Meet the Team
Helle Byrn
Chairman & FounderHelle's biggest challenge has been the foundation and development of Marbella Design Academy, which Helle founded in 1995.
Frank Ortega – Course Director
Course Director, Link Tutor with our UK Partner University and Tutor on the Interior Architecture Validated Programme
Gualberto Cerrón
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
Angela Coburn
Head of the Fashion Design & Manufacture Department at Marbella Design AcademyAs Head of our Fashion Design & Manufacture Department, Angela 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 & Manufacture Angela is responsible for the successful delivery and outcome of this programme.
Adrian Ibrom
Head of the Bachelor of Arts Validated programme in Graphic Design & MediaAdrian is responsible for the Graphic Design & Media Department and that the Bachelor of Arts validated programme in Graphic Design & Media is delivered to our students at a high academic level.
Marcos Tamagnone
Head of our Bachelor of Arts Validated programme in Interior Architecture & Design.Marcos is responsible for the successful outcome of our Interior Architecture & Design Department and the 3-year BA (Hons) Validated Interior Architecture & Design programme.
RENÉ COSTER
Tutor in our Fashion Design & Manufacture Department"René Coster is not only an enthusiastic Fashion Design tutor, but also a Fashion consultant and stylist who has worked for many renowned manufacturers. He is also a specialist at crafting jewellery and accessories with over 15 years experience. He worked as a design consultant for brands as Swarovski, Chick on a Mission, Talimaya, Martinique and many more."
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.
Fabrice Durand
Marketing ResponsibleFabrice is in charge of our Marketing Department together with Benedicte
Paola Thomas
Tutor in Interior Architecture & DesignPaola is tutor for our Interior Architecture Students on the 3-year BA (Hons) Validated Interior Architecture programme.
Cyriel Vaes
Tutor in Graphic Design & Media.Cyriel is a talented Graphic Designer educated at Marbella Design Academy. Cyriel has also his own graphic studio and has worked in the theatre, television and fashion industry as an art director.
Jean Pierre M. Costa
Tutor in Graphic Design & MediaJean Pierre has been a professional designer and teacher for more than 20 years within the fields of graphic, industrial, interior and web design
Elisa Benitez
Tutor in the Interior Architecture & Design Department.Elisa Benitez. Architect ETSAS. PhD candidate ETSAB. Master from Harward University.
Lissi Andreassen
Fashion Design TutorEducated Fashion Designer from Marbella Design Academy, now we are happy to have her great talent as tutor in our Fashion Design & Manufacture Department
Alberto Leonardo
Graphic Tutor in the Graphic Design & MediaMaster 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
Andrea Giorgi
Tutor Interior Architecture/Graphic Design.Andrea is a tutor for our Interior Architect Students as well as for our Graphic Design Students. Andrea guide his students with focus on design as a combination of function and aesthetics with a user friendly experience.
Gaspar Sobrino
Guest lecturer in Interior Architecture and Fashion DesignIndependant selftaught designer with his own company in Marbella
Lucy Banu
CookOur sweet Angel in the student restaurant - GAUDI. We are all spoild with nice lunches and wonderful cakes:-)
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:-)
Sean Sutherland
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 Sean is just the man for the job…
