Giulia Tedesco

Giulia Founded an inclusive Design Studio, Metiu Design, with a goal to empower minorities (LGBTQUI+, Black, Bame, etc.) in design. The mission of Metiu Design is "designing experiences for everyone, while being environmentally and socially conscious." Continue reading to learn about Giulia's story and inspiration as a founder and Creative Design Director.

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Where are you from? Where are you based?

I am originally Italian — from Rome. However, I am based in London.

Rome, Italy 👇

London, UK 👇

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What led you into inclusive design?

I realised that design is everywhere — from art and movies to restaurants and streets. However, throughout time, I came to the conclusion that design is not accessible to all designers, and agencies do not include people from all backgrounds in their teams. Because of this, the outcome of projects is usually bespoke to certain people, ethnicities and sexual orientations/identifications.

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Why are you a founder?

I always wanted to have an actual impact on society, and opening my own studio will allow me to address topics as I believe they should be addressed. I decided to open this design agency with my friend and business partner Valerio because, both of us, have a really strong feeling for change, help and equality. Being a foreign woman in the design sector has always been a challenge, it's time to change this!

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What does a typical day look like for you?

I usually start my day with my morning breakfast — coffee and biscuits. Then, I turn my laptop on and start working by going over the tasks of the day — emails and calls. I have my lunch break at around 1pm, and I really take my time to cook freshly made food (as a good Italian should always do!). Then, I have one more coffee and I smash my last tasks of the day. When work is done I either go to my local crossfit gym, or to skate in the park. I go at least once a week out for dinner with friends and to the theatre or gigs when I can.

What is your current desk setup?

My laptop and mouse, my graphic tablet, tons of pens and colours, a glass bottle of water, and the calendar. Lastly, but very important, plants! 🪴

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What challenges do you face as a founder?

I think that our main challenge is getting the right people on board. As a company, we have a mission and, sometimes, it is not easy to find our same values within the experts that we'd need and hire. We always try our best to give our employees the best we can, but of course we expect them to share our vision.

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What work or project are you most proud of?

If I had to pick my favourite project over the years I would definitely pick 'Queerys', an LFBTQIA+ Platform. It is an ongoing project, but our team is working at its best on it and I couldn't be more proud of its evolution.