From Cebu, Philippines, and raised as a proud Filipina and New Yorker, I am an architectural designer and aspiring architect passionate about shaping meaningful spaces that serve people and place. My work is driven by a commitment to city-building, resilience, and the belief that thoughtful design can strengthen communities and create more equitable urban environments.

I graduated from the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at The City College of New York as Valedictorian and Summa Cum Laude and was honored with the AIA Medal for Academic Excellence. Academically, I focused on Adaptive Reuse, with additional interests in social justice within the built environment and lighting design.

Through professional experiences, I have contributed to projects spanning design, documentation, and construction. My additional background in design-build and interior renovation has strengthened my ability to collaborate across disciplines and navigate projects holistically. Through academic inquiry and hands-on exploration, I have been nominated for and received multiple awards from firms whose mentorship I greatly value.

Alongside my professional work, I remain actively engaged in architectural education and advocacy. I am an active member of The Architectural League of New York and NYCOBA NOMA, and I continue to seek opportunities to learn from and contribute to the broader design community. As I continue my path toward licensure, I am currently documenting AXP experience hours and preparing for the ARE examinations.

Beyond architecture, I have also been raising bees and advocating for bee conservation and sustainable, community-driven green initiatives. I enjoy exploring museums and artist-run galleries and have a strong appreciation for film photography. I'm also a proud dog owner to my poodle, Joey, and I'm always looking forward to discovering new places across the U.S.

popjoslainem@gmail.com