Matteo Calisesi

 Florim Solution

Matteo Calisesi likes a good challenge. After studying Architecture and Construction Engineering at the University of Bologna — a five-year program combining bachelor’s and master’s degrees that the Bologna native describes as having “shaped my character” — he headed to the Universidade Nova de Lisboa (in Lisbon) and then Ryerson University in Toronto. “I challenged myself going to Portugal without having any knowledge of Portuguese,” he says. “This experience strengthened my personality and taught me how important communication was to enhance my skills.” The year in Toronto, he adds, introduced him to North American culture and helped improve his English, allowing him to later adjust to his first work environment.

“I like the possibility to create spaces that completely change the experience of the end-users and improve their quality of life.”

That environment was New York City, where Matteo began his career working in business development for a leading porcelain tile company. He joined Florim Solution in 2019 and now works in technical business development, interacting with designers and architects on the installation of large-format slabs and exterior applications. “I like the possibility to create spaces that completely change the experience of the end-users and improve their quality of life,” he says. Matteo describes himself as “open-minded,” but also admits to very specific personal design preferences. “I am a minimalist in life and taste. I like simple and clean designs that enhance essential features,” he says, noting that at school, he admired Mies van der Rohe, whose motto, famously, was “Less is more.”

Matteo, who once played guitar in a band in Italy, now enjoys reading, fitness, hiking and sailing. Being away from home has also changed his perception of his native country. “I see it with different eyes,” he says, “and now I value much more the Italian lifestyle, landscapes and history. It’s just beautiful!”

As for his life goals, Matteo remains up for a challenge. “It’s way too long a list,” he admits. “I still need to figure out the order, but I will never get bored!”