NC State Creatives: Tatiana Veloso

To Tatiana Veloso, design has a powerful ability to connect individuals to each other and to the places they inhabit.

From Rio de Janeiro to NC State, Tatiana’s journey as a designer is as inspiring as it is impactful. A 2024 graduate of the Master of Landscape Architecture program, Tatiana’s work bridges the gap between art, science and community engagement.

Driven by her passion for creating better cities, Tatiana’s design philosophy centers on systems and relationships—whether between people, spaces or the environment.

Her master’s research focuses on co-creating climate resilience in informal settlements, particularly in Rio’s densely populated communities. These areas face heightened risks from landslides and flooding, exacerbated by climate change. Tatiana envisions a collaborative approach, one that incorporates the insights and innovations of local residents. “Landscape architecture has the potential to mitigate impacts, save lives and improve communities through partnership and understanding,” she explains.

Tatiana’s time at NC State has been marked by meaningful collaborations and transformative experiences. “You learn so much from the faculty and your cohort,” she shares. “It’s a collaborative environment where everyone supports and pushes each other forward.”

Currently, Tatiana is applying her expertise at a local design firm specializing in active transportation and urban mobility. She’s also advancing her climate resilience research as a 2024 LAF National Olmsted Scholar finalist, which funds impactful projects like hers.

For Tatiana, the lessons of NC State are just the beginning of a lifelong commitment to making cities more sustainable, inclusive and connected—proof that design is truly a global force for good.