Iva Babaja

Iva Babaja is an Assistant Professor at Algebra University in Zagreb, specializing in design and branding. A master's graduate from Universität für angewandte Kunst in Vienna (1996), she founded Babaja Branding & Design Consultancy in 2017 and maintains significant leadership roles in global design organizations.

Education:

• Master's degree (1996), Universität für angewandte Kunst, Vienna

Research and Professional Focus:

Professor Babaja's work centers on elevating design as a multidisciplinary profession through international standardization and ethical frameworks. Her research drives systemic changes in design practice, including global tender regulations and cross-disciplinary collaboration models. She actively promotes Croatian design culture internationally while advancing professional ethics and organizational development within the design ecosystem.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Order of the Croatian Day Star with Marko Marulić image (2018) for promoting Croatian culture and design
• Lifelong Honorary Membership in International Council of Design (ICoD)

Professional Leadership:

After a decade on ICoD's Board of Directors (representing 200+ organizations across 70 countries), she became the first female president in 2015. She spearheaded ICoD's expansion from graphic design into multidisciplinary domains, implemented major reforms in professional ethics, and serves on international juries while frequently lecturing at global conferences.