Maria Paula is an Engagement and Communication Designer at 3×3, where she combines the power of participatory design principles and evidence-based research to create transformative, human-centered models that prioritize innovation and inclusivity. With a natural aptitude for navigating complex challenges, Maria enjoys crafting solutions that go beyond mere aesthetics, placing a strong emphasis on practicality and real-world impact. At the core of her creative practice, Maria is committed to embodying essential values such as equity, empathy, and global interconnectedness to empower individuals and communities. Her dedication to community-centered design leads her to actively engage with end-users and stakeholders, recognizing their invaluable insights as integral to the creative process. Through a collaborative approach, she fosters a sense of ownership, ensuring that each solution is thoughtfully tailored to meet the unique needs of those it serves. Maria’s background includes experience in architecture, healthcare, education, and working with vulnerable communities in low-income settings. She has worked with people with terminal illnesses, immigrants, children, and hard-of-hearing individuals, all of which have driven her curiosity in exploring the realms of visual and non-verbal communication, inspiring her to become a Sign-Language student. Her eagerness to learn and embrace diverse forms of expression enables her to connect with individuals through various channels on a deeper level. Maria holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Master’s in Transdisciplinary Design with a minor in Civic Service Design from The New School – Parsons School of Design.
