We’re looking forward to introducing you to Delcy Albertini. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Delcy, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
I am currently working on a project at the Miami International Airport; and the Aviation Department has assigned a project manager to whom I have to report the progress of my construction schedule. She is a wonderful woman with such a rich knowledge about the foundations and everything related to project management. But, besides what she knows and what she’s capable to bring into the table: Her resilience is inspiring.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an interior designer but I like to define myself as a “furniture maker” and that is how, Etiqueta Negra Studio has born. Architectural design and project Management are also part of my services; which were very likely “purposely avoided” by me for the past years… However, since February I have been working in alliance with a General Contractor Company who has been awarded with a few projects at the Miami International Airport.
As part of the Bid, a smaller and in disadvantage business (like mine) must get a percentage of the bid and perform a portion of the work. The project management is what Etiqueta Negra Studio offered to perform for the first project which again, was not my cup of tea; but surprisingly I’ve been falling in love with the challenge that implies and comes with it!
Taking online classes at night, spending weekends researching, reading engineering calculations and adding new apps to my laptop library and learning endless new softwares about construction, it was like learning everything from zero.
It was only then, when I realized that technology is continuing improving…. and we can’t rely on what we know…
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
It was a client who I consider my friend.
She was the one who told me I could do more than beautiful furnitures. She was in the early stages of developing apartments in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. She shared the plans and told me that the lobby was too narrow and its L-shape was not giving much room to place furnitures nor other pieces to make it “interested” or welcoming.
I shared the challenge with my husband and together we came up with the idea of building a parametric wall, which shape not only mimics the waves of the iconic “Las Olas Boulevard” of Fort Lauderdale; but it also, brings the building’s facade into the interior of the building. This proposal was the punch for my client to give me the rest of the interior work of the building to fall into my hands… For that first opportunity I would be for ever thankful to her.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Plenty of times… I still do (I’m laughing right now) – Who doesn’t? – But “What if it works? What if, everything is going to be greater and better than I expect? – That’s my daily Mantra!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Construction Industry; unfortunately is still ruled by men. The fact, that they include women in the management portion of the building process; does not necessarily means that we are in charge.
All upper managements, critical decisions and main mandates are still coming from men. It is a men world; yes it is, indeed!
But the eye for perfection and details are ours. Women impact in the construction field has grown over the years; as Zaha Hadid quotes: “Your success will not be determined by your gender or your ethnicity, but only on the scope of your dreams”
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story is “All of it is the Point”… The ordinary and the extraordinary; the furnitures/sculptures and pieces that were made with a purpose … The constructions built, the hesitations and the victories… the cries and the laughter, frustrations and resiliences … “All of it is the point”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etiqueta-negra.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etiquetanegrastudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/delcy-mancuello-albertini-20090a125/
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