In the early 2000s, Albania was a nation in transition, still grappling with the remnants of its communist past. The cities were a patchwork of aging Soviet-era blocks and hastily erected buildings from the chaotic 1990s, when deregulation and necessity overtook craftsmanship. Construction was utilitarian, often rushed and devoid of the artistic vision seen in Western Europe. The business environment was equally challenging, marked by an economy struggling to stabilize, outdated regulations, and a wary public unused to modern architectural innovations. Yet amid this backdrop of uncertainty, a new generation of Albanians saw opportunity where others saw obstacles, daring to believe that Albania’s future could reflect not only progress but beauty.

Florentia Erjola Xheko, just 23 years old, was among these visionaries. In 2005, she founded Aluflor with a bold mission: to transform Albania’s urban landscape with high-end, durable, and visually striking facades. Partnering with German engineers and material suppliers, she brought advanced technology and practices to a market unaccustomed to such innovation. Aluflor’s projects began to redefine the skyline, blending function with elegance and showcasing Albania’s growing aspirations. Erjola’s work wasn’t just about constructing buildings; it was about reshaping perceptions—of what architecture could be, of what Albania could become. In a country still finding its footing, Aluflor emerged as a beacon of modernity and ambition, a testament to the power of vision and resilience in a nation ready to rise.