1/1/1, courtesy 6:AM Glassworks
Glass is a material that has been shaped by artisans' hands for centuries, constantly changing with light and texture. When traditional Murano techniques meet contemporary design, the resulting forms are not just objects, but storytellers. Based in Milan, 6:AM Glassworks redefines the boundaries of glass, blending craftsmanship with innovation. Each piece is a meeting point where the past, shaped by skilled hands, intersects with an experimental design philosophy.
With this unique approach that redefines the potential of glass, 6:AM does more than just create— it tells a transformation story that flows through time. We spoke with the brand about its production practices and the future of glass.
Interview: Onur Çoban
Who are Edoardo and Francesco? Can you briefly tell us about yourselves?
We are the founders and creative directors of 6:AM, a design brand based between Milan and Venice. Francesco Palù, born in 1987, studied architecture in Parma and at the Politecnico di Milano. His approach is deeply rooted in construction, efficiency, and beauty, with a strong focus on the architectural design of objects. Edoardo, born in 1993, comes from a background in cultural management and has a more strategic and rational perspective, balancing the creative energy of Francesco. Together, we bring a combination of artistic intuition, technical expertise, and structured thinking to our projects.
Francesco Palù & Edoardo Pandolfo, courtesy 6:AM Glassworks
Can you tell us a little bit about the story of the foundation of your brand 6:AM, where you reinterpret traditional Murano glasswork in a modern context? How did your journey begin?
Our journey started in 2016 when we met while collaborating at Plusdesign Gallery. We were producing editions for emerging designers and quickly realized a shared interest in pushing material boundaries, particularly with glass. Before founding 6:AM, we worked on bespoke Murano glass artworks for architects and artists, deepening our knowledge of this complex material. 6:AM officially took shape in 2018 after two years of collaboration, driven by a desire to create lighting, furniture, and objects that merge traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary architectural language. Our approach is rooted in material research and technical knowledge, ensuring that our designs respect the past while expressing the present.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
Our philosophy is to create objects that are well-made, well-conceived, and timeless. We draw inspiration from historical references, bringing them into the contemporary world through a cross-disciplinary lens that includes art, fashion, cinema, and nautical design. Material experimentation is at the core of our work, particularly with glass, which requires a deep understanding of its properties and close collaboration with skilled artisans.
We design with a strong architectural sensibility, ensuring that each piece is not just aesthetically compelling but also structurally sound and functionally intelligent. The goal is always to produce something that is relevant today but will also endure over time.
Sistema Totem, courtesy 6:AM Glassworks
Can you tell us a little about your design and production process? How does the process of creating together as Edoardo and Francesco work? What can you say about the synergy that emerges when different perspectives and skills come together?
Our process is based on continuous dialogue. Francesco focuses on architecture, materials, and technical details, while Edoardo ensures feasibility and strategic coherence. This balance allows us to refine ideas, distilling designs to their essential form.
Beyond us, 6:AM is a collective effort. Our team—architects, designers, logistics experts, communication specialists, and production directors—plays a crucial role in bringing our vision to life. Their expertise ensures that every aspect, from concept to execution, is handled with precision. We work closely with artisans, particularly in Murano, pushing traditional techniques through research, prototyping, and material experimentation. The synergy between different disciplines results in designs that are both innovative and grounded in reality.
Which of your works has excited you the most in terms of the design process and the final product?
Every project we develop is an opportunity to explore new worlds, deepen our understanding of materials and processes, and grow both professionally and personally. Some are the result of intimate collaborations with visionary creatives—like Flight Drawings with Oscar Murillo—while others emerge
from our dialogue as designers, such as the 1/1/1 series
Lina Applique, Lina Totem & Test Vase, courtesy 6:AM Glassworks
"The common thread is the interaction between creative minds and skilled artisans, transforming ideas into tangible objects."
What 6:AM excels at is bringing vision to reality—and then to the market. Our structure allows us to bridge the gap between concept and execution, ensuring that each piece is crafted with precision while retaining its artistic integrity.
A project particularly close to us is the glass artwork we created for Save The Children, which will be auctioned in March in conjunction with the Italian Design Day in New York. It is a meaningful initiative where design, craftsmanship, and purpose come together, reinforcing the impact that objects can have beyond their material form.
Can you tell us a little about the sources of inspiration behind your work? Who are the names you follow with curiosity in this field or in different disciplines?
Our inspiration comes from various disciplines—art, architecture, fashion, and even industrial design. We look at the past, not to replicate but to reinterpret it in a contemporary way. Nautical design, for example, influences our work because of its efficiency and material intelligence. In terms of individuals, we are interested in the work of artists and architects who have a strong material sensibility—Walter De Maria, Alvaro Siza and Umbero Riva among others. We also look at contemporary designers and artists who push boundaries in their respective fields. Inspiration is fluid, and we often find it in unexpected places—film, photography, or historical craftsmanship techniques.
Paysage, courtesy 6:AM Glassworks
Are you excited about the future and what are your plans?
Absolutely. 6:AM is growing both in its collections and bespoke projects, and we have many ideas we want to bring to life. Creativity requires time—each piece goes through a long incubation period of research, testing, and refinement before reaching its final form. A perfect example is our upcoming Palo Santo Burner, which took nearly four years to develop to perfection.
We are also expanding our collaborations with architects and artists, pushing the boundaries between design and art. This intersection is something we want to explore further, as it allows us to experiment beyond conventional product design.
Ultimately, our goal remains the same: to refine our language and create objects that stand the test of time—both in their aesthetics and craftsmanship.
