Thomas Garofalo: Winner of Emerging Talents Award Jan24

+ Thomas Garofalo 🇮🇹

Winner of the Emerging Talents Award: Jan24

Portfolio: https://www.non-a.com/members/regista27/portfolio/

1) Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Hi, I’m Thomas Garofalo.

I’m a 24 yo architecture student, from Italy.

I’m a graduate student at Politecnico of Milan, pursuing a master’s degree in Architecture, Built Environment, Interiors between Italy and China.

In parallel to my studies I am a teaching assistant, always looking for competitions and inspirational experiences.

My goal as an architect is to leave a mark on people’s memories by working on “beauty”.

2) What inspired you for the Emerging Talents Award?

I must say that I participated in the competition for the ambition to improve and test myself with very skilled people. I believe that every creative must have the ability to be versatile and able to show their works thinking outside the box, and this competition allowed me to challenge myself about my abilities not only as an architect but also as a graphic designer.

3) Can you describe any particular challenges you faced during the design process and how
you overcame them?

I think in these competitions you have to face up with incredible designers. The biggest challenge was to find a way to lay out my projects in an unusual and creative way. I tried to take advantage of all the possibilities that the website gave me, without stopping at the simple use of the integrated functions.

4) How do you think your educational background or professional experiences influenced your winning design?

I believe my academic background was fundamental in defining my ability to read space and increase my problem-solving and representation skills. But I think the greatest advantage of studying at a university and working in a field where you always have to collaborate with a team, is that you can create personal and professional connections with other people and learn from them.

5) What advice would you give to students or young professionals looking to excel in architecture competitions?

Be always curious! Never stop wanting to learn and stay updated on the latest news.

Always keep your eyes open and seize any chance you may have.

6) What are your future aspirations in the field of architecture?

1. Continue to be curious

2. Know and collaborate with the best personalities in architecture and design’s field in order to put creativity at the service of projects.

3. Make the difference.