Giovanna Fiorello: Designing With Purpose, Building With Passion

Giovanna Fiorello of Fiorello Designs brings creativity, construction know how, and a love of collaboration to every project. From an interest in high school to a job in the Hamptons construction scene, Giovanna’s path took her from architecture and interior design to working with a builder before launching her studio. At Fiorello Designs, Giovanna believes in the marriage of design and function, creating spaces that are beautiful and functional. Her passion for bridging the gap between the two is only matched by her passion for supporting women in construction. Today, Giovanna leads a studio that specializes in thoughtful, detailed design — spaces that not only look good but also feel as good as they look.

Can you tell us a little about your journey—how did you get started in design, and what led you to launch Fiorello Designs?

My interest in design really began in high school when I took an intro to architecture class — it completely changed the way I saw the built environment and sparked a curiosity that stuck with me. That experience led me to pursue my Bachelor’s in Interior Design at New York Tech, where the program was closely tied to architecture. It gave me a strong foundation in both the creative and technical sides of design, and helped shape the way I approach projects today.

After graduating, I jumped straight into working with a builder in the Hamptons. That role was incredibly formative — it pushed me to truly understand construction and how design decisions translate into real-world execution. I gained hands-on experience and developed a deeper appreciation for the collaborative process between designers, builders, and clients.

Launching Fiorello Designs was a natural next step. I wanted to create a studio where thoughtful design and function come together, and where I could bring a more well-rounded, detail-oriented perspective to every project.

What inspired you to focus on bridging the gap between construction and design?

When I started working with a builder in the Hamptons right after college, I was thrown right into the construction side of things — and honestly, it was one of the best things that could’ve happened. Being on-site and involved in the day-to-day gave me a much clearer understanding of how designs come to life. I started to see how important it is for designers and builders to work together from the beginning.

That experience inspired me to focus on bridging that gap between construction and design. I realized that great design isn’t just about how something looks — it’s also about how well it functions and how seamlessly it can be built. At Fiorello Designs, I try to bring both sides of that equation together, so every project feels intentional, cohesive, and actually doable.

Fiorello Designs champions the advancement of women in the construction industry. Why is that mission so important to you personally?

This mission is personal to me because I’ve experienced what it’s like to be one of the few women on a job site. Early in my career, I had to work a little harder to be taken seriously, and that stuck with me.

Through Fiorello Designs, I want to help change that narrative. Representation matters — when women see other women succeeding in construction and design, it opens doors. Supporting and championing that visibility is a big part of why I do what I do.

How would you describe your design philosophy in one sentence?

I believe great design should feel effortless and inviting, striking a balance between beauty and function while reflecting the personality of those who live there and resonating with everyone who walks through the door.

What does the phrase “harmonious spaces” mean to you, and how do you bring that to life in your projects?

To me, “harmonious spaces” feel balanced, intentional, and effortless. A space where everything flows visually and supports the way people live and feel. I create that by listening closely to my clients and layering thoughtful, functional design choices that bring a natural sense of cohesion to the space.

How do you balance aesthetics with functionality, especially when working closely with construction teams?

Balancing aesthetics with functionality starts by truly understanding how the space will be used, then designing in a way that brings that to life beautifully and efficiently. Working closely with construction teams is a huge part of that process. I see it as a partnership. We collaborate from the start to troubleshoot challenges, find smart solutions, and make sure every detail not only looks great but also works in the real world. It’s that constant back-and-forth, built on mutual respect and problem-solving, that turns a good idea into something exceptional.

What are some of the biggest challenges women still face in the construction space, and how is Fiorello Designs helping to change that?

One of the biggest challenges women still face in the construction space is being underestimated or not taken seriously, especially in roles that involve leadership or technical knowledge. There’s still a gap in representation, which can make it harder for women to feel seen, heard, or supported on job sites and in decision-making roles.

At Fiorello Designs, I’m committed to changing that by showing up confidently in those spaces, advocating for collaboration and respect across all teams, and mentoring other women who want to enter the field. It’s about creating visibility, building trust through expertise, and helping pave the way for a more inclusive and balanced industry.

Have you faced any specific hurdles as a woman working at the intersection of design and construction?

Navigating that taught me to speak up with confidence, stay curious, and build strong relationships rooted in mutual respect. Over time, those hurdles became motivation to not only establish my voice but also help make the path a little easier for other women coming into this space.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter the design or construction industries?

My advice to young women in design or construction is: own your voice and don’t shrink to fit into spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. You belong here: on job sites, in meetings, and at the head of the table.

Stay curious, ask the tough questions, and get hands-on. Your perspective isn’t just valuable, it’s essential. Surround yourself with people who support you, but don’t wait for permission to lead. Be bold, be prepared, and know that you have every right to take up space.

You encourage potential clients to check out your Instagram before meeting—how has social media helped you connect with your audience and grow your business?

Instagram has been an incredible way for us to connect with potential clients and share what Fiorello Designs is all about. It gives people an immediate sense of our style, personality, and approach.

We’re constantly sharing behind-the-scenes moments from job sites, offering design tips and advice, and posting real-time updates on what’s happening within the studio. It’s also a space where we invite people to engage with us, ask questions, and be part of the conversation. That transparency and openness help build trust and create a stronger connection with our community, both online and in real life.

What qualities do you look for in an ideal client? What makes a great collaboration?

An ideal client is someone open-minded, communicative, and who trusts the process, but just as importantly, brings good energy to the table. The design journey should be exciting, not stressful. I truly believe it should feel fun, collaborative, and inspiring for both sides.

Great collaborations happen when there’s mutual respect, clear communication, and a shared sense of excitement. Designing spaces is personal and creative. It shouldn’t tear relationships apart or cause tension. The best projects come to life when everyone is aligned, enjoying the ride, and bringing positive energy into the process. That’s when the magic happens.

How do you ensure your client’s vision is fully realized while still staying true to your style and expertise?

For me, it all starts with really getting to know the client; their lifestyle, what they’re drawn to, and how they want their space to feel. Even if their vision is just a vibe or a few scattered ideas, I help bring it into focus and turn it into something cohesive and practical. And throughout that process, we always build a great connection. When the energy’s aligned, it makes the whole experience better, and I often stay in touch with clients long after the project’s done.

I’m there to guide, not take over. It’s a collaboration, and I’m always balancing my design perspective with what feels true to the client. That’s how we create something that looks amazing and feels completely personal to them.

Are there any exciting projects you’re working on right now that you can share with us?

Yes! I’m currently working on a few really exciting projects that I’m genuinely thrilled about. One of them is a new construction from the ground up that’s fully customized with an insane level of detail, and honestly, it’s the kind of project I couldn’t have imagined being a part of when I first started out. It’s been such an inspiring and rewarding experience to help shape every inch of it.

We’re also working on a couple of other builds where I’ve been involved from the very beginning, which I love because it allows for a truly integrated design approach from framing to finishes. Each project has its personality, and that’s what keeps the work so exciting.

And beyond client work, there’s something special brewing behind the scenes — something I’ve been dreaming up for a while now. I can’t share much yet, but it’s a new way to bring the Fiorello Designs vibe into more people’s homes in a really fun, unexpected way.

We’re always posting behind-the-scenes moments and real-time updates on Instagram, so definitely follow along if you want to see more of what’s coming!

What are your goals for Fiorello Designs over the next few years?

Looking ahead, my goal for Fiorello Designs is to keep growing in a way that feels aligned and exciting. I want to take on more custom, ground-up projects that allow for deep creative involvement from start to finish and continue pushing the boundaries of what we can create, both in form and function.

I also see Fiorello evolving into something bigger than just a design studio. There are ideas in motion to expand the brand into new spaces that allow more people to experience our style and ethos, even outside of full-service design. At the heart of it all, though, is a desire to keep working with amazing clients, building genuine connections, and creating spaces that feel just as good as they look.

If you could change one thing about the design or construction industry today, what would it be?

If I could change one thing about the design and construction industry, it would be the disconnect that sometimes exists between trades, designers, and clients. When everyone isn’t on the same page or communicating clearly, details get missed, timelines shift, and frustration builds. The best projects happen when there’s true collaboration and mutual respect across the board.

I’d also change how undervalued the design process can be. There’s so much thought, planning, and coordination that goes into creating a space that works and not just looks good, and that effort isn’t always fully recognized. I’d love to see more appreciation for the strategy and intention behind great design, because it really is the backbone of a successful build.

To learn more, visit giovannafiorellodesigns.com.