Discover Milan Through the Creative Lens of David/Nicolas
David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem, founders of the acclaimed international studio with a new base in Milan’s 5VIE District, share their favorite galleries, restaurants, and destinations across the Italian style capital
David Raffoul and Nicolas Moussallem approach Milan as a near-infinite source of inspiration that provides invaluable proximity to the artisanal know-how that distinguishes their work. Since establishing their award-winning studio David/Nicolas in Beirut in 2011, the duo has expanded to Italian style capital as well as San Francisco, cultivating a rigorous practice informed by close collaboration with makers and a sustained inquiry into materials and construction. The duo has amassed an international portfolio that spans custom scenography for Buccellati, design collaborations for the Nicole Hollis Collection, Pierre Frey, Tacchini, and CC-Tapis, and exquisite interiors from Paris and Liguria to Amman, Jordan. Fueled by a belief that craft evolves through iteration and exchange, the duo’s work moves fluidly across those categories.
Milan is central to that outlook, and during the city’s Design Week, that energy is palpable in projects that highlight material presence and may reveal new depths to familiar spaces. Beyond conceiving a bedroom for Nilufar’s “Grand Hotel” group presentation, Raffoul and Moussallem are inaugurating their newly unveiled Milan studio with “La Boiserie,” an installation that unpacks the layered vernacular of decorative wood paneling. Drawing on a longstanding thread in their practice, the project reveals boiserie’s use as a modular architectural system that integrates storage and decorative ornaments. “La Boiserie is a continuation of our research on surfaces as architectural elements rather than decoration,” they explain. “We want visitors to experience it as a space rather than a product.”
As part-time residents of the city, the duo shares their recommendations for seeing Design Week’s off-the-beaten-path events, where to sneak a quick aperitivo between viewings, and where to score rare vintage finds.
How have you seen Milan’s design landscape change over the years? What excites you the most about its current direction?
Milan has become increasingly cosmopolitan and international, largely due to the people who now live and work there. When we first arrived, it felt more centered around industry and production. Today, there is a much stronger dialogue between design, art, and architecture. At the same time, Milan has maintained its culture of experimentation and constant research, whether in new materials, new processes, or new ways of thinking about objects and spaces. This balance between heritage and innovation is what makes it so relevant today and why it remains essential to visit.
Are there any lesser-known galleries, exhibitions, or offbeat events during Milan Design Week that you think deserve more attention?
One that stands out this year is “Celebration at The Cloister,” curated with Sam Baron. It is a more intimate and personal exhibition built around friendship, storytelling, and everyday objects. In contrast to the scale and pace often associated with Design Week, it creates a slower and more generous atmosphere, where objects are discovered rather than simply displayed.
Besides the usual design districts, are there any hidden corners of Milan that design lovers should explore?
The Giardino Botanico di Brera is one of those places we always return to. It sits just behind the Pinacoteca, yet feels completely removed from the city. It is a very simple garden, but extremely inspiring in its calmness, proportions, and light. Especially during Design Week, it offers a necessary pause.
Beyond the big fashion houses, where do you recommend visitors shop to discover unique objects or vintage finds?
The Cloister is a place we particularly appreciate for this. It has a very precise and personal curation of objects, combining vintage furniture, collectible design, and everyday pieces. Nothing feels generic. It is more about discovery than shopping, and you often come across objects you did not know you were looking for. Another favorite is Antonia, a chic Milanese boutique with a handpicked selection of designer fashion and accessories. It’s the kind of place where every piece feels special.
What are your favorite places to eat, whether for a quick bite between events or a memorable night out?
We always go to Pasticceria Cucchi, which we love. It’s a café where, every time we come, we can take a break at any moment of the day. You can have lunch all day, dinner, or simply a quick bite. It is consistently very good, with a strong sense of atmosphere and continuity. Other favorites include Trattoria del Nuovo Macello (via Cesare Lombroso 20) and Trattoria Masuelli San Marco (viale Umbria 80), perfect for a traditional Milanese lunch or dinner, while Mezè is our go-to for authentic Lebanese cuisine (via Pasquale Sottocorno 19).
Which galleries or institutions do you return to throughout the year, and how do they inform your own practice?
We often return to Palazzo Reale. There are always temporary exhibitions, and the program is constantly evolving. The last one we saw was dedicated to Robert Mapplethorpe, which was particularly striking. We like going back regularly to discover new artists and curatorial approaches. It is a place where the relationship between content and scenography is always very strong, which resonates with our own way of working.
For someone looking to escape the crowds for a moment of calm, where would you suggest they go?
We often suggest leaving Milan altogether, even if just for a few hours. Villa Panza, about an hour away, is a very special place. It combines a traditional Italian villa with a highly avant-garde contemporary extension, and hosts works by artists such as Dan Flavin and James Turrell. The relationship between light, space, and landscape is very powerful. The collection is also part of the Guggenheim.