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Jahn Marie Geonanga

Jahn Marie Geonanga

Manama, BH

 
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About 

Personal Background:

Growing up in a small town in the west of Negros, I was surrounded by people who instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of character. I was taught to be grounded, to work hard, and to live a purposeful life. This upbringing instilled in me the value of hard work and dedication, which I applied while helping our small family business. From a young age, I learned to stand on my own two feet and take responsibility for myself. This prepared me for the future when I started working in a small firm. Eventually, I decided to pursue a career that would allow me to reach my full potential. Although I faced struggles, I rose to success due to my commitment and drive.

Profile Overview:

My architecture degree focused on conceptual design and visualization. During my time in college, I received awards and recognition in various design competitions, including a museum design thesis award.

Outside of academia, I have participated in volunteer programs, including community events for the elderly, skill-sharing initiatives, and arts education for children in remote areas.

Experience and Efficacy at Work:

I excel in leadership and have effectively communicated with lead designers, architects, business people, and builders to deliver finished products on time and within budget. 

Career Development:

I began my career in 2014 as a working student at CH Builders, a design-and-build firm. Architect Cornelio Hilado mentored me, helping me develop significant strengths in both design and technical areas during my first four years of work.

In early 2017, when CH Builders temporarily closed, I was hired as an entry-level intern (level 1 graduate intern) for the WERCO Arcade project, which lasted for 8 months.

In June 2018, while reviewing for the Architects' Licensure Examination, I started as a part-time designer and was primarily involved in the conceptual stages until December. I passed the exam in June 2019.

The pandemic severely affected our state, prompting me to move to Makati, Metro Manila, in 2021 for better job opportunities. After a month, I started working for Porcelanosa Grupo, where I was assigned as a designer for luxury kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces. I handled projects that included luxury malls and high-end residences.

In January 2022, I received an offer to work in the Middle East. Emaar Architects of Bahrain hired me as one of their architectural designers, and I worked there from September 2022 until January 2024.

Currently, I am working as an architect for the international Italian brand of luxury furniture, Poliform.

Employment 

Poliform, Bahrain, Designer

Jan 2024 - current
 

Architectural designer, Manama, BH, Architect

I develop concepts that require an in-depth
knowledge of functionality and aesthetics. I Prepare design concepts and supervise the activities of architectural design teams to ensure the proper interpretation of project briefs and client requirements.

Sep 2022 - Jan 2024
 

Porcelanosa Grupo, Design Associate

My job includes estimating, specification schedules, and some project management tasks. This position entails approximately 42.5 hours per week, these hours generally falling between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Some events may require hours outside of this timeframe.

This position works within the Estimating, Design & Sales teams whose principal objective is to identify new business opportunities by preparing design solutions, estimates, and tender proposals for the delivery of a variety of piling disciplines that meet the customer’s needs and in accordance with the Company’s Sales and Commercial Strategy.

This position also involves working directly with the GM, Contract Sales Manager, BDMs, Showroom Managers, sub-trades, and suppliers to prepare designs for our clients, and displays for our own showrooms.

The mix of the roles is 50% design (designs dept/specifications) and 50% overseeing the installation of internal showroom displays.

Jan 2021 - Aug 2021
 

Cornelio Hilado Builders, Philippines, Junior Architect

Nov 2014 - Dec 2018
 

Education 

La Consolacion College, Bachelors, Architecture

Jun 2012 - Mar 2017
 

Awards 

Thesis Award for Likha Contemporary Art Museum (Manuscript), Award

2017
 

Thesis Award for Likha Contemporary Art Museum (Design), Award

2017
 

Areas of Specialization