Primo Orpilla
CoFounder, Principal | Studio O+A

Studio O+A is an interiors firm that specializes in workplace design. Establishing the company with Verda Alexander in 1991, Primo drew on an early interest in design and a feel for the growing tech economy to orient O+A to a rapidly changing work environment. A champion of design as a multidisciplinary art form, O+A grew from a two-person space-planning operation into a full-service design studio. As a thought leader in workplace design, Primo has spearheaded numerous experimental initiatives—from pop-up installations to next-generation office prototypes for the future of workplace. Primo is a passionate advocate for design education, working to expand opportunities for young professionals and emerging talent. He is a frequent lecturer at design schools as well as global design conferences, where he shares insights on the evolving workplace and empowers the next generation of designers to create with purpose and authenticity.

Studio O+A

HISTORY

Leaders Breakfast was started in 1989 by the IIDA New York Chapter and was expanded in 2001 into an international event series by IIDA Headquarters. In 2009, Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) was added as an additional partner, bringing the series to multiple Canadian provinces.

Through the support of two International Benefactors, MillerKnoll and Interior Design, Leaders celebrates design’s importance in the global marketplace by honoring the people who are both the legacy and future of design.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Each Leaders event features a renowned keynote speaker to provoke and encourage new ideas and recognizes one city-selected honoree making significant contributions to the design industry. With some distinction from city to city, the format of each Leaders event is standard: The morning begins with an hour of networking for designers, architects, and other industry professionals, followed by a sit-down breakfast. During breakfast, attendees are treated to a presentation by the keynote speaker, and the locally-chosen honoree is given the Leadership Award.