This program will educate participants about a new type of sustainable and environmentally friendly material. Participants will learn about its multiple advantages, including applications, machinability, properties, and sustainability. Light fare and drinks will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will learn about Sintered Stone and its sustainability
2. Participants will learn the manufacturing process of Sintered Stone
3. Participants will learn the characteristics that differentiate Sintered Stone from other stones
4. Participants will learn how Sintered Stone is used on various projects

Credits: 1 AIA LU

Speakers:

William Madeira: Product Specialist/ Architectural Business Development Tropical Stone 

William is the second-generation of a family-owned and operated business Tropical Stone, founded in 2001 and located in the heart of Chester County. Tropical Stone specializes in providing solutions to architectural, commercial, and high-end residential clients. With its team of stone experts, Tropical Stone has made a name for itself as one of the best stone and surface sources in the Tri-State area. He is a Product Specialist/ Architectural Business Development Associate who focuses on innovative and ecological products. He works closely with architects and designers to provide the best obtainable and sustainable solutions for their projects. William is a senior college student at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, majoring in Accounting and International Business. 

John Madeira: General Manager, Tropical Stone 

John is one of the co-founders of Tropical Stone. His deep passion for geology made him one of the most knowledgeable and pleasant people to talk to about natural stone. John has over 25 years of experience within the stone business, starting as an independent salesman connecting the quarries to stone distributors in the northeast of the US and Canada. His appreciation for natural stone, its history, and its beauty eventually led to the creation of Tropical Stone in 2001, where he could procure and collect beautiful stones from all over the world in one place to show and offer to his customers. He built a reputation, working with many architects, designers, contractors, and fabricators to ensure every Tropical Stone customer is well-assisted and educated about the product they select for their project. He believes that once people understand the characteristics of each type of stone, they will learn to appreciate it and love it for years. John has an MBA in Finance, a Major in International Business Trading, and studied Geology. 

Stefano Cristoforetti: Architectural Department Manager, Lapitec SPA 

Stefano has spent the last 15 years working in the stone industry in different sectors, starting with natural stone and moving on to man-made surfaces. His experience and knowledge in both sectors, natural and man-made surfaces, led him to be the Architectural Department Manager for the USA of the only certified Sintered Stone called Lapitec. There, he has assisted in the specifications of projects in airports, train stations, malls, ventilated facades, and more. His most recent project is a terminal in JFK International Airport, where floors and walls will be covered in Lapitec. Stefano has a Doctorate in Philosophy and Modern Languages.