Maruka Tarabay is the principal founder of URBANA. She studied Environmental Design at the University of California Davis, where graduated with Outstanding Performance and was awarded for Outstanding Services to the Design Department. While at UC Davis, Maruka worked with a Structural Engineering firm in Sacramento, thus gaining a technical background that, coupled with her creative nature and sensibility for design, bring great value to any project team.
With over 20 years of experience working with some of the most prestigious firms in the San Diego area Maruka's experience in interior design projects spans from full building renovations to governmental, institutional, commercial and high-end residential; a large number of these projects have been published, and some of which also received LEED Certifications.
EXPERIENCE
URBANA. san diego, california. nov 2011- present
principal founder | interior designer
boutique design studio devoted to high-end residential interior design, visual merchandising and product development.
BENITO DESIGN GROUP. san diego, california. nov 2011- 2018
design director | senior project manager
architectural design lead. participates in all projects and in constant communication with the project team and clients. active participant in a business development role.
INTERIOR RESOURCE. san diego, california. jan 2004-2011.
senior project manager | project designer
developes and manages all facets of design projects. ensures highest quality of design, presentation and documentation. provides supervision, delegates and coordinates the work of other team members. main point of contact with client, general contractors, engineers and other consultants. manages project schedules, budgets and monitors project health.
CARRIER JOHNSON ARCHITECTS. san diego, california. 1999-2004.
project designer
responsible for all phases of design field, from programming, space planning, concept generation, schematic, design development, through construction documentation and administration. in addition, developed ff&e drawings and specifications as well as custom furniture packages for varies projects. interfaced and coordinated with clients, building authorities, consultants, contractors and suppliers on matters related to projects. obtained experience designing and managing wide variety of environments including high-end residences, condominium buildings, fitness centers, schools, libraries, court houses, as well as a number of commercial facilities. posse’s strong background knowledge of construction procedures, zoning, building codes and building materials. surveyance of existing building conditions for documentation and ada compliancy.
ARTHUR E. ROSS STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS. sacramento, california. 1989-1999.
project manager
responsible for all functions related to contract drawing production, including quality assurance, and coordination with related trades. responsible for reviewing steel frame system shop drawings and submittals provided by various subcontractors. obtained extensive knowledge, through hands-on experience, in structural engineering and stress analysis that becomes an important asset as it relates to interior architecture. responsible for developing and maintaining cad library, successfully completed drafting standard manual for the firm, training and supervising company personnel and maintaining and operating the computer network environment.
EDUCATION
bachelor of science in environmental design
university of california, davis. 1998
curriculum concentrations in architecture, interiors and furniture design