Underneath/Overlooked | Design dialogues

From intricate terrazzo floors to iconic architectural spaces, uncover the legacy of the Scolaro family in this fascinating panel discussion

Discover the story behind one of Western Australia’s most significant terrazzo businesses.

Join panellists, Kate Fitzgerald, Toby Marks, and Armando Scolaro, and chairperson, Pippa Hurst, for a heartfelt and insightful discussion of the history, influence, and enduring legacy, of the Universal Tile Factory and terrazzo.

Kate FitzGerald is the founder and leader of Whispering Smith a female-led architecture practice operating out of Walyalup-Fremantle.

Whispering Smith is a socially and environmentally driven practice, where stories, art and meaning are priortised, which is reflected across all of their projects.

Toby Marks has been making Terrazzo since 2020.

He learnt how to make terrazzo out of an interest in helping to pass on the knowledge of the craft. He initially started while living in Argentina under the name In Stone, upon returning to Australia in 2023, he rebranded and now operates as Pivello Terrazzo. His work puts an emphasis on continuing the life cycle of waste stone products by intergrating them into terrazzo while creating bold, colourful flooring and tables.

Armando Scolaro, Giuseppe and Anna Scolaro's son, who has been an integral part of the Underneath/Overlooked project.

Armando's childhood memories are filled with scenes from the Universal Tile Factory, which opened its doors when he was just 12.

Now retired and living in his home containing tiles made by his mother's, Anna's, hands and his wife, Armando spent his life as a trained engineer and an academic.

Pippa Hurst is the fouder of DesignFreo, and has over 20 years of experience as a communications and marketing professional both in Australia and the UK.

This project is made possible through the Regional Creative Industries Fund with support from the WA Government and delivered by ART ON THE MOVE.

Image: Penny Bovell and Gabby Howlett, Underneath/Overlooked, 2021, Scolaro family tile mould. Photograph by Rebecca Mansell.