Porro - Francesco Rota

Francesco Rota

Francesco Rota is a Milan-based interior and product designer, recognised for his versatile and innovative approach across a wide range of design disciplines. He graduated in Product Design from the Art Center College of Design in 1994 (La Tour de Peilz, Switzerland) and opened his own studio in Milan in 1998. Since then, he has consistently blended creativity and functionality in projects spanning from furniture and lighting to showrooms, offices, and residential interiors. What distinguishes him is his ability to seamlessly integrate diverse design disciplines. From product design and furniture to lighting, showrooms, offices, and residential interiors, he approaches each project with a unique perspective. His versatility has enabled him to remain at the forefront of design, with his work consistently reflecting a strong commitment to innovation and functional creativity. In 2004, Francesco shared his expertise as a lecturer in the Master’s Programme at Istituto Europeo di Design, collaborating with Magis. Additionally, he has had a long and enduring collaboration with Paola Lenti for 28 years, during which he has played a key role in shaping most of the indoor and outdoor projects from the very beginning. His career took a significant turn in 2013 when he became the Creative Director at Lapalma, shaping the brand’s direction and strengthening its presence in key global markets, including Germany, Japan, and the USA. Building on this experience, since 2023, Francesco has also assumed the creative direction at Desalto, where he continues to shape its evolution with his innovative vision in the design world. Francesco’s portfolio also includes collaborations with renowned brands such as Bals Tokyo, Driade, Knoll International, Lema, Living Divani, Malo, Martini & Rossi, Mercedes Benz, Moroso, Oluce. For Porro, in 2025 he designed the couture sofa Moulage, which evokes the concept of draping and bespoke high tailoring, and the sophisticated Tobu, with its reassuring look and innate elegance. These are joined by the informal and organic Prie poufs, contributing to the definition of the brand’s new Sofa Collection. The increasing demand for his work is a clear reflection of its lasting impact and relevance, as his designs continue to resonate in the design world with their timeless elegance and functionality.