Trained as an environmental engineer, Marzia believes in design that combines vernacular and passive environmental strategies with emerging technologies. Through close collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, she identifies opportunities to improve environmental performance and resilience while celebrating the beauty and sense of place that great design should deliver.
Her experience ranges from urban masterplans and campuses to large-scale architectural projects. By integrating architecture and building systems from the earliest stages of conceptual design, she has helped to shape projects such as Dubai Holding Headquarters, Colby College’s new science complex, and The New York Climate Exchange.
The built environment should allow us to feel the presence and power of nature. Our challenge as designers is to make that connection part of everyday life, inspiring a sense of awe and wonder that deepens our commitment to sustainability.
A longtime advocate for decarbonization, Marzia helped SOM achieve net zero operational carbon in 2022 and establish a whole life carbon accounting practice in 2023. She positioned the firm to bring this approach to large-scale vehicle manufacturing with Rivian’s Normal Manufacturing Plant Expansion.
Active in the industry and community, Marzia supports STEM education for young women through organizations including the Madonna Foundation and Chicago Scholars. As a participant in the Chicago Architecture Center’s Downtown Agenda Project, she contributes to the conversation around the future of infrastructure in Chicago.
