Marmomac Proclaims Four New Masters of Stone
VERONA, Italy – Four honorees – including a U.S. architect – became the latest members of the Marmomac Masters of Stone this year.
The title continued the tradition of the Ancient Free Corporation of Stone Arts in Verona since 1319 and, as of 1980, rewards people who have distinguished themselves in upholding and promoting the natural stone sector.
• Suzanne Musho, founder and partner of M [musho architecture and design llc] in New York, has more than 25 years of design experience. She worked on prestigious projects for the American Museum of Natural History, the Jackie Robinson Museum, Columbia University, the Buck Institute for Research in Aging, and the New York Institute of Technology.
Selected for her commitment as an ambassador of the natural-stone world in architecture and design on an international scale, Musho noted that the profession of architect is an opportunity for leadership and social responsibility at the service of and accessible to everyone.
• Alberto Franchi, president and managing director of Franchi Umberto Marmi in Carrara, Italy, received the honor for his dedication and passion in guiding the company towards increasingly ambitious international goals in recent years, demonstrating entrepreneurial skill, vision and respect for the local area and its people.
• Bruno Bagnara, head of Nikolaus Bagnara Marmi in Cavaion Veronese, Italy, in the early 1990s identified the market potential for international slabs and materials and in just a few years established himself as an innovator in the sectorcapable of exalting natural stone in architecture, as well as by combining quality with continuous research to obtain the best pairings of materials and new processing methods.
• Enzo Guardini, born into a family of quarrymen and stonemasons, became well-acquainted with the world of natural stone at an early age, starting work at 14 at Guardini Pietre Srl – Pietra della Lessinia in Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy. He was made a Master of Stone this year for his entrepreneurial spirit, far-sightedness without forgetting traditions, and a commitment to promoting and protecting Lessinia stone and the companies in the local area that quarries and processes it.
A full-scale investiture ceremony took place on Sept. 26 at Marmomac 2023, complete with the consignment of the official insignia: a cube of Verona red marble, a bronze plaque, and a silver chisel.
The honors were presented by Veronafiere President Federico Bricolo and Managing Director Maurizio Danese.
