DesignHER is a platform that celebrates the vision, craftsmanship, and innovation of women in design. By curating stories from leading female designers, artisans, and creatives, our latest series, in collaboration with Women Create, offers an intimate look at the diverse paths these women take to shape their industries and their own businesses. Through thoughtful interviews and features, the platform illuminates the artistry and technical mastery that define their work, while exploring the deeper narratives of creativity, resilience, and leadership. DesignHER honors the unique perspectives of women, fostering a community where design excellence and empowerment intersect to inspire the next generation of trailblazers.
An Italian designer hailing from Torino, Valentina Doro is a senior lighting designer with Focus Lighting. She studied architecture at the Politecnico di Torino and then at the Vitus Bering University College in Denmark. During her final year of studies, Doro was introduced to lighting design. Armed with a master’s degree and an architectural license, she completed a transformative six-month internship at Focus Lighting in New York City. Doro has now been with Focus for 14 years, leading a studio specializing in hospitality lighting design. Discover the art and science behind Valentina Doro’s lighting designs in today’s DesignHer feature.
aspire design and home: Can you discuss any female artists or designers who have influenced your work?
Valentina Doro: One of my favorite female artists is Yayoi Kusama. I love how she uses colors, mirrors, and lights to create immersive installations that feel like they’re from another world. I believe I’ve made it to all her installations in New York City and a few others around the world. Each time, I find myself wishing I could stay longer—there’s something so energizing about her work that leaves me wanting more.
Florence + The Machine is another artist who truly captivates me. The choreography in the “Cosmic Love” music video is so powerful it practically radiates energy. I love the contrast of her presence, draped in dark shades at the center of a room, surrounded by a chaotic swirl of colors.
In my own designs, I aim for a similar effect: within a minimalist aesthetic I strive to spark emotion in the viewer.
Love accent piece: concept to completionadh: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in your craft?
VD: My dad is an architect, and my mom is an incredible chef, so I grew up surrounded by creativity. From imaginative bedtime stories to handmade wooden toys, unique recipes, and adventurous family trips, I was encouraged to see the world through a lens of beauty. From a young age, I immersed myself in various forms of art and crafts, including drawing, painting, pottery, and clay work. However, it wasn’t until I moved to New York that I truly discovered the captivating world of neon. This vibrant medium became the perfect signature for my journey as a lighting designer.
“Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – Andy Warhol
adh: What inspired you to pursue high-end artisanal crafts specifically?
VD: In high school, I studied the classics, where I was captivated by the ancient Greek ideal of “καλός καὶ ἀγαθός” — the beautiful and the good.
This concept continues to inspire me, pushing me to seek beauty in all things. In Italian, my native language, I call it “l’amore per il bello” — the love for beauty itself.”
Peanut Butter Jelly: concept to completionadh: Are there any particular themes or messages you aim to convey through your art?
VD: My art doesn’t follow a recurring theme; instead, each art piece conveys a unique message tailored specifically to its recipient. Many of my neon creations are gifts for the special people in my life, crafted to celebrate and reflect their individual stories.
adh: What role does storytelling play in your art, and how do you weave your personal narrative into your pieces?
VD: Storytelling is vital in my work; each neon piece I create conveys a message — often more than one. What I love about my storytelling is its specificity, uniquely crafted for the person a piece is dedicated to. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, each neon piece is imbued with a deeper significance, filled with details only the recipient can fully appreciate.
adh: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from a mentor or peer in your field?
VD: “Who is the audience?” At Focus, we are encouraged to ask this question. We put ourselves in the viewer’s shoes, broadening our perspective, and allowing us to view our work through a critical lens, continually refining our ideas.
adh: What’s your favorite part of the creative process, and why?
VD: My favorite part of the creative process is the rush of ideas that flows after that initial spark of inspiration. I enjoy broadening the vision, exploring possibilities, and then distilling it to the essential elements that matter most. I capture the concept and its variations in my black Moleskine notebook, and seeing the completed neon piece compared to the original sketch is always incredibly rewarding.
adh: How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?
VD: When I hit a creative block, I take a break. I set the design aside in my mind and focus on other inspiring activities, trusting that the right idea will eventually emerge. I believe that the more we experience, the more inspiration finds us. This inspiration can come in many forms—traveling, visiting art shows or museums, browsing stores, reading books, walking down the street, or even having a conversation with a friend.
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