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