Born in Bazzano (Bologna) 1955. Nanni graduated in architecture at Florence University in 1983, and worked at the same faculty as researcher and lecturer from 1990 to 1998. The Nanni Studio was set up in 1986 to follow his work as an architect (designing numerous projects in Bologna, Parma and other cities), as well as creating designs and working as an art director.

He has participated in various exhibitions, conventions and shows both in Italy and abroad. He has won many awards and accolades for his designs. He has worked for many top italian design companies. His work has often been the subject of many top Italian and international magazines of architecture and design. At the same time he also works as an artist and his paintings have been exhibited and are on show in various public and private collections both in Italy and abroad.

Emilio Nanni has designed for Zeritalia the LIVE coffee table.