San Francisco, California – In celebration of Women’s History Month, ICG Italia took the initiative to honor the invaluable contributions of women in the architecture and design (A&D) industry. The event titled "Inside The Architect Studio: A riveting exploration into the lives of women leading the industry" took place on March 13 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the ICG Gallery, situated at 111 Rhode Island Street, Suite B.

ICG Italia, a women-led brand of Iris Ceramica Group, organized this empowering event as part of its Women’s History Month company initiative. The objective was to recognize and celebrate the leadership roles of women in the A&D community.

The event featured a distinguished panel of women who are trailblazers in the architecture industry. Federica Minozzi, CEO of Iris Ceramica Group, Michelle Hatton, Associate Principal of SOM, Aida Ribar, Regional Leader of WorkPlace at HOK, and Jean Rainer, Senior Vice President of Shorenstein Properties, shared insights into their journeys, challenges, and notable contributions to sustainability initiatives worldwide.

Federica Minozzi, the visionary CEO of Iris Ceramica Group, emphasized the importance of meaningful programs that connect with female leaders and inspire the next generation of women in the A&D industry. This event marked the beginning of ICG Italia’s Inside The Architect Studio 2024 series, aimed at providing a platform for leading architects to share industry insights in intimate settings.

ICG Italia, the U.S. division of Iris Ceramica Group, is renowned for its high-tech architectural surfaces and excellence in the flooring industry. Committed to innovation and quality, ICG Italia combines several formerly known brands including Eurowest, Transceramica, and SapienStone, delivering Italian-made high-quality porcelain stoneware materials.

The panelists shared their remarkable career trajectories:

Federica Minozzi – CEO, Iris Ceramica Group
Federica Minozzi’s journey began with a strategic focus on sales and marketing at Iris Ceramica Group. Over the years, she climbed the ranks to become the Group CEO, leveraging her entrepreneurial and managerial skills.

Michelle Hatton – Associate Principal, SOM
Originally from South Africa, Michelle Hatton started her career with Gensler in Houston before joining SOM in the Bay Area. With expertise in workplace design, she now leads SOM’s Interiors Studio, driven by a passion for improving human experiences through design.

Aida Ribar – Regional Leader of WorkPlace, HOK
Aida Ribar, a Principal at HOK, is dedicated to creating empowering environments that enhance productivity and wellbeing. With over two decades of experience, she leads HOK’s workplace practice in San Francisco and Seattle, actively engaging with the local design community.

Jean Rainer – Senior Vice President, Shorenstein Properties
Jean Rainer, a Senior Vice President at Shorenstein Properties, oversees the company’s office development activities nationwide. With a background in both academia and real estate development, she has played a significant role in developing, repositioning, and renovating millions of square feet of office space.

The Inside The Architect Studio event was not only a celebration of women's achievements but also a testament to the ongoing commitment towards diversity, inclusion, and empowerment in the A&D industry. As these remarkable women continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations, their collective impact will undoubtedly shape the landscape of architecture and design for years to come.