Villa Padova: Interview with the architect

The renovation of a 1950s building has resulted in a project that interprets materials as a design language in their own right. Designed by architect Maila Borile, Villa Padova explores the dialogue between surfaces, volumes and colours, creating spaces with a strong expressive identity. This creative approach won over the jury at the 2026 Emilgroup Project Awards, securing the award in the Creativity category.

We interviewed the architect to gain a deeper insight into her design vision and the process that guided the development of the project.

1. What was your design vision?

My concept of design is primarily based on two fundamental elements: functionality and harmony. I believe that a project must stem from the ability to organise spaces in a precise and coherent manner, enhancing each room through a layout carefully studied down to the last detail. The aim is to create personalised spaces that guarantee comfort and well-being.

2. How would you describe the project in three words?

Above all, this project represents a transformation: the renovation of an existing building through a careful search for balance between functionality and aesthetics. The pursuit of harmony is expressed through the interplay of shapes, colours and materials, which create balanced, characterful spaces. Finally, luminosity is one of the project’s defining features: it has been further enhanced by the Tele di Marmo Lumia collection, with surfaces that have helped to bring the initial design concept to life.

3. What impressed you most about Emilgroup’s products?

What struck me most about Emilgroup’s surfaces was the combination of geometry and colour. These are elements with a strong visual impact that allow you to personalise spaces and create a coherent design language. The chosen collections helped to create a sense of harmony and continuity, enhancing the spaces and reinforcing the overall concept of the project.

4. How valuable is this recognition for your work?

This award represents a great source of professional satisfaction and confirms the value of the design journey we have undertaken. Right from the early stages, we approached every choice by visualising the final result and being mindful of the impact each decision would have on the entire project. Seeing the work completed and appreciated today is very exciting and deeply satisfying.

Explore the project.