Daniela Dafarra

Empowering more women to take on leadership roles benefits everyone. Numerous studies over the years indicate that women leaders boost productivity, foster collaboration, inspire organizational commitment, and promote fairness. Despite these advantages, only 10% of Fortune 500 companies are led by women. Fortunately, in Italy’s architecture sector, women like Daniela Dafarra are driving change as leaders. As the CEO and Partner of PRINCIPIOATTIVO Architecture Group, she leads the group towards its mission of offering customized services across the entire spectrum of architecture and design for both corporate and individual clients, with the right amount of curiosity and enthusiasm.

From the Scratch

“A lifelong traveler, navigating not just through space but also through time. Curious and enthusiastic, with a vibrant and attentive gaze that embraces the wonder of the present, reflects on the experiences of the past, and envisions the future,” Daniela Dafarra expresses as she encapsulates her personality and life. Through an in-depth interview, we gained valuable insights into what motivates Daniela to excel in all areas of her life and how her journey has evolved over the years.

Born in Genoa, a city profoundly connected to the sea and the wind. The sea has always played an integral role in Daniela’s life, manifesting in various forms, expressions, intensities, and seasons. It has accompanied her through different moments and moods, welcoming her with its vastness and depth..

Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, Daniela was inspired by their spirit and approach to life, as they built two recognized and solid businesses, distinct in nature but united by shared principles and aspirations. She has inherited and nurtured her desire to explore and define new paths, not shying away from the past but rather studying her surroundings to determine the best steps forward. Her family has given her the tools to face it, even in the most delicate moments, teaching her values that have always been a reference point along the journey, while also instilling in her a deep appreciation for the culture of beauty and a profound understanding of how attention to detail and precision can positively impact people’s lives. Her mother is an example of balance, resilience, sweetness, and honesty; her father, of strength, determination, and courage. Her brother embodies generosity and the constant questioning of how to improve, discover, and define new paths and projects to interconnect different realities and people.

Daniela Dafarra’s academic journey has been incredibly enriching and diverse, providing her with a solid foundation for her career in both engineering and entrepreneurship. She earned her degree in Structural Civil Engineering from the University of Genoa, graduating with the highest honors (110/110 cum laude) and achieving the distinction of having her thesis on “behavior of tall structures subjected to dynamic forces from wind and earthquake” published at MIT. 

Afterward, Daniela completed a full-time MBA at SDA Bocconi, concentrating on real estate finance and strategic development. A few years later, she pursued a master’s degree in Sustainability & Project Financing at Sole 24 Ore. These choices were driven by her desire to expand her knowledge beyond technical engineering, exploring the strategic and financial dimensions of large-scale complex projects and their overall management.

Journey towards PRINCIPIOATTIVO

After earning her degree in Structural Civil Engineering from the University of Genoa, she launched her professional journey at Ove Arup & Partners, initially in London for five years and then in Italy to open the Milan office. During this time, she worked on significant projects such as the HSBC Headquarters in London, designed by Norman Foster, the Uffizi Gallery Museum in Florence by Isozaki, and the Il Sole 24 Ore Headquarters in Milan by Renzo Piano. Post her MBA, she joined Pirelli Real Estate as a Senior Asset Fund and Project Manager, where she managed development and renovation projects across various sectors, including residential, office, logistics, commercial, and hospitality in Italy. Leading these initiatives and collaborating with renowned architects such as Renzo Piano, Daniel Libeskind, and Norman Foster was a highlight of her career.

As her responsibilities grew, Daniela developed both technical and managerial skills, overseeing teams and significant projects that led to her role as Vice President at Lehman Brothers Private Equity Real Estate. For three years, she managed the Italian portfolio of complex and high-profile development projects based in London, honing her ability to manage stress, meet deadlines, and navigate complex situations on a 360-degree scale. After that she joined First Atlantic RE and DEA Capital as Director in urbanistic development and private equity, in Milan, with projects spread in northern Europe and US.  

A pivotal moment came when Daniela shifted her focus toward the social impact of the real estate sector, leading her to join PRINCIPIOATTIVO Architecture Group as a Partner in 2018. This opportunity allowed her to integrate her background in engineering, architecture, and real estate finance with a commitment to creating socially impactful projects.

As the CEO & Partner

As the CEO and Partner of PRINCIPIOATTIVO Architecture Group, Daniela Dafarra is responsible for spearheading the overall strategy, operations, and growth of the firm at both national and international levels. Her key duties involve identifying new opportunities and formulating long-term strategies to ensure the firm’s success, managing its financial health, and promoting sustainability and operational efficiency. Additionally, she oversees project execution, leads human resources and team management, drives international expansion, fosters client relations, and fulfills all the expectations associated with a capable leader in charge.

Daniela ensures that PRINCIPIOATTIVO continues to innovate while staying true to its core values, maintaining a thoughtful approach to design and business. She believes that innovation should not only push boundaries but also create solutions that positively impact the communities they serve. By balancing creativity with purpose, she ensures that every innovative idea is centered around functionality and sustainability, allowing the firm to enhance people’s lives while remaining at the forefront of design and architecture. 

Her commitment to social and environmental responsibility is another pillar that aligns innovation with the firm’s values. Every project incorporates sustainable practices and materials, reflecting a deep belief in creating long-term positive impacts on the environment and society.

Lastly, she champions research and development within the company to explore new technologies, materials, and creative solutions. This commitment to R&D allows PRINCIPIOATTIVO to stay at the forefront of change while adhering to core values of sustainability, social responsibility, and enhancing human experiences. By maintaining a holistic vision and considering the technical, economic, and social aspects of every project, Daniela ensures that the firm’s endeavors remain meaningful and aligned with its mission to create spaces that positively shape the world.

Balancing Personal Passion with Professional Pursuits

On a personal level, life outside of work holds equal importance for Daniela Dafarra as her professional commitments. She enjoys sailing, not only for its relaxing qualities but also for its ability to reconnect her with the elements of wind, water, and nature.

Her love for nature extends to her passion for practicing yoga, which helps her reconnect with the world as a whole. Yoga teaches her the art of meditation, listening, silence, and gratitude. Daniela also has a deep appreciation for art, enjoying visits to museums to admire both their collections and architectural designs, attending exhibitions, and exploring the intersection of art and architecture.

Furthermore, she cherishes traveling, as it allows her to experience diverse cultures, architectures, and landscapes, renewing her perspective and ideas. Each journey provides new inspiration, enabling her to approach architecture and design with a more global and inclusive mindset.

Balancing a leadership role with personal life can be challenging, but Daniela is fortunate to have an integrated support system that makes this balance feel more natural. Her partner at PRINCIPIOATTIVO, Luca Bigliardi, is also her husband, creating a unique dynamic where they share not only professional ambitions but also personal life. This partnership enables them to understand and support each other’s work needs while maintaining a healthy relationship. While they prioritize separating work from home life when necessary, their shared vision for the company often brings them closer, strengthening both their personal and professional bonds.