With a background in civil engineering and a passion for community development, Ramon coordinates the Structural Focus CAD Department, making sure every project deadline is met.

Background

I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering in the Philippines and an Associate’s degree in Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD) from the ITT Technical Institute in Torrance, CA. During my college years in the Philippines, I was active in the development sector working directly with poor communities in rural areas. I joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1998, I was the Program Coordinator in Southern Philippines for five years. The UNDP helps countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships, and institutions so they can sustain their progress. I was in charge of the program management office which provided technical assistance to conflict-affected areas in support of the 1991 Peace Agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). My work with rural communities honed my personal values and work ethic. Although I loved my job as a humanitarian and development worker, my family is my priority and in 2003 I decided to join them in California.

What does Structural Design mean to you?

My engineering background gives me an appreciation of how structures work, I have a general understanding of the structural design framework. This knowledge helps me translate engineering drawings into construction documents; I am able to visualize what I’m drafting which clarifies the structural intent of what I do on a daily basis.

Favorite Projects

Agensys and Specialty Labs are only a few of the great Structural Focus projects I’ve worked on. But those projects are special to me because those were the first structures I worked on, my knowledge and CADD skills were put to the test. I’ve also had the opportunity of photographing finished projects such as Rancho Los Alamitos, Sony Morita building, The Reserve, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and Wilshire Boulevard Temple. After working on a project for months/years is very satisfying to see the final product.

Biggest Challenge

When I joined Structural Focus, I was given the challenge of completing the firm’s CAD Manual of Operations and establishing standards for the CAD Department. We have accomplished our initial goal, however, enhancing our guidelines to reflect the latest upgrades on AutoCAD and Revit software is an ongoing process.

What’s your favorite part about working at Structural Focus?

I share the firm’s mission goals. At Structural Focus, we focus on the long-term goal of achieving project resiliency for our clients and their communities. It’s important to believe in the greater value of your work, your contribution to the community and the industry. The quality of the staffing, strong work ethic, professionalism, and the collaborative work environment within the firm foster projects that we are very proud of.

What would we be surprised to learn about you?

I love taking photos of people and places, capturing moments in time. I also love the outdoors, especially green laning off-road trails with my 4×4 vehicle. Overlanding and off-roading allow me to relax and commune with nature. As I usually say, “life begins where pavement ends.”