03 — Giordana

Giordana & Quo Forma

Hear from our director on her lifelong fascination with form, art and space.

Black and white studio portrait of Giordana resting her head on a velvet chair
Black and white portrait of Giordana smiling, seated at a table
Beginnings

A world of imagination, precision and possibility

"Growing up in Italy, some of my earliest and most vivid memories are of visiting my grandfather’s architectural studio. I was captivated by his thousands of pens, the abundance of colours and, above all, his extraordinary hand-drawn designs. His studio was a world of imagination, precision and possibility, where ideas took shape on paper.

I was fortunate to grow up in a family of artists and musicians, surrounded by creativity and an appreciation for the arts. This environment shaped not only my upbringing, but also the way I see the world and approach design.

At 17, I began painting and creating sculptures, before going on to study architecture at the University of Naples in Italy. In 2003, I moved to the UK to continue my journey, completing my architectural studies and qualifying as a RIBA Chartered Architect."

Making & practice

Where architecture and art meet

"Alongside architecture, I continued to explore my passion for making. I developed my skills in pottery, learning to throw clay and create coiled vessels.

Inevitably, this evolved into a collection of sculptural pieces that explore my enduring fascination with form, particularly the human face. Working with clay has further deepened my understanding of shape, texture, material and the beauty of imperfection."

Age 17 — Italy

Painting & sculpture

Painting and sculpture first, then architecture at the University of Naples.

2003 — United Kingdom

Architecture

Completing architectural studies in the UK and qualifying as a RIBA Chartered Architect.

2026 — Quo Forma

A distinct home

Sole director of Axis Architecture, and the founder of Quo Forma.

Quo Forma

Character, depth and individuality

"My professional journey has been equally formative. After four years as a director of Axis Architecture, I became its sole director in 2026. Establishing Quo Forma marked a natural next step: creating a distinct home for the more luxurious, sophisticated and art-led design approach that has become synonymous with my work.

Quo Forma brings together my architectural training, artistic instincts and passion for creating spaces with character, depth and individuality. It is where architecture and art meet, where materials are chosen for how they feel as much as how they look, and where every detail contributes to a greater whole."

Giordana lying in bed beside her sleeping pet pig
Beyond the studio

"Beyond the studio, I am a mum of two and a proud pet pig owner. These parts of my life keep me grounded and remind me that the spaces we create are ultimately about the lives lived within them.

For me, great design is never simply about appearances. It is about creating something meaningful, distinctive and enduring."

Our values & beliefs

What we believe

  • 01

    Design that elevates the way we live

    We believe the spaces around us do far more than provide a backdrop to everyday life. They influence how we feel, think, rest, connect and create.

    Light, colour, proportion, texture and material all have the power to shape our experience of a place. Thoughtfully considered design can awaken the senses, challenge familiar routines and introduce a different perspective on the everyday.

    We approach each project as an opportunity to create environments that enrich the lives of the people who inhabit them. Whether a home, a workplace or a place of escape, a space should do more than function beautifully. It should inspire, restore and bring something meaningful to the way we live.

  • 02

    Art as the starting point

    We believe art should be more than the final layer of an interior. It can be the very beginning of a design.

    A painting, sculpture, photograph or installation can inspire an entire architectural language, informing the colours, materials, proportions, light and atmosphere of a space. Rather than treating art as an object to be accommodated, we explore how it can shape the architecture itself.

    This dialogue between art and space creates interiors that feel personal, considered and impossible to replicate. Spaces with a distinct identity, an emotional quality and a story to tell.

    For us, the most memorable environments are those in which art and architecture are inseparable, each giving meaning and expression to the other.

  • 03

    Individuality over convention

    We believe the best design comes from curiosity, imagination and the confidence to look beyond convention.

    Every project deserves its own identity, informed by its architecture, context, purpose and the people it serves. We are drawn to distinctive forms, expressive materials, considered contrasts and the subtle details that transform a space from the ordinary into something exceptional.

    Our approach is thoughtful rather than formulaic. We value craftsmanship, authenticity and the unexpected, creating environments that feel both sophisticated and deeply personal.

  • 04

    Beauty with purpose

    We believe beauty and function should never be in competition.

    A well-designed space balances aesthetics with the practical realities of everyday life. Every proportion, material and detail should have a reason for being there, contributing to an environment that works effortlessly while engaging the senses.

    We strive to create architecture and interiors that are not only beautiful to experience, but also rewarding to inhabit: spaces that stand the test of time, feel instinctively right and become richer through the lives lived within them.

Ultimately

Quo Forma is about creating spaces that move beyond appearance — spaces that engage the senses, express individuality and elevate the experience of being there.

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