Corinna Bassetti Josi is an Italian architect born in Rome on December 23, 1978. She graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at Sapienza University of Rome, where she developed a strong foundation in architectural design and urban planning. During her academic years, she expanded her international perspective by studying abroad at architecture faculties in Berlin and Vienna, and later lived in Finland, experiences that deeply influenced her design approach.
After collaborating with several architectural firms, she gradually specialized in interior design. Since 2012, her work has focused primarily on the design of restaurants, cafés, event villas, and hospitality spaces, where she combines functionality with a strong aesthetic identity.
A defining aspect of her work is her commitment to reuse, recycling, and the selection of natural materials, combined with a distinctive and thoughtful use of color as a key design element. Her projects reflect a balance between sustainability, atmosphere, and user experience.
Coming from a family rooted in the travel industry, she has cultivated a deep passion for exploration. Together with her husband, she has traveled extensively, with a particular interest in South America—an influence that continues to inspire her creative vision and sensitivity to cultural diversity.
What first interested you in your area of the hospitality industry?
My background is in architecture, but my path naturally evolved when I met my husband, Dario Asara, a restaurateur and my business partner at Ginger Ristorante NY. Through our life together, I became deeply passionate about the design of restaurants and cocktail bars—spaces where aesthetics, atmosphere, and human connection come together in a meaningful way.
Who are a few of the people that have encouraged your career?
My husband has been, without question, my greatest supporter and inspiration throughout this journey.
What challenges do you think people face in your industry?
One of the most significant challenges is building a strong and cohesive team. Finding the right people, nurturing their growth, and maintaining that balance over time requires constant attention and care.
Can you cite a few accomplishments that have given you great pride and elevated your work?
What brings me the greatest pride is witnessing our guests’ sense of surprise. They arrive and are immediately struck by the beauty and attention to detail of the space—but what truly stays with them is the food. Fresh, thoughtfully crafted, and elegantly presented, it often exceeds their expectations. When guests feel compelled to share their experience with us, it’s incredibly rewarding.
What piece of advice can you lend to others who are considering a career such as yours?
Passion is essential—but patience is what sustains you.
Everyone who works in hospitality has a story to tell about something incredible that happened on the job. What’s one that you often tell?
There are so many stories, especially when it comes to staff—some of the most imaginative and unbelievable excuses I’ve ever heard have come from employees over the years. And then there are those surreal moments, like realizing you’re holding the credit card of a world-famous actor. Hospitality is never boring.
What do you hope people understand about those who work in your area of hospitality?
I hope people recognize the level of dedication behind every detail. This is a profession you choose because you genuinely care about people and want to create moments of happiness through simple, thoughtful gestures—like serving an exceptional plate of pasta. Behind that simplicity lies an extraordinary amount of work.
Is there anything else you want Woman Around Town readers to know?
This is a place I trust completely. As a woman, an entrepreneur, and a mother, I would feel comfortable dining here every day. I believe deeply in the quality of our ingredients, their freshness, and the balance of what we offer—and that’s something I never take for granted.
Photo Credit: Patrick Dolande
For more information, go to Ginger’s website here and Instagram account here.
Ginger Restaurants
