I believe that the competition event is very interesting for students as they have the opportunity to live a real "working" experience. The project can be followed right from the beginning until the final production and this is a very important reference for the professional future of a young designer. During the school period many projects – although very satisfactory – cannot reach the market since it is very difficult for a student to address to companies that are interested in their production. Bruni Glass showed a great confidence in students and this gave me the strength and the necessary self-confidence to implement my ideas. A positive cooperation that will be hopefully repeated in other companies.

I participated in the 2000 edition of the Progetto Millennio competition, I presented 2 bottles one in the "Oil/Vinegar" category and the "SIN" bottle in the "Spirits" category that won the 1st prize. The project was fascinating involving studying glass production methods and trying to merge function and styling in a new and meaningful way. The idea behind the bottle was to convey a very masculine design (fitting a bottle for distillated heavy drinks) through a simplified look of a man's upper torso giving the bottle broad "shoulders" and an accentuated neck line, which was a new feature at the time and later appeared on some famous perfume bottles. It was very challenging achieving this goal reaching a smooth and flowing design fitting the material without making the bottle seem too aggressive. It was very rewarding winning the 1st prize, not only the financial prize but mostly for the recognition of a well-executed design. Since winning the prize the bottle went into commercial production, and once a year for the last 10 years I receive a nice payment as royalties, which is also a very nice reminder of the "Progetto Millennio" Competition.

My name is Irina Hühnlein, and I am currently living in Berlin, where I am working as an independent product-designer. Before this I have been studying and working in Paris for ten years. In 1999, during my first year at the design-school l'ENSCI-Les Ateliers, I participated in the Progetto Millennio with my design "Timeless" in the category of oil bottles. Since then, I am receiving royalties for the production of my bottle. These royalties helped me during my studies and support today my professional ambitions: I am happy designing products for children using sustainable processes and materials. The participation in the Progetto Millennio competition was a great experience and led to my collaboration with "Bruni Glass" which is lasting now for over ten years. I wish you every success in the continuation of Progetto Millennio.

My name is Minna Mylius. I have graduated in spring 2011 from Aalto University, School of Art and Design with MA in Industrial and Strategic Design. While I have studied in University I have had a great possibility to work as a designer in various companies. Recently I have worked with children's outdoor furniture's and play equipments. I really like my work, all days are different and I learn every day something new. In my work I believe in usability and user centered design. I believe that usability is not only that people can easiest way to work with product; it's also how they feel while they are acting with that. My interest is to learn more about people behaviors and wishes and use that knowledge to design more pleasurable products. I participated in Progetto Millennio competition in 2001 while I was still studying in University. I got the first price in wine bottle category. That recognition was a great step in my way to be a designer. After the publication ceremony I got my first work as a designer and I´m still on that path. In the Progetto Millennio competition I really appreciated that possibility to meet people from Bruni Glass and hear their opinions about my bottle design. After the competition they sent me one real bottle of my design and every year after that I have received nice royalties. That is a nice way to celebrate my achievement year after year.

Now I have my own business together with Tal Dayan (Industrial designer and soul-mate). it's a design studio and a shop in the Flea Market, in Jaffa Israel. We design products from re-used materials and also a line called "Local Fairies" which are positive reminders for everyday life. We collaborate with rehabilitation centers for production. Everything in our shop is locally made, in Israel. (we also display recycled products of local designers and artists). I am always happy to get news about the royalties every year. Each time it's a nice surprise, and I do a little prayer before i open the letter, that I will get a big amount. It doesn't always work :) but either way I'm happy... I love the Progretto Milennio Project. I think it's brilliant to give students a chance to design something for the real world, and reward them with royalties..it's smart to use the creative energy that is out there in the design schools..and it's a Win-Win situation!

What are you doing now?
I'm the owner of "Le Petit Atelier de Paris", a Paris based Atelier-boutique. We work on objects in porcelain and wood for the daily life : tableware, decoration, lighting, furniture, jewelry...
How old are you? 35
What do you think about the Progetto Millennio that is still going?
It's a good thing, of course.
Do you think that Progetto Millennio was helpful for your study and the future job?
Training, communication with your teacher, work exercise…. It was a short but intense moment of research and creativity. When you're a student, only few projects go to the end. To materialize a craft is always benefic and is a good way to learn.
Do you think that if the royalties received from your project were useful to continue studying?
Yes they were and continue to be...
Do you have any goal to achieve in the future?
So many, a life is not enough for all of them.

I did an exchange in Melbourne, Australia, took studies in Fine Arts, Business & Marketing & graduated the Master of Arts from UIAH 2005 (Nowadays it is called Aalto University, a fusion with Helsinki School of Economics & University of Technology). Besides and after my studies I've been working in two Finnish design consultancies together seven years - lots of domestic & international development projects. At the moment I work as a Concept Designer for Fiskars Oyj, on Garden EMEA R&D in Helsinki - its located just next to my University, in the old Arabia/Iittala factory building (subbrands of Fiskars, nowadays). Also, besides the day jobs, I've been doing some design practice of my own. Lots of ideas in the head, also after working hours, You know :) I got married two years ago, and we also have a small little gentleman in the family! Very fun and unforgettable times. I'm living with my family in Helsinki, but we also spend lots of time in the city of Turku - which is one of the European Culture Capital this year. Next year 2012 it's Helsinki, which will be the Design Capital of Europe. On my spare time I consume lots of art exhibitions, etc, sports, and so on. With the Royalties: It has been just nice to receive the payment annually, no doubt about it. With the procedure, I must say, some automation could be good for us both parties, making it less work with the scan signatures, etc. With your payment calculations I have nothing to complain, my role is to just trust on Your data, I believe. A copy of sales & royalties calculation is always a great add to the payment - thanks for it!