Page 42 - AIT1023_E-Paper

SERIEN LEHRJAHRE BEI ... • WORKING AT ...

M rs Winkler, your mother is Italian, your father German. You grew up bilingual-
ly in Munich and studied interior design in Milan. You were thus predestined
to work for Matteo Thun & Partners in Milan ...
Yes, because of my family background and my training, I really had good prerequisi-
tes to work for Matteo Thun & Partners in Milan. Although I was born and raised in
Munich, we always spoke both Italian and German at home, which was to immensely
benefit me. At Matteo Thun & Partners in the Milan office, many employees speak Ita-
lian and English, but also German. So, I immediately found my way around very well
and felt comfortable. My studies in interior design at the Istituto Marangoni in Milan
gave me a solid education. With this combination of cultural diversity and professio-
nal expertise, I was ideally prepared to contribute my knowledge to Matteo Thun &
Partners in Milan. A total of 70 people are working in the offices in Milan and Munich.
Many of them are still very young and from a variety of countries and backgrounds.

r Can you tell us about the working culture at Matteo Thun?
Foto: Gionata Xerra, Mailand There is a very familial and positive atmosphere, which is fostered, among other things,
The office is also called “Appiani Family” internally and according to the street name.
by the daily communal lunch, freshly prepared by chef Margherita. Activities are also
regularly organized to strengthen cohesion within the teams, such as joint visits to

Maison&Objet and Déco Off in Paris with the Interior Design Styling team, and of course
2022 realisiert: Das Interior Design für das Hotel The Julius in Prag – eine Hommage an die tschechische Moderne. exhibitions or projects and shared aperitifs. In addition, I have visited trade fairs such as
Milan’s Salone del Mobile and Fuori Salone. Matteo Thun & Partners offers English
courses to support those who want to improve their language skills, and there are also
training opportunities for CAD programmes such as ArchiCAD.

r How were you able to participate in the office as a junior designer? What have
you learnt and what have you been able to contribute to so far?
I joined Susanne Thun’s five-person Interior Design Styling Team to work mainly on
concepts for high-end hospitality- and private projects. Among other things, the Styling
Team does intensive trend research, looks for inspiration and researches suitable
companies. This unit was founded by Susanne Thun and we were in constant exchange
with her. She regularly came to the office with her dog Toni so that we could always
update ourselves. Susanne played an extremely important role in this. She always had
the best new addresses ready, spurred us on and gave us lots of inspiration. Through a
mix of know-how about fabrics, furniture and design companies and through creativity,
I was able to contribute very well to the styling team. I learnt a lot during my time at
Foto: Gionata Xerra, Mailand master the first steps of a project, starting with the concept development, the first colour
Matteo Thun and will certainly benefit from it. In particular, I have learned how to
schemes, the first drafts and the final touches before the presentation. I also learnt team
spirit – how important it is to share and communicate with each other. I was impressed

Served Apartments bieten großzügige Wohnzimmer mit Eichenholzböden und offenen Küchen. by how seriously my opinion was valued from the very beginning.
r Matteo Thun’s studio celebrates its 40 anniversary next year! How did you
th
Im Entstehen: Hotel The Langham in Venedig (Murano), im historischen Gemäuer des einstigen Casino Mocenigo experience the successful architect-designer, former student of Ettore Sottsass, co-
founder of the Memphis Group and professor of ceramic design in his office?
Matteo Thun is very present in the studio. He comes every day and with his warm,
motivating and inspiring manner he creates a positive atmosphere for all colleagues and
staff. Participating in project discussions and meetings with him is always exciting, as
you can experience his great professionalism, resourcefulness and wealth of experience.

r What should you bring with you to work at the Milan studio, and what do you
think is an appropriate duration of an internship so you can “take something
with you”?
My recommendation is to apply for an internship with Matteo Thun if you already have
some professional experience. I had completed my bachelor degree in Interior Design at
the Istituto Marangoni and had already done various internships in architectural offices
Rendering: Matteo Thun & Partners, Mailand in working on different projects, which is really fantastic and helped me a lot. You
during that time. This experience was extremely valuable as one is immediately involved
should also speak English quite well and have some knowledge of Italian. My internship
lasted six months – perfect, in my opinion. After that, I was taken on as a junior designer
as a permanent member of the team. For six years now, I have been living alternatingly
in Milan and in Munich. The special charm of Milan is in the daily inspiration through

042 • AIT 10.2023 design, architecture and fashion which constantly changes but keeps its aesthetics.