Meet Mario Romano

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mario Romano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Mario , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I owe my resilience to my amazing mom and dad. I grew up on my mom’s stories about her days on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. She would sew her own clothes with the money she made selling raspberries. She’d wake up at the crack of dawn to milk cows, no matter how freezing it was or even if it was snowing. Then she would walk a few miles to school. That’s resilience! Then there’s my dad. My father’s indomitable spirit was unwavering through his firsthand accounts of surviving the tumultuous journey of World War II in southern Italy. I could say it runs in the family, ’I feel like I was born with resilience’.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Mario Romano is particularly renowned for his work in residential architecture, where he combines technology, craftsmanship, and artistic expression to create one-of-a-kind homes. One of Romano’s notable projects is the Wave House, a residential property in Venice Beach. He often incorporates organic forms, intricate patterns, and dynamic shapes into his designs, pushing the boundaries of conventional architectural aesthetics.

With his new company, MR Walls, Mario offers a range of customizable 3d carved wall solutions that combine technology, craftsmanship, and artistic expression all using Corian from Dupont. These walls can be tailored to suit various architectural and design projects, whether interior or exterior, residential, or commercial. Some of his recent clients include designing and making 3d walls for the Wynn Hotel, Mercedes F1, American Airlines as well as the new Cedar Sinai Hospital in Marina del Rey. Mario’s work can be seen here at mrwalls.io. MR Walls has gained recognition for its innovative and transformative qualities, providing clients with distinctive and immersive spatial experiences.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Early Adoption of Technology: I have always been an enthusiastic early adopter of technology, embracing its advancements and possibilities. From the first Apple computer to being among the first to own an iPhone, I have explored and integrated new technologies into my life. Even during the early stages of the Internet, I ventured into website creation and digital video. Being at the forefront of technological advancements has been a defining aspect of my journey.

Unapologetic Authenticity: I happen to possess an inherent disregard for the opinions of others. It seems as if I am missing the gene that drives a person to be overly self-conscious. Be Original.

Driven by the Power of Beauty: Beauty, often overlooked and underestimated, holds tremendous value in everyone’s life. It has always served as a profound motivator for me. Despite practical considerations, I have pursued the creation of beauty. It is an intrinsic quality, reminiscent of an Italian sensibility.

These three qualities—early adoption of technology, unapologetic authenticity, and an unwavering drive to create beauty—have profoundly shaped my path and continue to guide my endeavors.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents told me stories at the dinner table. These stories shaped my life. My parents embody the epitome of the American dream. Through their unwavering perseverance, they steadily paved their path to success. I watched and listened. Immigrating from Italy, my father brought the essence of Italian cuisine to Los Angeles, at a time when dishes like Ravioli and Lasagna were unfamiliar to the locals. It was pioneering. His journey took place in the 1950s and 1960s. As a skilled chef and restaurateur, he soon established the renowned Mario’s, the top restaurant in Westwood, Los Angeles. Although this happened before I was born, I was raised on the captivating tales that were shared during our family dinners. Each evening, as we gathered around the table, my father would regale us with his stories, creating a tapestry of memories that shaped my upbringing.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Mario Romano Jason Speth Dan Arnold.

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