Maria Paulina Pelaez

Maria Paulina Pelaez grew up in Medellín, Colombia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. She recently completed her master’s in architecture at the University of Virginia, with a focus on urban design through the Urban Design Certificate program. A semester in Barcelona allowed her to immerse herself in the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, which continues to influence her work and research.

Teaching has been a cornerstone of Maria’s career, with roles at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, the University of Virginia, and CU Denver. In 2025, she will join the Regional and Urban Design Knowledge Community, furthering her contributions to the field of architecture. Her professional journey spans architectural and landscape architecture firms, in Colombia and Washington D.C, where she has focused on residential architecture, interior design, and urban design projects.  

Outside of her professional pursuits, Maria enjoys traveling and photography. She has also competed in Ultimate Frisbee for over a decade, valuing the sport’s emphasis on teamwork and discipline.