Trained as an industrial designer and a jewellery and object maker, Marcelo has worked extensively in a variety of areas across art and design, both as a practitioner and as a teacher.  His work is just as diverse, exploring areas such as sculpture, furniture, lighting, hollow ware and jewellery.

In 2005 and 2006, when launching his practice as a designer-maker, Marcelo worked as an independent prop-maker and assisted the prop department at Sydney Theatre Company. Marcelo also co-directed his contemporary jewellery business, Smug Designs, until 2013.

He has been a consultant for other designers and artists, helping them to visualise and develop their ideas using his expertise in digital modelling and manufacturing knowledge.

Marcelo taught varied design units at TAFE's Design Centre in Enmore (2008–2013). In 2010 he started teaching metal work and then costume jewellery in the Properties course at NIDA.

In 2013, Marcelo was appointed Joint Head of Properties and Objects at NIDA.

His qualifications include Bachelor of Design in Industrial Design, University of Bio-Bio (Chile); Graduate Diploma in Design, University of Bio-Bio; Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design, TAFE – Design Centre, Enmore, and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, TAFE – Petersham College.