About
I am a strategic designer who works at the intersection of complex systems, human experience, and decision-making.
My background spans public sector, consulting, and design-led innovation, where I’ve led strategic discovery, research synthesis, and stakeholder alignment for initiatives operating under real-world constraints: regulatory, operational, technical, and political.
Currently, I work at the Boston Planning Department on long-term city strategy, while previously leading strategy and innovation work as a consultant. Across roles, my focus has been consistent: framing ambiguous problems, translating insights into direction, and helping teams decide what to build and why.
Contact
abaena@alum.mit.edu
Experience
Senior Planner | City of Boston Planning Department | 2024- Present
Associate, Urban Design and Planning | Utile | 2020-2024
Innovation and Development Director | Contexto Urbano | 2019-2020
Lecturer Systems Dynamics | Master in Architecture Project Management | Universidad de los Andes | 2019-Present
Housing and Territory Director | Alcentro Think Tank | 2019-2020
Architectural Design Intern | Oualalou + Choi | 2018
Advisor | Plan Cerro | Valparaiso Planning Office | 2017
Teaching Assistant | Undergraduate Studio | MIT SA+P | 2017
Design Collaborator | Fundación Metrópoli | 2016
Business Development Director | CMD Ingenieros | 2012-2013
Teaching Assistant | System Dynamics | Universidad de los Andes | 2010-2012
Teaching Assistant | Public Systems | Universidad de los Andes | 2010
Intern | Emmedue Advanced Building Systems | 2009
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Master of Architecture | 2019
4.7/5.0 GPA, Full Tuition Fellowship, honorable thesis
Universidad de los Andes | B.S. Industrial Engineering | 2012
4.6/5.0 GPA, Cum Laude, graduated 2nd out of 212, honorable thesis
Southern California Institute of Architecture | Architectural Studies | 2016
Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble | Academic Exchange | 2011