An architect by training/profession and currently involved in commercial and retail interior architecture and design for 15 years. My experience encompass varied facets of design and management, from the Philippines, Hong Kong, Shanghai and most recently, San Francisco bay area.

I have had a firm in Manila, Philippines started in 2001 by myself and a business partner with 5 people at the onset and progressed at the height of our operations to about 20 from 2007-2009, until my move to America in Sept 2008. In that year,  I was able to acquire the sports-lifestyle brand Puma Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong) as our biggest client with provision of design-intent drawings and CAD planning for stores in China (530+ stores), Korea (40+), South East Asia, Australia and by 2009, Latin American stores. As such, I was at managing the design and production aspect, instituting processes while coordinating with company design directives.

Started my career as a specification writer for an architectural firm (Shellink Planners) and left as a Senior Project architect, moving as a Project Development Officer for a property developer (http://www.avidaland.com/), and in 1999 started my interiors work as A Senior Associate for an Australian design company (www.hassellstudio.com/) based in Manila. In 2001, I started my firm (www.jkfddc.com.ph) that specialized in commercial and retail design (food service, commercial retail, residential and store planning). By the year 2008, I moved to California and started an extension of JKF+DDC and had projects such as 4,200 sq.ft. Japanese restaurant in Pier 39 (http://www.hanazenrestaurant.net/restauranttour.html), cafes in Milpitas, CA; food retail outlets in San Bruno and San Mateo, and a 2,250 sq.ft. residence in Belmont, CA.

As of February 2012, I'm working as a Planning & Design Manager for a Southern California based fast-food retail company with three brands of restaurant chains in California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington State, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Hawaii. My responsibility includes store planning, adherence to branding strategy in terms of architectural and interior design, project management and coordination with kitchen consultants, among others.

I have a close involvement with the whole design process, that includes branding strategy, design development,  and project management. Design management that includes development of operational processes to provide solutions to the specific project needs.

I work and thrive in a collaborative environment and well versed in teaming up with different project personalities, consultants, but can also be independent when the need arises. As a business owner for 10 years, I believe I can demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, can self-start on commercial interior design projects, as evidenced by projects I have done in California since 2009. In August 2011, I became a certified Interior Designer in California (CCIDC No.6610)