more than a name

Lineage represents four generations of craftsmanship. It reflects a legacy of knowledge passed from one generation to the next, evolving with time while remaining true to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have always defined the trade. It all began in 1928 when Luigi Giacon immigrated to New Zealand from Italy and joined Auckland's emerging terrazzo trade.

Less than a decade later, following the 1931 Napier earthquake, Luigi was among the tradesmen who travelled to help rebuild the city. The terrazzo work completed during that era remains part of the character and timeless appeal that Napier is celebrated for today.

What began with Luigi became a family trade.

Three of his four sons spent their working lives in the terrazzo industry, including James' grandfather, John Giacon. With each generation, the family's skills continued to grow and evolve.

The next generation carried the family legacy forward, building on traditional terrazzo craftsmanship while expanding into stone masonry, architectural finishes, and specialist surface work all the while, remaining true to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that had always defined the trade.

Black and white historical photo of fifteen men posing together outside a building with sign reading "Modern Terrazzo G. Migliaccio." The men are dressed in suits, sweaters, and casual jackets, some wearing ties, in a vintage mid-20th-century style.
Black and white historical photo of fifteen men posing together outside a building with sign reading "Modern Terrazzo G. Migliaccio." The men are dressed in suits, sweaters, and casual jackets, some wearing ties, in a vintage mid-20th-century style.

Luigi and workers (including sons John and Anthony) taken outside Modern Terrazzo (Lui Giacon Ltd) at 5 Union Street. Central Auckland.

Photo source: Giacon Family

WHERE WE COME IN.

After leaving school, James began his apprenticeship under his uncle Lou Giacon, learning the foundations of terrazzo and developing his expertise across stone masonry, concrete, restoration, and specialist finishes.

Over his 30+ years in the industry, James has worked on projects throughout New Zealand combining generations of knowledge and technique with modern materials, methods, and design.

Today, James carries forward a legacy spanning more than a century, creating terrazzo, stone and concrete work that reflects the craftsmanship of previous generations while meeting the expectations of contemporary projects.

Black and white photo of factory workers assembling furniture on a factory floor with various tools and machinery.

Luigi’s Factory. Auckland.

Photo source: Giacon Family