How Amalia Graziani Gave This Hamptons Home New Light

Rip & Tan: How would you describe your approach to development and design? How are the two intertwined?

Amalia Graziani: I love the creativity that comes with development. You’re designing something both visual and interactive. Good design involves thinking through how people will walk through a space, how light will change throughout the day and what feelings the scale and materials will inspire. For the type of development I do, design is at the forefront.

Rip & Tan: As a female in the industry, how have you seen real estate development change over the years?

Amalia Graziani: While I don’t often come across other female developers, I am glad to see more women working in the industry. Development lags behind other industries culturally, and many of the challenges that existed when I started my career persist. There are still many people in construction trades unaccustomed to female leadership, but I am optimistic about the changes ahead.

Rip & Tan: Tell us about this home. What drew you to this project and how did you decide on the overall vision?

Amalia Graziani: When I first saw this home, the existing structure left much to be desired, but the land won me over immediately. The house is perched right at the water’s edge near one of my favorite lookouts in the Hamptons. Houses aren’t built this close to the water anymore–and for good reason, it’s very vulnerable during storms—but I was completely taken by it.

The property is calming and expansive, and I wanted that feeling to carry through in the design. Everything here was chosen to play with light and amplify the water view.

Rip & Tan: What are some of your favorite features of the space?

Amalia Graziani: I love the kitchen. The room gets amazing light, and the floating marble shelf hides a ventilation system. This was a fun engineering challenge, and the result is a clean shelf above the range rather than a conventional hood. It’s a room where you want to spend time, which is the best feature in any home.

Rip & Tan: How did the local history influence your design choices and sourcing?

Amalia Graziani: This home was an old fisherman’s house. I wanted to build with locally sourced materials that honored this history. The antique lumber was aged in this climate and the landscape was designed to feel wild using a diverse mix of native species.

Rip & Tan: What do you think are the three most important features to keep in mind when designing a space?

Amalia Graziani: I aim to create spaces that are visually striking in person, take advantage of light, and are liveable and enjoyable. Sometimes the most aesthetically interesting structures aren’t inviting. Creating something that melds all of these elements is the ideal.

Rip & Tan: What words of advice would you give someone starting a home renovation?

Amalia Graziani: Plan, plan, and plan. Delays, surprises, challenging interpersonal dynamics—they’re not personal. The value of quality consultants and tradespeople cannot be underscored enough.

Rip & Tan: What does living well mean to you?

Amalia Graziani: With the work I do, I’m fortunate that my creativity comes in the form of making spaces that I can enjoy with others. Watching the people I love enjoy themselves around me is very rewarding.

I also think living well means living in a way that is authentic to who you are. For me, this means the ability to create a full life that I’m proud of, based on my own definition of success and satisfaction.