inspired, Harmonious, Minimalist
Your favorite building or room of all time
One of my favorite buildings of all time is the Duomo in Florence, Italy (Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore) by Filippo Brunelleschi… Seeing this vastly detailed structure, ornamented with shades of white, pink, and green marble, is just breathtaking in person!
Sam Titone, project manager
Name an Architecture or Design trend you wish would go away.
A particular trend doesn’t come to mind, aside from trying to make too many statements in one design. Whether it’s related to the massing and detailing of a building, or architectural elements in an interior, or with furniture pieces and décor. I don’t like when spaces are too busy, with competing elements. I like when the concept is clear, cohesive, and all the elements complement each other.
A New (or new-er A&D trend you love or see coming.
I’m a sucker for mid-century modern, so I love seeing this style being more of an influence lately. I’ve also been seeing a lot of simple geometric forms and monochromatic spaces that really immerse you and make you feel like you are in an other-worldly environment. I hope to see more designs pushing these boundaries.
What’s your dream project?
Any waterfront residential project, but one dream project in particular would be a boathouse with a dock, workshop, and studio apartment. (Very specific, but dreamers gotta dream.)
What’s your pandemic hobby?
Spending time with my kids on the beach and bringing my 100-year-old beach cottage back to life.
Describe your style in 3 words (can be personal or design aesthetic)
Minimal, Natural, Balanced
Your favorite building or room of all time.
This is such a hard question, but I’ve always been very inspired by the Oslo Opera House by Snohetta in Norway. I’ve never even been there to experience in person, but I’m just always fascinated by this folded architectural form that is so seamlessly embedded into the landscape and particularly the waterfront. The building is quite complex but appears so simple with its material palette, intentional architectural gestures, and how well it’s integrated into its surroundings. I have plenty of other favorites, but this one in particular just seems to stick out in my mind as a successful approach to a modern waterfront project.
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