Roberto Maci was born in Bologna in 1961. He studied painting and sculpture at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Bologna and subsequently graduated in Architecture from Florence University in 1986, having studied under Prof. Adolfo Natalini. He then moved to Pietrasanta, near Lucca, where he worked on several sculptures commissioned for the church designed by Giuseppe Vaccaro and Pier Luigi Nervi for the new town development (Villaggio Ina Casa) in Borgo Panigale, on the outskirts of Bologna. During this time, Maci became acquainted with several artists, most notable among them Costantino Nivola, and as a result of their influence he developed a passionate enthusiasm for design.

Between 1987 and 1991 he worked for the Studio AGO (Alcuni Giovani Occidentali) advertising agency where, in collaboration with Massimo Iosa Ghini, he developed various interior design projects both in Italy and abroad. These included Discoclub Bolidò in New York, Concept car showrooms for Renault Italia and the Fiorucci stores.
In 1991 he set up his own architecture and design studio in Bologna.

In 1997 he founded LAB+ “Abitare Naturale” with Maurizio Corrado, a project which aimed to raise awareness about natural living. It is this reliance on and continual returning to the theme of nature that has inspired some of Maci’s most original designs. His major architecture and interior design projects include: a residential building in Medicina (near Bologna); the Cofimp-Unindustria headquarters in Bologna; a nursery school in Castelvetro di Modena; professional training centre and offices in Castel San Pietro (near Bologna); Rimini’s SME headquarters; recreation pavilion for Bologna municipal authorities; the Anusca Palace Hotel in Castel San Pietro Terme (near Bologna); interior design and corporate identity design for Tiamoitalia, a food franchise in Beijing, China; flagship store for Salotti Italia in Dallas, USA; a nursery school in Solignano di Castelvetro (near Modena). Characterised by a highly flexible and dynamic structure, Studio Maci is currently involved in the planning and building of public and private buildings, homes, commercial outlets and designer objects.

Great attention is paid to environmental questions and energy-saving solutions and wherever possible natural materials and eco-friendly techniques are used. For companies operating in the home furnishing sector, Studio Maci has designed the following: padded seat collection for Sofart (SoftMovie-Pod, Podette, Belly); a series of handles for RDS handles (Astra, Leggera, Ponza); armchairs for Enrico Pellizzoni (SweetAngie and Mami); lighting collection for Prandina (Kit); corporate identity for Tibaldi pens; prototypes for designer objects for Mandarina Duck; lighting collection for Vistosi (Sprout); seat collection for Target (E.S.E.); lighting collection for Vistosi (Dos). Studio Maci is also involved in graphic design projects and develops visual advertising products for selected clients.

Roberto Maci has also taught on various courses and workshops. His teaching experience includes the following:1988 – 1990: history of art teacher in various high schools in Italy;1990: teaching assistant at the workshop held by Massimo Iosa Ghini at the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein in Germany;1997 – 2008: various architecture and design lessons held in conjunction with the Bologna and Modena trade fair organisers, the Advanced Studies Institute at Bologna University, the Fia consortium with the Emilia Romagna regional authorities. He has published articles in the following: Interni, Domus, Mobili Italiani Contemporanei – Ed.L’Archivolto, La Repubblica Arredamento & Design, Abitare, Ethos & Design – Electa Napoli, Architettura D’Interni – DeVecchi.Roberto Maci is a member of the ADI professional organisation