Italian creativity, handicraft skills and expertise are the foundations of Zenith Italia, a construction company specialized in building and remodeling real estate properties by using authentic materials and traditional finishing techniques.
The mission of CEO Ermanno Zotti and his team of Italian artisans is to provide American clients with the perfect combination of durability and style, of modern functionality and the refined taste typical of Italian homes. We have asked him how.
How long have you been living and working in Los Angeles?
Since 2008, when I started my own company Zenith Italia. I had a good feeling about Los Angeles from the very beginning. Entrepreneurs usually follow their instinct, and I liked the style of the city’s residential real estate immediately. This seemed to me the perfect place to develop the family business, and I was right.
What is the main idea behind Zenith?
I wanted to combine the needs of American costumers and the beauty of Italian finishing techniques, quality materials, and traditional handicraft.
And how has the U.S. market responded so far?
Americans really love Made in Italy. This is what I invested in. Therefore, not only I buy and import authentic Italian materials, but I also keep collaborating with the same suppliers and craftsmen my father used to work with in order to offer higher quality standards to my U.S. customers. The accurate handwork of skilled Italian artisans with 20-30 years of experience in finishing marbles, Venetian “spatolato” plaster, or engraved gems inevitably affects the final result. And thankfully, even here in Los Angeles I can rely on Italian craftsmen as far as finishing touches are concerned. In addition, I manage to keep expenses down in comparison with local producers by avoiding import intermediaries and personally following all phases of the process.
A large number of Mediterranean-style houses were built in the 1920s and 1930s in Los Angeles. Do you think the Italian architectural taste is still in fashion?
In my opinion, nowadays Italian products and workmanship attract the clients’ interest more than our architecture, as modern now prevails over classical. On the contrary, in the last few years Italy has been inspired by talented U.S. architects regarding style and space arrangement. Yet neo-classical finishing touches are still appreciated and can create interesting contrasts or visual effects if combined with modern architectural lines. An example of this is represented by light colored marbles matched with wooden and steel elements. The style of Zenith Italia can adapt to different architectural inspirations, no matter how distant they are from the neoclassical tradition.
What is the greatest point of strength of Made in Italy?
Undoubtedly the materials and manufacturing techniques. Even a beautiful product can be spoiled in the end if it is finished, assembled, and installed by somebody who has never done it before. This is why I have gathered a team of talented Italian artists able to handle and perfect Zenith products.
What do you believe is the greatest challenge in your job?
Dealing with all practical aspects, such as managing the import and manufacturing schedule. But also cultural differences in the relationship with our American business partners. Nevertheless, I always put all my passion and enthusiasm in this job, and the satisfaction of realizing quality products able to stand the test of time is my greatest reward.
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