Meet the Team
Helle Byrn
Chairman & FounderHelle's biggest challenge has been the foundation and development of the Marbella Design Academy, which she founded in 1995.
Frank Ortega – Course Director
Course Director, Link Tutor with our UK Partner University and Tutor on the Interior Architecture Validated ProgrammeFrank Ortega Course Director and Tutor on the Interior Architecture Validated Programme
Gualberto Cerrón
School PrincipalPrincipal of the Marbella Design Academy. Contribute to the daily running of the Academy.
Charlotte McLaren
Finance DirectorFinance Director at Marbella Design Academy and responsible for quarterly accounting and all other finance related issues.
Rachel Parker
Secretary and Student SupportRachel is responsible for organising all of the secretary activities that facilitate the smooth running in Marbella Design Academy
Benedicte Byrn
Benedicte is Danish and Graphic Designer in our administration TeamBenedicte is educated at Marbella Design Academy, awarded an official Bachelor of Arts by Middlesex University London
Alan Gomez
Head of PR & Events and Head of our Bachelor of Arts Validated Fashion Design programme.As Head of PR & Events, Alan represents the Academy both in-house and out and about at shows and exhibitions. As Head of our Bachelor of Arts Validated programme in Fashion Design Alan is responsible for the successful delivery and outcome of this programme.
Adrian Ibrom
Head of the Bachelor of Arts Validated programme in Graphic DesignAdrian is responsible for the Graphic Design Department and that the Bachelor of Arts validated programme in Graphic Design is delivered to our students at a high academic level.
Marcos Tamagnone
Head of our Bachelor of Arts Validated programme in Interior Architecture.Marcos is responsible for the successful outcome of our Interior Architecture Department and the 3-year BA (Hons) Validated Interior Architecture programme.
Fiona Hedgecock
Intensive Foundation Course LeaderFiona is a fully qualified Textile Designer, having a BA(Hons) in Textiles and Fashion Design from the University of Ulster.
Mary Buchanan Clephane
Tutor in Interior ArchitectureMary Buchanan Clephane is qualified in Spatial and Interior Design from Chelsea College of Art & Design, University London.
Gunda Bornkessel
Tutor in Fashion DesignPossess a wealth of international design experience and a proven ability of successful business development.
Chandy Hagget
Tutor in Art and Freehand DrawingBesides having her own atelier and art studio, Chandy is a part-time art tutor at the Marbella Design Academy.
Cyriel Vaes
Tutor in Graphic DesignCyriel worked in the theatre, television and fashion industry as an art director.
Jean Pierre M. Costa
Tutor in Graphic DesignJean Pierre has been a professional designer and teacher for more than 20 years within the fields of graphic, industrial, interior and web design
Lissi Andreassen
Assistant Fashion Design TutorEducated Fashion Designer from Marbella Design Academy, now we are happy to have her great talent as tutor assistant in our Fashion Design Department
Alberto Leonardo
Graphic TutorMaster of Fine Arts in Computer Art, San Pablo CEU, Spain. Bachelor in Jewellery Design EASD Valencia, Spain. Fine Arts degree, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Spain
Isa Ríos
CaretakerOur fantastic caretaker, amongst her many duties she keeps the Academy nice and clean, Isa also makes the best cup of coffee and she always has a smile on her face:-)
Carlos Palomo
Gardener & HandymanThere is nothing he cannot do and he is always busy with a multitude of jobs in and around the Academy. It´s a big place to look after and Carlos is just the man for the job…
