MANRIQUE UMANA
Gensler
SAY IT LOUD - NOW Exhibitor
Arizona Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am constantly inspired by fellow designers, firm-wide technical directors, and leadership that bring a fresh perspective to projects. They inspire me to think differently and apply my own skills in unexpected ways.
MANRIQUE UMANA
Bio:
The great designer, Serving as the Technical Director for the Phoenix studio, Manrique is a vital resource for the designers and leadership alike. He is like a living textbook the team can turn to for technical solutions and guidance on local code requirements. His professional experience has allowed him to provide technical expertise across all phases and a variety of project types.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
From a young age, I wanted to know how things work, often disassembling and reassembling toys in unique ways. In high school, a technical drafting class introduced me to Architecture as a profession that required both technical and creative skills.
What do you do?
I am a Project Architect, and serve as Technical Director for the Phoenix studio providing technical guidance to all project teams. I am also the Design Realization leader for the studio, to help advance the technical skills of my colleagues.
What excites you in the work you do?
I am passionate about mentoring young talent and being a part of their creative problem-solving process. I enjoy helping designers evaluate codes/regulations, constructability, and aesthetics to produce unique design solutions.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am constantly inspired by fellow designers, firm-wide technical directors, and leadership that bring a fresh perspective to projects. They inspire me to think differently and apply my own skills in unexpected ways.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
My greatest sense of achievement comes from seeing the young designers and architects that I’ve mentored apply the things I’ve taught them, and develop their professional skills and confidence.
Featured Project Name:
CBRE Phoenix – Workplace 360
Featured Project Location:
Phoenix, AZ
Featured Project Completion Date:
2017
Role in Featured Project:
Project Architect
Featured Project Description:
This project represents a completely refreshed and innovative workplace, integrating the latest trends in office design and technology, while also promoting flexibility, mobility, and productivity. This project set a new standard in the commercial real estate industry and represents CBRE’s largest “Workplace 360” office in the world. This award-winning project has become an icon in the Valley Metro Area for office space projects.
