Women Shaping the Future of Durasein—Pam Dervarics
In honor of Women’s History Month, we spoke with four women at Durasein whose perspectives, leadership, and expertise help shape the way we think about design, materials, and collaboration. Below, they share insights from their work, the lessons they’ve learned, and what inspires them most.
What inspired you to pursue a career connected to design and building materials?
PAM DERVARICS
My educational background in education and business led me to develop an interest in surfacing products. Architectural design is a secondary hobby. I find great satisfaction in educating and consulting with designers on their projects and watching their visions succeed.
What aspects of your role at Durasein excite you the most?
PAM DERVARICS
I am energized at Durasein by the team I work with, the company’s culture, and by the quality and beauty of the product. Additionally, my position allows me to collaborate, solve problems, learn, grow, and contribute to purpose and impact.
What do designers sometimes overlook when selecting surfaces or materials for a project?
PAM DERVARICS
This is a tough question! The designers I work with are extremely intelligent and thorough. I would like designers to know there are many uses for solid surface since it is non-porous. As a former health & education teacher, I find it so important to recognize the health benefits of solid surfaces.
How do you help guide clients toward solutions that balance performance and aesthetics?
PAM DERVARICS
Durasein is a designer-focused company. I appreciate the designer-centered approach. When designers have all the necessary information and data, such as product knowledge, aesthetic insights, pricing, thermoformability, sustainability, and certifications, they can make well-informed decisions. I prioritise that designers are satisfied with the outcome. Trust and honor are important for continued success as partners.
What’s something about your role that might surprise people outside the industry?
PAM DERVARICS
My position is very strategic. I wear many hats, from educating ADs and managing product, new color development, to answering fabricators’ and ADs’ questions, reviewing drawings, handling internal communication, and coordinating the specifications team.
What inspires you creatively when thinking about spaces and materials?
PAM DERVARICS
Inspiration can be found everywhere—from collaborating with designers to natural light and the outdoors (biophilic design), art and culture, social connections, experimentation and play, television, magazines, and people. Be mindful of what you observe.
What advice would you give someone entering the industry today?
PAM DERVARICS
Above all, prioritize health and safety. Since it is a very active industry, flexibility is crucial. Develop your ability to make creative decisions effectively. Understand the challenges and successes of each component. Construction and specifications involve a process. Learn your product well and care about people’s projects, because their success reflects on you. Build your reputation on honesty, integrity, and knowledge.
