Natalia’s professional background includes formal education in architecture and interior design and more than 20 years of professional practice, teaching, and administrative experience in higher education. Joining Design Institute in 2016, Natalia worked closely with faculty and the administrative team to lead the program through a successful CIDA reaccreditation, curriculum development, and expansion of academic offerings through the addition of a graduate program. In her role as Chief Academic Officer, she currently leads the BFA and MID programs and coordinates the development and implementation of strategic goals related to future academic offerings at DI. Natalia’s design work has been featured in local and regional publications and received several professional awards. Natalia is a past President of ASID San Diego Chapter and has been actively involved in the interior design community as a speaker, juror, and member of professional boards and committees. She received ASID 2017 Ones to Watch National Award in Education Leadership and the 2019 Ethel Siegelman Award for Outstanding Service to the ASID San Diego Chapter.