Design is a bridge—between maker and beholder, between the creation and the connection it sparks. It’s the magic that unfolds across hemispheres, transcending cultures and continents. In every piece, there’s a story, a legacy, a moment where the hands of a maker meet the vision of a designer, and a world is transformed.
This is what we celebrate in Sotokler Sessions, a podcast by Sotokler Studio. We’re here to honor the makers and the designers, the thinkers and the dreamers—those who shape the world around us. Through conversations with renowned architects, product designers, Italian craftsmen, and interior designers, we dive into the personal stories, the lessons learned, and the moments of success that have guided their careers.
At the heart of it all is the impact of interiors—not just as spaces, but as environments that influence how we live, work, and dream. From the first spark of inspiration to the realization of global careers, Sotokler Sessions is a celebration of those who do, and of how design makes its mark, one story at a time.
“Sotokler Sessions is a journey through the minds of those who shape the spaces we inhabit, reminding us of the transformative power of design and the conversations that bring it to life.”
Design in Dialogue
Sotokler Sessions opens with a conversation with Rudy Ricciotti, the patron of this season, a world-renowned architect whose legacy speaks to the power of design to shape the world. Titled Design in Dialogue, this series of 15 podcasts brings together voices from across the globe—product designers, Italian artisans, French and American interior designers, Moroccan treasure hunters, and thinkers from every continent and background.
Recorded in person and remotely from cities around the world, these conversations, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, capture the spirit of dialogue and the shared love for design that transcends borders. Each episode is a testament to the beauty of connection—how ideas, stories, and experiences unite us through a common appreciation for beauty in all its forms.
Ricciotti’s influence extends globally, with projects from Seoul to Gstaad, celebrated for their creativity and daring materiality. His profound contribution to architecture has earned him prestigious honors, including the Legion d'Honneur and the Order of Arts and Letters from the French Republic.
Born in Algeria in 1952 and raised in France, Ricciotti’s early experience on construction sites with his mason father shaped his hands-on, material-driven approach to design. After studying architecture in Marseille, he quickly made a name for himself with bold works like the MUCEM in Marseille and the Jean Cocteau Museum in Menton. His mastery of ultra-high-performance concrete, which he describes as “a material that speaks to me,” is a hallmark of his practice, pushing the boundaries of form and function.
Ricciotti's advocacy for the “demuseumization” of museums and his focus on creating spaces that engage with their surroundings have reshaped architectural discourse. His designs blend modernity with context, challenging traditional ideas of space, structure, and cultural expression.
As the patron of this first season of Sotokler Sessions, Rudy Ricciotti leads the conversation in a passionating first episode of this Design in Dialogue season.
Design in Dialogue, the first season of Sotokler Sessions, will be released in Spring 2025 across all platforms.
