Marialisa Santi (1975) graduated in architecture with a specialization in restoration from the Politecnico in Milan in 2001. In 2002 she started working with RSG on architectural and restoration projects for private clients and companies including the restoration of the Pirelli skyscraper, then moving on to restoration and re-use projects for private residences. Meeting with Vudafieri Saverino Partners in 2006 consolidated her interest for retail in which she soon became a specialist and with them she worked on international projects for luxury brands, including Tod's and mass-market brands. In 2012, together with Giacomo Cristofori, she founded the studio Cristofori Santi Architetti which developed the new concept for the Cerruti 1881 stores, and then opened the first Harbour City brand store in 2012. Based in Milan, Marialisa Santi spends much of her time in China and the US, when she is not in London and Paris working on new ideas and projects.