"Memoria di Pietra" (Memory of Stone), curated by Raffaello Galiotto and developed under the patronage of the ADI Design MuseumThis year, Margraf celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 120 years of history, an anniversary the company is marking by taking center stage at Marmomac. At the helm during this pivotal moment is Roberto Xompero, the CEO and the second generation to lead a legacy rooted in over a century of experience. For him, this role brings a deep sense of responsibility for a significant history, but also the opportunity to open a new chapter.
The anniversary is seen as a moment to reflect on the future direction. "A history this long only has value if it continues to evolve," states Xompero, emphasizing that his task is not simply to preserve but to carry the company's values into the future with a contemporary vision and language. The company's presence at Marmomac was designed specifically to narrate this evolution, demonstrating that Margraf's history continues to generate ideas, investments, and new possibilities for natural stone.
Xompero's vision for the company's future is clear: balancing tradition and innovation, two concepts that, in his view, are not conflicting but must move forward together. The company's expertise in stone processing, an invaluable asset, must be constantly updated with new technologies and a greater ability to interpret the needs of contemporary design. The goal is to transform Margraf from a mere supplier of material into a true partner for designers and architects. "We don't want to limit ourselves to supplying a material," the CEO explains, "but increasingly to be a partner who can offer expertise, technology, and material knowledge to turn a design concept into a concrete result."
Collaborations with the world of design fit into this strategy, viewed primarily as a tool for research. "Engaging with a designer or an architect allows us to see the stone from a different perspective," Xompero observes. These initiatives make it possible to explore the untapped potential of marble, experimenting with new forms and finishes. While they also contribute to the brand's positioning in the luxury market, their primary value is cultural: "Today, a brand's value is also built on its ability to express a culture and engage in a dialogue with the world of design."
A concrete example of this approach is the two-year collaboration (2025-2026) with architect and designer Hannes Peer, chosen for his personal and free-spirited relationship with the material. "Hannes doesn't just see marble as a precious surface. He is interested in its nature, its characteristics, its imperfections," Xompero explains. The partnership aims to explore stone beyond its traditional uses, proving that even a material with a thousand-year history can still surprise and speak a contemporary language.
Looking to the future of the industry, Xompero sees natural stone playing a leading role in a world focused on sustainability and technological innovation. Its uniqueness – the fact that it carries an unrepeatable story – remains a fundamental value. However, the real challenge is to integrate sustainability throughout the entire process, from quarrying to waste management. Technology thus becomes an ally in optimizing material use and developing innovative applications. The greatest opportunity, according to the CEO, is to change the perception of stone, viewing it not just as a traditional or decorative material, but as a true design material.
Margraf's direction is clearly defined. As Roberto Xompero concludes: "For Margraf, this is the path forward: to start from 120 years of knowledge of stone to build a company capable of interpreting the coming decades, not just recounting the past ones."
Xompero's vision for the company's future is clear: balancing tradition and innovation, two concepts that, in his view, are not conflicting but must move forward together. The company's expertise in stone processing, an invaluable asset, must be constantly updated with new technologies and a greater ability to interpret the needs of contemporary design. The goal is to transform Margraf from a mere supplier of material into a true partner for designers and architects. "We don't want to limit ourselves to supplying a material," the CEO explains, "but increasingly to be a partner who can offer expertise, technology, and material knowledge to turn a design concept into a concrete result."
Collaborations with the world of design fit into this strategy, viewed primarily as a tool for research. "Engaging with a designer or an architect allows us to see the stone from a different perspective," Xompero observes. These initiatives make it possible to explore the untapped potential of marble, experimenting with new forms and finishes. While they also contribute to the brand's positioning in the luxury market, their primary value is cultural: "Today, a brand's value is also built on its ability to express a culture and engage in a dialogue with the world of design."
A concrete example of this approach is the two-year collaboration (2025-2026) with architect and designer Hannes Peer, chosen for his personal and free-spirited relationship with the material. "Hannes doesn't just see marble as a precious surface. He is interested in its nature, its characteristics, its imperfections," Xompero explains. The partnership aims to explore stone beyond its traditional uses, proving that even a material with a thousand-year history can still surprise and speak a contemporary language.
Looking to the future of the industry, Xompero sees natural stone playing a leading role in a world focused on sustainability and technological innovation. Its uniqueness – the fact that it carries an unrepeatable story – remains a fundamental value. However, the real challenge is to integrate sustainability throughout the entire process, from quarrying to waste management. Technology thus becomes an ally in optimizing material use and developing innovative applications. The greatest opportunity, according to the CEO, is to change the perception of stone, viewing it not just as a traditional or decorative material, but as a true design material.
Margraf's direction is clearly defined. As Roberto Xompero concludes: "For Margraf, this is the path forward: to start from 120 years of knowledge of stone to build a company capable of interpreting the coming decades, not just recounting the past ones."
