Francesca DeMarzo

“Design is everywhere, it’s how we shape the world around us, and the way we share who we are.”

Francesca brings an infectious energy and a global perspective to Explore Design. Originally from Lima, Peru, she’s always been drawn to creativity, from building blanket forts and LEGO sets as a kid, sketching new ideas on paper, or experimenting with colors and textures in her designs today. Her journey has taken her from studying architecture in Peru to honing her digital design skills in Spain, and now to Alaska, where she continues to explore how culture, craft, and curiosity intersect in the built environment.

At ExD, Francesca thrives in the early stages of design—concept sketching, material exploration, and seeing ideas evolve from imagination to reality. Her favorite part of the job is collaboration: creating the non-existent, sharing ideas, laughing through challenges, and learning from every project and teammate.

To her friends, she’s Franny, Franchu, or sometimes Franchula, no matter the name, she brings creativity wherever she goes. Music is always playing in the background, often with her singing along at red lights (loudly and unapologetically). Francesca stays inspired by capturing art in everyday life, snapping photos, exploring nature, and chasing sunsets along Anchorage’s coast. She’s deeply connected to her family in Peru, keeping their warmth close through daily video calls and shared laughter across continents.