M. Natalia Hidalgo C. - Design Strategist Portfolio
portfolio
Hidalgo Strategist
Natalia
I believe that meaningful human connections flourish in multidisciplinary environments, where individuals grow and embrace open-minded perspectives. By integrating diverse knowledge, we can approach challenges with creativity, adaptability, and depth, leading to innovative solutions that deeply resonate on a human level. This approach bridges gaps, strengthens relationships, and fosters trust, collaboration, and shared understanding, ultimately transforming the way we connect with one another and engage with the world.
The projects showcased in this portfolio were developed in collaboration with colleagues across various organizations. While this selection highlights areas where my contributions were significant, these achievements would not have been possible without their invaluable support and teamwork.
Natalia Hidalgo
LANGUAGES
Modeling
AutoCad Autodesk
Revit and 3D Max Autodesk
Mgmt Tools (Asana, Slack, Teams, Trello)
Virtual Boards (Mural, Miro)
Client Facing & Facilitation
Teamwork / Team Building
2020 - current
(6 months full time / 3.5 years contractor)
2020 - 2024 (4 years) WESTERN
- 2020 (3.5 years)
RESUME
2014 - 2020 (6 years contractor)
Communications Coordinator
LONDON SUZUKI SCHOOL
Suzuki Teacher for violin, piano and Early Childhood Education
- COSTA RICA
Associate Design Strategist
SUZUKI ASSOCIATION OF THE AMERICAS (SAA)
SPANISH ENGLISH Native, fluent Fluent
SKILLS SOFT SKILLS & SOFTWARE
Adobe Suite (AI, ID, PS)
MARIA NATALIA HIDALGO CASTRO
Translation & book design: didactic material for teacher trainers.
Microsoft Office
2012 - 2020 (8 years)
SUZUKI SCHOOL OF MUSIC
STRATEGIST
Suzuki Teacher for violin, piano and Early Childhood Education
Translation & book design: didactic material for teacher trainers.
Course Credential ID 12961126
Suzuki Teacher for violin, piano and Early Childhood Education
Windows Operating System
AutoCad Autodesk
2012 -2019
Problem-solving and strategic planning
Adaptability & work under pressure
Critical Analysis & Visualization MAC
2015 - 2017 (2 years)
2004 - 2010 (6 years)
2010 - 2014
1990 - 2018
2007 - 2010
JOARISTI & BARASCOUT (J&B) - COSTA RICA
SUZUKI VIOLIN TEACHER TRAINING (I TO IV), PHILOSOPHY & SECE STAGE
- 2020 (8 years) SUZUKI SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Suzuki Teacher for violin, piano and Early Childhood Education
Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA)
Interior Designer
Trainers: Caroline Fraser, Ann Montzka Smelser, Sharon Jones
ART & CULTURE ASSOCIATION - COSTA RICA
Revit and 3D Max Autodesk
- 2017 (2 years)
JOARISTI & BARASCOUT (J&B) - COSTA RICA
Interior Designer
Mgmt Tools (Asana, Slack, Teams, Trello)
BACHELOR OF INTERIOR DESIGN
Program Planner & Graphic Designer
Veritas University/San José, Costa Rica
MUSIC SCIENCES WITH EMPHASIS ON VIOLIN
Instituto Nacional de Música / San José, Costa Rica
PHILOSOPHY & LATIN
PUSC - Pontificia Università della Santa Croce & UCR / San José, Costa Rica.
Virtual Boards (Mural, Miro)
- 2010 (6 years)
EDUCATION
Client Facing & Facilitation
Teamwork / Team Building
Critical Analysis & Visualization
ART & CULTURE ASSOCIATION - COSTA RICA
Program Planner & Graphic Designer
Problem-solving and strategic planning
Adaptability & work under pressure
CHANGE MANAGEMENT
the Employee Journey Map
Project Type Change Management
New Headquarters Change Management
OTPP, Canada
Ontario Teachers’ new downtown Toronto headquarters reflects the organization’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. To ensure employees can fully understand and maximize the potential of the new space, our strategy team was entrusted with leading a nearly two-year change management project. This initiative includes developing visual campaigns, organizing engaging activities, and fostering employee involvement to support a smooth transition to their new workplace. Our approach aims to equip staff with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the new environment, ensuring a seamless and successful move to their new home.
Project Type Change Management
Change Management Campaign
Gensler, Costa Rica
Gensler’s Costa Rica office aims to transform its workplace into a flexible space. As the company grows, it is initiating a “work-fromhome” program and implementing unassigned seating protocols for all employees. This strategy is inspired by a story in which Milton, the main character of the office, guides all the employees—referred to as Walkers—on an exciting journey toward a more comfortable, activitydriven work environment.
My role: Content Co-Lead and Graphic Director and Creator.
Project Type Change Management
Switch to public transportation could lower your carbon footprint by 4,800 pounds annually.
New Transportation Experience
Microsoft Headquarters, Costa Rica
Microsoft Headquarters is preparing to relocate to a new building in the Capital City. The leadership team aims to encourage alternative transportation methods to help reduce the company’s carbon footprint. This communication campaign is designed to explain the various programs being implemented to achieve sustainability goals and enhance the daily transportation experience for employees.
My role: Content Co-Lead and Graphic Director and Creator.
Welcome and thank for signing up for our shuttle tours!
Below you can find the bus ticket with key information for your trip.
The final dates selected are: Tuesday Sept. 10th, Friday Sept. 13th, Wednesday Sept. 18th. If for some reason the final selected day for your specific site does not work for you, please email us and we can include you in one of the other two options.
This is the tour we have you listed for
•
•
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Project Type Change Management
Employees should become familiar with the environment of their future workplace. To facilitate this, the change management team organizes “Trip Advisor” bus tours for employees. The communication campaign is designed to provide information about this activity, invite employees to participate, and offer brochures and useful resources during the tours.
Project Type Change Management
CITI
IS MOVING AND YOU’RE NEXT!
We are excited to announce our upcoming move to our new Citi Works environment to El Cafetal.
El asiento de Irene es mejor conocido dentro de su barrio como ‘la zona polar’ –ella no tiene ninguna otra opción más que abrigarse todos los días para trabajar. Al mudarse a un nuevo ambiente de Citi Works, las personas tienen la habilidad de escoger entre los grupos de asientos dentro de sus barrios, permitiéndoles integrar dentro de su día su confort y preferencias personales.
Dear ICG and GCB employees, illustrate the benefits of this important change for our organization and particularly for us in BSU ICG and BSU GCB, who will be the second groups in the region. So stay tuned for more to come! Shortly we will be announcing a Townhall where we will be sharing all important information regarding our new Citi Works environment. So please joins us in this exciting opportunity to learn more about our future and share your thoughts!
This group of four (Carlos, Ignacio, Tania and Irene – on the right) will lead our way towards Citi Works – a dynamic workplace designed to make employees happier and more productive, support diverse work styles, improve engagement and attract the next generation of talent.
Throughout the next weeks, we will be sharing a series of communications that
Make sure you don’t stay behind in this process, locate who’s the Change Agent representing your team and communicate any doubts or concerns. We’re only 23 days away from moving!
Tania tiene que trabajar mientras su vecina almuerza en el escritorio, el olor tan fuerte le genera problemas de distracción. El Work Café permite a los empleados comer meriendas y comidas frías mientras sus colegas pueden seguir trabajando sin necesidad de distraerse.
Workplace Etiquette Tips Campaign
Citi Bank, Costa Rica
Citi Bank is consolidating four locations into a single hub and redesigning its workplace environment to be activity-based. All departments will undergo a complete transformation of their physical spaces and adopt new methods of working and collaborating with one another. Our strategy team creates a weekly humorous series of do’s and don’ts for employees to help rebuild workplace etiquette and teach them how to maximize the benefits of the various work modes available in the new office space.
My role: Content Co-Lead and Graphic Director and Creator.
guardar sus pertenencias dejando su espacio de trabajo libre y flexible. De la misma manera permite que todos sean más efectivos a la hora de trabajar.
UN NUEVO TRATAMIENTO estrategia de comunicación
DE CAMBIO PROCESO CHANGE MANAGEMENT IFM
INTRODUCCIÓN GENERALIDADES
dosis para el cliente
Nuevo fármaco para combatir los síntomas del cambio
¿Qué tipo de medicamento sería?
¿Cómo funcionaría?
¿Cuánto tardaría en hacer efecto?
¿Cómo se yo si este tratamiento es indicado para mí?
Project Type Change Management
¿Cómo tomar el medicamento?
¿Qué debe saber antes de tomalo?
¿Cuál sería su dosis?
¿Cuánto habría que esperar para notar su efecto
¿Existen efectos secundarios?
¿Cuándo necesitarían consultar al médico? (designarlo)
¿Qué pasa si se olvida tomar el medicamento?
Change Management Campaign
Pfizer, Latin America
Pfizer LATAL is undergoing significant changes to its office infrastructure and maintenance processes. To help employees adjust to the new work environment, our Strategy team has been assigned to develop a year-long communication campaign. This campaign is centered around the creative concept of a “new series of vitamins,” designed to enhance employees’ adaptability and readiness, enabling them to navigate these changes with greater ease and confidence.
My role: Content Co-Lead and Graphic Director and Creator.
Project Type Change Management
Creating Personas for Office New Experiences
Financial Firm, New York
The office is transitioning to a mobile work system, where employees will no longer have assigned seating. To support this change, our Strategy Team has been tasked with creating weekly stories introducing employees to new ways of working, helping them align with the company’s principles and enhancing productivity in this evolving environment.
My role: Graphic and Content Collaborator.
Project Type Social Media Campaign
Gender Equality Campaign
Western University, CREVAWC
A campaign by The Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children (CREVAWC) is taking place from September 20 to 26 in observance of Gender Equality Week. This week offers a chance to raise awareness about the significant contributions that women and gender-diverse communities have made to the growth, development, character, and identity of Canada.
My role: Content Co-Lead and Graphic Director and Creator.
GUIDELINES & BOOKS
Project Type Workplace Culture Guidebook
Variety of work settings
spaces should be open and informal to allow for casual and disciplines as well as promote productive collisions. of work settings to allow individual focus work, impromptu meetings, and large gatherings. Consideration should be given to each type of work setting. This room within a room concept divided into more comfortable areas with a size and scale See also Furniture & Accessories for example settings used to
Workpalce Culture Guidebook
GSK London, United Kingdom
Culture is a cornerstone of any organization, shaping its identity and driving its success. Prioritizing cultural development fosters greater employee engagement—physically, cognitively, and emotionally— allowing individuals to thrive in their roles. These guidelines outline key principles, behaviours, and activities designed to enrich the office experience, spark innovation, and cultivate a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging. The ultimate goal is to create a positive, collaborative environment that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.
My role: Content Collaborator and Graphic Director and Creator.
Project Type Workplace Strategy
PLACE WORK
Guidelines
does the space supports Activity Based Working?
Towards ActivityBased Working
Sun Life, Canada
Sun Life is embracing a new way of working, which calls for a complete redesign of its workplace layout. With the shift to a hybrid model and a redefined office purpose, our strategy team has been tasked with not only designing innovative space types that align with these evolving work styles but also developing guiding principles to support employees in transitioning to this new way of working. Our objective is to create a flexible, functional environment that fosters collaboration, productivity, and well-being, while ensuring a seamless and successful adaptation for all employees.
My role: Content Director and Graphic Director and Creator.
Boston Scientific, Costa Rica
Boston Scientific is renovating its Costa Rica headquarters and has commissioned a booklet to ensure a smooth transition and an enhanced employee experience. Drawing on a study of current behaviors, the guide provides practical insights to help employees navigate the redesigned space, leverage its benefits, and maintain productivity.
Project Type Guidelines
Creating Accessible PDFs
Western University, Canada
The Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children (CREVAWC) is seeking a tool to assist their staff in creating accessible PDFs. The Centre aims to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), a law designed to make Ontario more accessible and inclusive by 2025.
My role: Content Co-Lead and Graphic Director and Creator.
CredibanCo
Experiencia Positiva de Cambio
CredibanCo emprende el camino hacia una nueva sede, donde sus colaboradores podrán desarrollar todo su potencial en un entorno de confianza, colaboración, agilidad y bienestar que los llevará a obtener nuevos y mejores resultados de una manera más eficiente.
A través de este proyecto de gestión de cambio, se busca alinear las necesidades, retos y oportunidades de los diferentes grupos y unidades de negocio de la Organización, con el fin de identificar las herramientas adecuadas para preparar la transición hacia el nuevo hogar
En este viaje de transformación se viven experiencias únicas que permiten a todos sus colaboradores construir el futuro de CredibanCo. Es sin duda una oportunidad para que, a través de un plan de gestión eficiente, se logre una Experiencia Positiva de Cambio.
Contenidos
Project Type Workplace Design & Culture Guidebook
Workplace Design & Culture Guidebook
CredibanCo, Colombia
A financial firm in Colombia is undergoing a transformation to adopt a new Agile System. They need to rethink the physical layout of their offices to better meet their immediate needs. This book offers insights into how to redesign their workspaces and provides guidelines to support and enhance a culture of innovation and creativity.
My role: Content Co-Lead and Graphic Director and Creator.
Project Type Workplace Design Guidelines
Workplace Design Guidelines Playbook
BAC Credomatic, Latin America
One of the largest financial firms in Central America is undergoing a renovation of its brand and office spaces. Their goals are to retain talent, enhance employee well-being, and differentiate themselves from other organizations in their service delivery and client support. These design guidelines outline the configuration of offices from this new perspective. They provide comprehensive design guidance along with a step-by-step explanation of how to proceed with new projects, renovations, or updates to existing spaces.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Ford is in the process of restructuring its workplace. The project is being led by its global team based in Dearborn, Detroit. They are seeking a modular system that allows for easy and quick modifications within their offices, tailored to their evolving needs. These guidelines cover not only administrative offices but also spaces for engineers and maker spaces.
Airport Design Guidelines
Copa
Airlines, Panama
Copa Airlines has experienced significant growth over the past 15 to 20 years. Currently, the company is renovating all its offices to meet new standards that reflect its current scale and maintain competitiveness in the market. Our strategy team has been hired to analyze current operations and redesign the workplace guidelines, including airport operational areas and training facilities.
Project Type Book Design
TEACHING GOALS
Suzuki Methodology Training Books
Suzuki Association of the Americas, US
The SAA conducts training courses and workshops for music teachers worldwide, with each Training Certificate Professor delivering their unique pedagogy using their own materials. Ann Montzka Smelser, a renowned educator in the United States, has requested the design of her books, along with the creation of a Spanish-language version. This extensive project includes eight volumes, as well as additional practice books. In 2019, the format of printed books was transformed into interactive platforms and PDFs, expanding their accessibility and usability.
My role: Book Translator and Design.
DESIGN STRATEGY
Project Type Workplace Amenities Strategy
Amenity Experience Strategy
Real Estate Firm, Canada
A global real estate investment, operations, and development company is working to establish a consistent amenity experience across its Canadian portfolio. Our strategy team conducts in-depth observational and data analysis of their city locations to create guiding principles, tools, and a comprehensive toolkit for the company to renovate and enhance all its properties. This enterprise-wide approach ensures a cohesive and elevated experience across locations, aligning with the company’s vision and operational objectives while enhancing the overall tenant and visitor experience.
My role: Content Collaborator and Graphic Director and Creator.
Categorize & score criteria Visualization
Project Type Data Analzyis & Experience Strategy
ÍNDICE DE DIVISIONES
DESGLOSE DE PAÍSES POR CADA REGIÓN
DIVISIONS INDEX
Country/Region Classification
Experience Evaluation and Strategy
Mc Donald’s (Arcos Dorados), Latin America
Over the past two years, McDonald’s LATAM has been renovating its restaurants to enhance the customer experience. To ensure alignment with new requirements and guidelines, leaders identified the need for a system to evaluate each restaurant and gather insights on the impact of these changes on clients. The Strategy Team developed a dynamic platform using Qualtrics, enabling seamless data collection and realtime visualization tailored to the client’s specific needs. This solution streamlines the review process and provides actionable insights for continuous improvement.
My role: Content Co-Lead and Graphic Director and Creator.
Arcos Dorados Revisión de Calidad: Diseño & Experiencia
EXPERIENCIAS PARA DISEÑAR IDENTIDAD
Project Type Brand Strategy
Hospitality Brand Strategy
Confidential Client, Colombia
Based on Gensler’s Experience Index tool, the Strategy Team is leading a research initiative to develop a new identity for a hospitality project. This document provides a comprehensive overview of how the study and design process will be approached, outlining the methodology selected to guide the project from inception to completion. It aims to engage the client by clearly explaining the steps, strategies, and tools that will be employed to create a distinctive and impactful hospitality experience.
Project Type Facilitation Session
Visioning Session for a Master Plan
NYA Master Plan Strategy, Costa Rica
NYA is the name of a new city planned for development in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This graphic material was created for a collaborative work session with the clients and project owners. The goal was to establish customer, employee, and investors’ drivers to develop an investors book. The session began with a discussion about the origin of the project’s name, NYA. The highlight of the session was a game where participants faced questions and challenges that encouraged innovative thinking. The guiding principle of the session is that inviting people to engage in a co-creation environment leads to better and more productive insights.
My role: member of the strategy team responsible for creating and facilitating the session.
Project Type Storytelling and Brand Strategy
A Celebration of Community
NYA Investors Book, Costa Rica
Nya is not a destination nor a place, but a way of being for those who cherish authenticity, value meaningful connections, and treasure experiences. This book is a piece of art that shows the details of the coming project. It was created in concordance with the Architects who developed the master plan to those who want to support this initiative.
My role: member of the strategy team responsible for creating the story, cartoon set, and content of the book, in addition to being a graphic collaborator.
Nya ALPHABET
Nya ALPHABET
HOW TO READ THIS SECTION
The information in this section provides specific observations by buildings toured in San Juan, Puerto Rico during the week of March 25, 2019.
Edificios Roberto Sánchez Vilella
Project Type Workplace & Reposition Strategy
Real Estate Analysis
AAFAF, Puerto Rico
The Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority (AAFAF) tasked our strategy team with conducting an occupancy study of key buildings within the Government of Puerto Rico’s workplace portfolio in San Juan. The study aimed to assess potential optimization opportunities, and the resulting report delivered a thorough analysis of current utilization levels. It also outlined future opportunities through various occupancy and repositioning scenarios, offering actionable recommendations for improving space efficiency and aligning with the government’s long-term goals.
Comisión Estatal de Elecciones
INTERIOR DESIGN
Project Type Interior Design
Open English: from prototype to guidelines
Open English, Latin America
The most effective educational environments seamlessly integrate people, technology, and space. For the first time, Open English has decided to establish physical locations for their program. Our strategy and design team has been tasked with creating a prototype that will be implemented across multiple locations. The concept blends learning and retail, offering an innovative approach that accommodates the diverse learning styles provided by the program.
My role: Design Lead and Document Creator.
Project Type Interior Design
Lincoln School
Peer Review
Lincoln School, Costa Rica
Lincoln School is excited to announce plans for building a new facility in the Escazu area. The design will include mixed-use learning units and indoor amenities specifically for Pre-K levels. The institution has requested a review and further suggestions for a preliminary design that another firm developed for them.
My role: Design Lead and Document Creator.
Project Type Interior Design
CIID in Costa Rica
As part of its expansion to Costa Rica, the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design is establishing a hub in a historic building in the capital. Our strategy and design team is tasked with transforming the space into a modern, dynamic environment that supports various learning modes, including collaborative workshops, hands-on prototyping, and digital engagement. The design blends the building’s history with innovative elements, fostering creativity, collaboration, and aligning with the institute’s global vision for advancing interaction design.
My role: Design Collaborator and Document Creator.
CIID, Costa Rica
Luxury Apartments in the capital
Luxury Apartments, Costa Rica
This project involves the design of an exclusive luxury apartment building located in Costa Rica. Situated in a prime location, the development features spacious, high-end apartments that offer breathtaking views and a seamless blend of modern design and natural beauty. The design emphasizes elegance, comfort, and sustainability, with each unit showcasing open-concept living spaces, premium finishes, and advanced technology. The building is designed to provide residents with a serene and sophisticated living experience, combining luxury with the vibrant surroundings of Costa Rica’s landscapes.
My role: Design Lead, Construction and Visualizations.
Project Type Interior Design
New Marriott Resort Concept
This project focuses on the development of an innovative Marriott Resort concept, blending the brand’s renowned hospitality with luxurious resort amenities. Situated in a stunning beachfront location, the resort will offer a unique experience, combining relaxation, adventure, and sophisticated design. The concept will feature spacious accommodations, world-class dining options, wellness facilities, and activities tailored to guests seeking both leisure and exploration. With an emphasis on sustainability and local culture, this new Marriott Resort aims to set a new standard in immersive travel experiences while providing unparalleled comfort and service.
My role: Design Lead, Construction and Visualizations.
