Team

Christine Maria Marsigliano

Where were you born?

Port Chester, NY

Where is your favorite travel destination?

Jamaica for the dreamy sunsets and warm breezes, Italy for it’s architecture and incredible food, Colombia for its rich culture and vibrant energy, and Copenhagen for its exceptional quality of life.

What’s something you’d still love to learn?

This is a hard question for me—I’m always eager to learn new things, but becoming a Reiki healer is something I would truly love to pursue. I would also love to learn Italian fluently.

What are some of the Mancini projects you’re working on?

I am currently working on retail spaces inside the new JFK Terminal 1. I’ve never worked on retail spaces before, but it might be my favorite type of project yet.

Describe Mancini’s company culture in one word?

Friendly.

What kind of projects do you want to work on (or technology you want to use) in the future?

Public housing, community-centered spaces, and outdoor open areas that foster recreation, relaxation, and social connection.

What do you hope to see in the future in the world of architecture and design?

I would love to see a more sustainable, equitable, and diverse future for all. I am very passionate about cultivating the next generation of diverse professionals and am deeply committed to mentorship and education. I teach Materials in a Sustainably Built Environment at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), where I help prepare the next generation of designers to think critically about sustainability, material choices, and the social impact of design.

When did you know you wanted to be an architect/designer?

From a very young age, I knew I wanted to be a designer. Starting at 8 years old, I watched HGTV instead of cartoons on the weekends – that’s when I realized my passion. I was fascinated by how design can have such a powerful impact on human feelings and emotions.

What is something you collect?

Art from all over the world. I love collecting pottery, drawings, posters, and paintings from my travels—each piece holds a memory from a different place.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Nothing beats a trial but a failure—meaning, always go for it. It doesn’t hurt to try, and you’ll never know the outcome unless you do. Always give it your best.

What is your favorite hobby?

Making art—drawing, etching, painting with wool, and working with ceramics—brings me the greatest joy. Being creative is when I feel most happy and at peace.

Who inspires you the most in your field?

Carmita Sanchez-Fong, former Chair of the FIT Interior Design Department, has had a profound impact on my life and empowered me to grow into a better person, designer, and educator. During a very transitional period in my life, she helped me discover courage and strength I didn’t know I had within. She saw my potential and opened doors for me at FIT that changed the course of my journey.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I wouldn’t say hidden talents, but I do believe I have a gift for connecting with people and making them feel truly seen. I’m also very intuitive, which helps me build meaningful relationships with others.

Any other interesting fact about you?

An interesting fact about me is that I had a green iguana growing up, and he would walk around my house like a dog or a cat.