Maria Andrea Martin

Designed and delivered immersive retail, exhibition, and brand environments integrating spatial layout, graphics, and storytelling for high-traffic commercial venues. Developed spatial concepts, 3D models, and photorealistic renders for luxury and corporate brand activations, ensuring alignment with brand identity and customer experience. Led the design and master planning of Ciudad de Piedra, an immersive themed environment at Panamá La Vieja, crafting visitor journeys across multiple spatial scales.

Architect & Spatial Experience Designer - Contraxenas Productions - Panama City, Panama

(2024-10 - 2025-08)

• Designed and delivered immersive retail, exhibition, and brand environments integrating spatial layout, graphics, and storytelling for high-traffic commercial venues.
• Developed spatial concepts, 3D models, and photorealistic renders for luxury and corporate brand activations, ensuring alignment with brand identity and customer experience.
• Led the design and master planning of Ciudad de Piedra, an immersive themed environment at Panamá La Vieja, crafting visitor journeys across multiple spatial scales.
• Coordinated with fabricators, suppliers, and production teams to ensure technical feasibility, quality control, and on-site execution.
• Supported budget awareness, material selection, and logistical planning for large-scale temporary installations.

Architectural Intern - RMA ARCHITECTS (Rahul Mehrotra Architects) - Mumbai, India

(2023-05 - 2023-10)

• Designed spatial proposals for creative breakout spaces within an arts university project in Ahmedabad.
• Conducted research and spatial optimization studies for museum storage facilities at CSMVS Museum, Mumbai.
• Collaborated on proposals for the structural and interior remodelling of the Max Müller Institute, a heritage building with over 70 years of historical significance.
• Produced detailed technical drawings and construction documentation for a private residence, ensuring accuracy, material specification, and buildability.

Founder & Creative Director - AKIRA CANDLES - Panama City, Panama

(2021-05 - 2025-12)

• Conceived and directed the brand's visual identity, packaging, and product presentation, ensuring consistency across physical products, social media, and in-person retail settings.
• Managed product development, fragrance concept development, supplier coordination, quality control, and customer experience across 20+ community markets and pop-up events.
• Led creative direction for product launches, displays, and temporary retail environments, balancing aesthetics, sustainability, and brand storytelling.
• Organized private candle-making workshops and brand experiences tailored to client needs.

Master of Arts (MA) - Architecture and Historic Urban Environments - The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL (2025-09)

Bachelor of Architecture - Architecture - ISTHMUS, Escuela de Arquitectura y Diseño (2019-07 - 2024-06)

Master of Arts (MA) - International Relations and Art History - University of St. Andrews (2018-01 - 2019-05)