Born 29 July 1967, Carlo Rinomato is an Italian-Canadian builder, design expert, and television personality who resides in Toronto, Canada. He is best known for participating on the Global TV show, Top Million Dollar Agent, guest appearance as a Design Expert on the Marc & Mandy Show, and his recent flagship home project, The House of the Hill, built-in Woodbridge, ON. “The House of the Hill,” a sprawling 5,000-square foot property was designed and built by Carlo and his team over the course of three years. Describing the house, Rinomato says, gesturing to the grandeur of the space, “Why go halfway when you can go all the way? That’s what this house is about. All the way, beyond the lines.” “All the way in everything.”
Rinomato is the founder and CEO of Design Generation Homes, formally known as Generation Homes Inc. CARLO RINATO Made in Italy is an international brand that creates and builds true art infused in passion.
He’s not kidding: Besides his role as founder and CEO of Design Generation Homes, where he leads projects ranging from high rise condominiums to commercial buildings and luxury estate properties, Rinomato has created a personal brand, which includes a fashion sense that doesn’t shy away from bold colours, patterns or cuts — that aims to expand the way people think about the spaces in which they live. That’s why he not only appears on The Marc & Mandy Show but also Canada’s Rogers TV and, most notably, Top Million Dollar Agent, showing and talking about design in a way that challenges viewers to explore what going “all the way” means in a home. “In the years past, I took interest in winter sports like skiing, and that’s what lead me to discover the beauty that is Mont-Tremblant,” he says.
“My passion for art and nature, and combining them both as one, is the vision behind my work,” says Rinomato. “The House of the Hill was my passion project. (It was) me wanting to step outside my comfort zone and develop something that was going to be like nothing I did before, or that has ever been done before. Determination for everyone to one day appreciate my look, and converting their lifestyle.” He said.
This approach has helped Rinomato turn Design Generation Homes into a major force since it was first launched in 1963. He has made expanding his brand internationally a priority, starting with a “Condo of the sea” in Abruzzo, Italy, after getting inspired by the buyer of The House of the Hill. “(He) loved it so much, he suggested that we replicate it in top cities of the world,” Carlo says. His list includes Paris, London, Shanghai, Tuscany, the Hamptons outside New York and more.
“There’s such a feeling of gratitude in seeing your concepts and design flourish and in it being built. And mastering perfectionism in my designs and builds.” He says.
Carlo’s artistic take on architecture began from an unlikely place: drywall. A 19-year-old entrepreneur long before anyone used the word “startup,” together with his father founded the New Generation Group, which continues to be run by family members. Even with the early success, however, he says he knew he wanted to do something more creative.
“I got tired of it, and wanted more art in it,” he says. “That is what has helped me differentiate myself: to look deep into yourself, and decide to stop doing what just pleases others, or look like what others wanted you to look like, and just let your inner inspiration take charge. That’s what brought out the true me” he reiterates.
Taking a more artistic path to building and construction didn’t mean turning into an egomaniac, however. Rinomato frequently references his family and his colleagues as the biggest touchstones in his life. “My father’s words to me were, ‘Never ever give up. Believe in yourself, and don’t worry about what anyone says about you. You have a gift. Let the world see it,” he says.
Describing his team, he turns to a sports metaphor, “Many times those who assist he who scores, play a much more important role than the one who scores,” he says. “I come up with the designs and concepts, but it is my team of architects, designers, and extended team that executes which truly makes us who we are.” “I die for details, my clients live for the results” Carlo says.
Carlo Rinomato is also a philanthropist and fashion enthusiast. In 2017 Carlo participated in Toronto Men’s Fashion Week celebrity charity runway event #MensFashion4Hope to raise money for children with a terminal sickness.
