Drawn to textural, informal and tactile forms, the work of Iva Foschia, founder of IF Architecture in Melbourne, combines interiors and furniture that play off form and compress space through 'careful placement and minimal arrangements to create rhythm and tension'. For Eternally Yours, More Space catches up with Iva to discuss the sensory impact of colour and texture, her go-to design pieces, and the studio's recently completed transformation of a former church into an 'elevated and luxurious' residence.
Furniture is such a strong form of personal expression, how do you approach the selection process?
In our projects the furniture component is often chosen quite some time after we have finalised the architecture and the interiors. It’s at that point that we have had the opportunity to get to know the clients and have a much better insight into their lifestyle and personalities. As a practice, we are all drawn to the textural, informal and tactile forms that complement or contrast the materials, finishes and colours in our architecture. We like furniture to play off form, compressing space through careful placement and minimal arrangements to create rhythm and tension, and allow our clients flexibility with the way they then decorate and use the spaces.
Egon Zehnder HQ, Melbourne, features the Husk chair by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia. Photo c/o IF Architecture.
What is a favourite piece of design and why did it catch your eye?
It is very, very difficult to pick a favourite! However one of the pieces I particularly love is the B&B Italia UP6, or what I prefer to call, ‘Big Mamma’. I love its sculptural form, beautiful curves and oversized scale. It is super comfortable and feels just like a big generous hug from your mum. In 2019, I was lucky enough to join Space on a tour of the B&B Italia factory near Lake Como in Italy, and it was such a thrill to see how the UP6 armchair is made. The upholstery is still sewn by hand which made me love and appreciate the craft behind the design even more.
The 1969 UP6 'Big Mamma' armchair designed by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
'I was lucky enough to join Space on a tour of the B&B Italia factory near Lake Como in Italy, and it was such a thrill to see how the UP6 armchair is made. The upholstery is still sewn by hand which made me love and appreciate the craft behind the design even more.'
Iva Foschia, IF Architecture
Which design pieces are on your go-to list?
I am really drawn to bold designs that have a strong point of view, pieces that were barrier-breaking when released and over the years have been elevated to the status of classic. The Arflex Strips sofa, designed by Cini Boeri in 1968, for the modularity of the design and the flexibility to create almost infinite compositions makes this design really exciting. It's a clever design that allows you to arrange the sofa in the middle of the room with the cushions radiating out. I think the Kartell Componibili by Anna Castelli Ferrieri is the ultimate in storage versatility at a reasonable price point. It can be stacked or separated, comes in a wide variety of colours and is now also available in a biopolymer made from recycled organics. I am also drawn to B&B Italia’s Husk armchair by Patricia Urquiola. I love big, soft, squishy things and the quilted upholstery on this satisfies my tactile nature. It’s like sitting in a doona elegantly perched on a beautiful timber swivel base!
Iva Foschia founder of IF Architecture designs emotive interiors that play off form and create rhythm. Photo c/o IF Architecture.
Cutler & Co. restaurant by IF Architecture re-imagines an old metal factory with layers of deep colour and texture. Photo c/o IF Arhitecture.
The HQ of Egon Zehnder, Melbourne, by IF Architecture. Photos, here and following, c/o IF Architecture.
The interior of Egon Zehnder features the Husk chair by B&B Italia. Photo c/o IF Architecture.
The Husk armchair designed by Patricia Urquiola. Photo c/o B&B Italia.
The Milanese inspired Etta restaurant in Brunswick East, Melbourne, by IF Architecture. Photos, here and following, c/o IF Architecture.
The Componibili Bio made from recycled organics. Photo c/o Kartell.
The Ben Ben sofa by Arflex. Photo c/o Arflex.
'I am really drawn to bold designs that have a strong point of view, pieces that were barrier-breaking when released and over the years have been elevated to the status of classic.'
Iva Foschia, IF Architecture
The super social Strips sofa designed in 1968 by Cini Boeri for Arflex. Photo c/o Arflex.
Beyond trends, furniture has a way of defining the moment, making us happy and influencing the way we live. Can you describe a recent project that has had a transformative effect?
For five years now we have been working on a project that is a conversion of a former church into an elevated and luxurious residence. Not only did we need to create a transition from a formal space to a home, we needed a way to tackle the massive change in scale. The selection of furniture we chose with our client has helped to soften and warm the areas with huge vaulted ceilings. I have never worked on such a dramatic transformation and the level of detail we have applied has been truly rewarding. The clients have just moved in and there is no greater compliment than seeing the home being used in the way we intended. They now have big family catch ups on the Ben Ben sofa by Arflex!
Thanks Iva, great to chat.
