Marie Kovářová, CEO of So Concrete

A graduate in mathematics from Charles University, Marie also taught at the Technical University in Liberec during her postgraduate studies. Her professional journey has taken her from academia through heavy industry to the financial sector. "In Germany, I was fascinated by the enormous machines in steelworks and metal production plants. In finance, it was the complexity of large corporations and how different corporate cultures intertwine."

After years spent in the abstract world of numbers, she decided to return to something more tangible — to production. "At So Concrete, my wish has come true: to be part of a company that not only manufactures but truly innovates. Working in a multidisciplinary team that blends the technical with the creative is incredibly inspiring for me."

Marie’s personal and professional philosophy stems from the environment in which she grew up. "My parents taught me that being surrounded by people who are more capable than I am will always push me forward. They were right — it’s both motivating and fun." She adds with a smile that she first learned this lesson as a child, when she and her twin sister were accidentally placed in a boys’ ski team. "It was tough, but it taught me that with a good partner, you can handle anything."

Under her leadership, So Concrete aims to further develop the connection between design, smart materials, and robotic fabrication — principles that have the power to transform modern architecture and construction. "We keep an eye on new trends across disciplines and are not afraid to pilot new methods. For us, innovation means the courage to experiment and push boundaries," says Marie.

A key value for her remains partnership — with architects, clients, suppliers, and within the team itself. "With a good partner, possibilities expand and new opportunities arise. That’s what our work is about — finding solutions together that make both aesthetic and technological sense."

"My goal is to do what I love — with people who are smart, capable, and a pleasure to work with. Because the best things are created in such an environment."