As the Design Manager at the General Motors Advanced Studio in Hollywood, California, Vlachakis worked with a team of designers, digital sculpture and engineers on all General Motors brands. She is credited with the designs of the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky production interiors, the Pontiac Solstice concept interior, the Chevrolet SS concept interior, and she worked on the Chevrolet Borrego interior. Vlachakis received her Bachelor of Science degree from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena.