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Maria Kaliora.jpg

About Me.

Hi! I am Maria.

I am a Creative Strategist passionate for visionary design and future life models. I possess a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the ways in which science, technology, and philosophy can drive evolution and influence our day-to-day existence. My goal of creating immersive experiences that blend well-being with high performance while challenging the established norms within the design industry is truly captivating.

My unwavering dedication to innovation and problem-solving has propelled me to pursue a Masters degree in Strategic Design & Management at Parsons School of Design in New York. Combining over a decade of experience in the design industry as an architect with my expertise in UX research and strategy, I am committed to helping humanity innovate by constructing ecosystems that are firmly rooted in design thinking, user research insights, and human-centered design principles.

Recognizing that each project possesses its own unique requirements, needs, and potential impact, I approach them with an open mind and embrace ambiguity. My insatiable curiosity allows me to delve into the intricacies of people, contexts, and systems, enabling me to design solutions that generate value for both users and businesses alike. I thrive in creative environments and possess a remarkable ability to uncover connections between seemingly unrelated subjects. My eagerness to expand my knowledge and engage in collaborative efforts with individuals from diverse backgrounds further highlights my versatility and capacity for original thinking.

If you have any specific inquiries or if there is anything I can assist you with, please don't hesitate to let me know!

Tools & Skills

Strategy

Miro

Mural

Figma

Keynote

UX Design

Design Research

Concept Development

 Strategy

Workshop Facilitation

Critical Thinking

Communication

Slack

G suite

Zoom / Teams

Asana

Collaboration

Visualization

Oral Communication

Written Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Coordination

Initiative

Flexibility

Client Relations

Database management

Design

Illustrator

InDesign

Photoshop

Canvas

Video Editing

Modeling/Rhino

Rendering/Enscape

Autocad

Abstraction

Synthesis

Design & Planning

Ergonomics

Project Management

How the story unfolds.

2020-2022

MSc Strategic Design & Management

Dean's Merit Scholar Award
Parsons School of Design, New York


 

The MS in Strategic Design and Management brings together human-centered design thinking, management, and applied social sciences to address the complex economic, environmental, and social challenges businesses face today. With a focus on design-based approaches, it furthers perspectives on organizational management and strategy, financial and environmental sustainability, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership.

Aug 2021-May 2022

UX Researcher & Concept Developer

Capstone Project

Collaboration Collective

As a UX researcher, I was involved into qualitative exploration creating infographics, affinity diagrams, using observations and emerging themes, aiming to understand what collaboration looks like in action and what ingredients make up a successful collaboration that results in a strong and effective organisation. I designed the CS Roll an algorithmic collaboration tool based on AI technology which identifies the opportunities and the challenges within an organisations, providing solutions and offering multiple ways of intervention from different points, serving both the employee needs and the organisations needs at the same time.

2020-present

Creative Strategist & co-founder

Architecture & Design 

studio MĀKINA, Athens, Greece

As a managing director of studio MĀKINA, I have experience in the planning process by analysing customer & contextual insights bringing awareness around different design solutions and identifying

through iterations where and how the end design proposal needs to evolve.

Working directly with clients through all phases of the design process has sharpened my ability to translate feedback into solutions that meet their needs.

Jan 2020-May 2020

UX Researcher

Student Consultant

NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Through planning and contacting a 4 months Design Research (Quantitative + Qualitative Analysis), I managed to unfold the challenges in the LEO ecosystem using directive, convergent and deep research methodologies. I visualised potential solutions & strategies based on research insights that both fuelled ideation and evaluated product experiences through high fidelity mock-ups.

2017-2020

UX Researcher / Concept Developer

Architecture & Project Management

A&M Architects, Athens, Greece

As a Project Architect, I played a central role in the design process and managed projects from initial design to completion of construction. I have participated in a variety of architectural exhibitions and international competitions.

I has a great experience in managing multiple project types including master planning, residential, offices, hotels, furnitures & objects.

2014-2017

UX Designer

Architecture & Design

314 architecture studio, Athens, Greece

I was fortunate to start my architectural career on a team that shared my passion for working with unlimited creativity willing to make a cultural impact. As a member of this studio, I designed different types of residential projects, spaces and concept experiences  for clients in Europe. I got expertise in several practical and construction matters, how to solve problems instantly and how to listen to clients needs, sell my ideas, incorporate feedback, deliver under pressure, and develop new skills. 

2011-2013

Diploma in Architecture

Scholar Master student
Politecnico di Milano

Awarded the “Thesis Abroad Scholarship” to complete thesis project research with Thesis Advisor, John Barton, director of Architectural Design Program in Stanford University.

2013 - 2 weeks

Scholar Design Researcher

Research and Digital Visualisation Workshop 

Università IUAV di Venezia

Research workshop that provided a thorough introduction to a series of digital tools and methods for the analysis, interpretation and visualisation of data related to the shaping of man-made space.

2012 - 4 months

Architecture Student Representative

Elope 5 - Innovative Learning Environment

Cologne University of  Applied Sciences

Synchronous and asynchronous workshops, ideation, research and brainstorming, concept visualisation, multidisciplinary working model, remote collaboration sessions between multidisciplinary teams.

2007-2010

Bachelor in Architecture


University of  Nottingham

RIBA part I,  (B.Arch.), Hons

Email

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