Inspiring Conversations with David Iannuzzi of Iannuzzi Architecture Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to David Iannuzzi. 

Hi David, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After working in architecture, design, and construction for 15 years in various award-winning companies in Detroit and Los Angeles, I decided to open a boutique architecture + design studio (intentionally small in size) to provide innovative design and a highly personal approach to each client and project. Over the past 5 years, our work has included bespoke commercial projects including restaurants and office spaces, as well as high-end private residences and vacation homes throughout Michigan and as far as California. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The firm opened in December 2018. Within 15 months, the Covid-19 pandemic began, and much of the world moved to a work-from-home standard. Architecture and design are highly collaborative practices that benefit from face-to-face communication, in-person sketching sessions, and model building. Working remotely was a great challenge and adjustment. Once we got through the initial shock of the first 4-6 months of pandemic life and adjustment to working from home, we also found that the commercial side of the business was slowing down greatly. With so many businesses moving to work-from-home, we were no longer getting calls for office space design. With so many restaurants on reduced staff or closing, we were no longer getting calls for hospitality work. Thankfully, the work-from-home movement meant that the residential side of our business picked up. Families were finally willing to build that renovation or addition they had been holding off on. Some couples were finally selling the home they raised their families in and building new, right-sized homes. We also saw an uptick in families interested in building retreats or vacation homes with the assumption that work-from-home was going to continue to be a normal practice. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Iannuzzi Architecture Studio. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Iannuzzi Architecture Studio is a full-service architecture + design practice located in Detroit, Michigan. The office was founded by David Iannuzzi in 2018 and focuses on design at all scales including custom homes and housing, restaurants, civic and arts spaces, and commercial workspaces. With a combined 120 years of experience, our small team brings a client-first approach and a wealth of practical knowledge and artistic vision to arrive at sophisticated and innovative solutions that are not concerned with fads or trends. 

Iannuzzi Studio has been recognized internationally through leading design publications. The office has won awards from the American Institute of Architects, Chicago’s Luxe RED Awards, and the Detroit Design Awards. The office has served a rich variety of clients from New York City to Los Angeles. Most recently the office has been awarded multiple commissions for vacation homes on some of northern Michigan’s most beautiful lakefront properties as well as a 20-acre retreat in the high desert east of Los Angeles. 

Iannuzzi Studio employs a variety of design and production methods, backed by extensive research and knowledge of craft, technology, and construction. We honor our relationships with owners, building users, and the environment by aiming to enhance life through good design that is simple, elegant, and thoughtful. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I like that Detroiters tend to be well-intentioned, resourceful, practical, and kind. Detroit, and Michigan as a whole, has a toughness and resilience. This relates to our architecture practice in that our brand of Modern design strikes an intentional balance between artful, luxurious spaces and a pragmatic, well-researched solutions. Many contemporary designers are interested in fads and trends. We focus on the essentials of living well by aiming for an enduring and timeless resilience. What I like least about our city (and the larger metro area) is the lack of density and walkability, combined with ineffective public transportation. For such vibrant population, it is a shame that we spend so much time in cars instead of walking and interacting on the street. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.iannuzzistudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iannuzzi_studio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iannuzzistudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iannuzzi-studio-pllc
• Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/iannuzzistudio/__public 

Image Credits
Rafael Gamo
Christopher Payne
Diana Paulson
John D’angelo