Talent Spotlight: Franca Rezza
International Women's Day 2024
Name: Franca Rezza
Role: Principal, Interior Design
Studio: Toronto
What challenges have you faced as a woman in your industry, and how did you overcome them?
I remember, as a junior designer, attending site meetings and being the only woman around the table. It was both empowering and terrifying. I always maintained my composure and trusted in what I knew – you always know more than you think you do! Speaking with confidence means engendering confidence in others. If I didn’t have the answer, I insisted that the team needed time to review the situation and that we would get back to them. Never let anyone pressure you into giving a response you aren’t sure is right.
What makes a successful team?
For me, the top two attributes of a successful team are TRUST and COMMUNICATION. Trust means respecting each team member’s strengths and abilities and knowing that they will deliver. Effective communication means sharing ideas, highlighting potential problems, and respecting others’ input by active listening. Together, our common goals can be successfully achieved!
“I am most proud of the time I have spent volunteering for ARIDO and advancing and promoting the profession of Interior Design in this province and across Canada.
Being recognized for my contributions by being made a FELLOW by ARIDO in 2017 is definitely a highlight in my career.”
What makes you proud of yourself – what’s your biggest achievement as an interior designer?
I have had the great fortune of delivering design focused projects at the top firms in Toronto. I am most proud of the time I have spent volunteering for ARIDO and advancing and promoting the profession of Interior Design in this province and across Canada. Being recognized for my contributions by being made a FELLOW by ARIDO in 2017 is definitely a highlight in my career.
What initiatives or support systems do you believe are essential for empowering the next generation of women entering the profession?
Mentorship is the most effective way to support the next generation of leaders. Having a coach who emulates where you want to be in your career and who will help you grow and realize your full potential will be invaluable in setting you on the path to success. Women in leadership should always seek to coach and mentor the next generation, there is nothing more satisfying!