Architect and designer Rodolfo Dordoni, who served as the art director for a number of Italian design brands including Artemide, Cappellini and Minotti, has passed away at the age of 69.

Dordoni was born in Milan in 1954 and studied architecture in the city. He was the art director of furnituremaker Cappellini from 1979 to 1989 and the art director for Italian furniture company Minotti from 1998 until today.

Here, he created "timeless classics", the brand said.

"The news of Rodolfo's passing has shocked and saddened all of us greatly," Minotti co-CEO Renato Minotti said.

"Our strong, intense relationship based on mutual esteem over time turned into an authentic friendship, allowing us to develop our work together to its fullest potential, becoming the Minotti style," he continued.

"A true lover of art and beauty, Rodolfo found the right balance between creative passion and rigour to create with us a winning combination that has made our products timeless classics."

The designer had a "remarkable vision, passion and dedication" which made Minotti renowned on an international level, the brand said.

"We had the chance to work alongside a visionary, passionate, inspired man, who has been the protagonist of one of the most brilliant eras in the history of our brand," co-CEO Roberto Minotti said.

"Today Minotti has lost one of its dearest friends, a precious collaborator, a true professional and member of our family. We acknowledge with sadness the news of his passing and we want to express our gratitude for his life, his work and for all that he passed on to us."

Dordoni also co-founded the architecture studio Dordoni Architetti together with Luca Zaniboni and Alessandro Acerbi in 2005, working across architectural planning and interior design for residential and commercial projects as well as exhibition spaces.

He also designed a glass collection for Artemide and a furniture collection for FontanaArte, as well as seating for Spanish brand Andreu World, which called him "a great designer".

"We mourn the loss of the great designer and architect #RodolfoDordoni," the brand said in a statement online.

"Our encouragement and support to his team, his family and friends. Thank you very much for your passion, high professional standards and commitment."

The designer has also created work for a range of classic design brands including Cassina, Flos, Kartell, Molteni&C, Moroso, Poltrona Frau, Salvatori, Venini and many more.

A number of well-known names in the architecture and design industry have passed away in 2023. In March, Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly died aged 78, and in April, British fashion designer Mary Quant passed away.

The photography is courtesy of Minotti.