IoArch Interview: Strategic Positioning, Complex Restoration Projects, and International Market Expansion
Issue 120 of IoArch features an in-depth interview with Federico Paci, President of ENGLOBE and CEO of the associated firm Studio Paci. The article, part of a broader report on financial performance and strategic growth in Italian design firms, highlights key themes including market positioning, client strategy, and the international trajectory of integrated design services.
A central focus of the interview is positioning. Over the years, the firm has built a strong and recognizable presence in the fields of architectural restoration and cultural-heritage engineering, relying on highly specialized know-how, methodical rigor, and technical credibility. By selecting complex assignments and clients who understand the value of professional services, the studio has avoided the “lowest-bid logic,” investing instead in quality-driven projects and a financially solid operating model.
The interview also examines the importance of a structured internal organization: a multidisciplinary team supported by dedicated coordinators ensures technical continuity, process control, and consistently high-quality deliverables, while maintaining sustainable margins.
Regarding market trends, Paci identifies a clear pattern: in Italy, investment continues to focus on restoration, urban regeneration, and building safety. Internationally, however, demand for engineering and architecture is growing especially in developing countries, UNESCO heritage areas, and regions affected by natural disasters—contexts where Italian expertise in heritage recovery offers a significant competitive advantage.
Among the recent flagship projects mentioned, the interview highlights the restoration and rehabilitation of the monumental complex of Camerino. Initiated in 2016, the intervention addressed the entire architectural organism, including structural strengthening, material restoration, functional upgrades, and seismic improvement. It stands as a representative case study demonstrating the capacity of Italian engineering to manage large-scale historic assets.
The IoArch feature confirms how advanced restoration expertise, combined with the ability to operate in technically demanding scenarios, continues to distinguish ENGLOBE in both national and international markets.
