M. Velez, N. Ortiz-Gonzalez

beyond academy

22 studio (22) is a transdisciplinary design practice co-founded and co-directed by Marién Vélez and Nasheli Ortiz. Our intention is to tackle relevant problems in communities and cities through design processes. We work with architectural, scenic and social lighting design; fashion design, stage design and public art.

Marien Velez is the co-founding member and principal of 22. She has worked as a lighting technician and independent lighting designer in New York City, Buenos Aires and Puerto Rico. Marién obtained her Master of Fine Arts in Lighting Design at The New School's Parsons School of Design. She practices architectural, stage, and social lighting. Marién's project experience includes offices, retail and mixed-use environments, public spaces; contemporary dance, experimental theater and alternative music.

Nasheli Ortiz is the co-founding member and principal of 22. She has worked as a designer and design professor in New York City, Italy, Paris, Mexico, London and Puerto Rico. Nasheli obtained her Master of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Savannah College of Art & Design. She practices fashion, product, and graphic design. Nasheli performs as the Chair and Associate Professor in the Fashion Design Department at Moore College of Art & Design. She has presented collections in international fashion platforms as well as being featured in national and international media platforms and magazines.