Ever since I could remember, I’ve always been fascinated with design. As a child, I found myself captivated by buildings and urban landscapes. I think this fascination was heavily influenced by my dad’s occupation as a civil engineer as well as his interests in design and art. I vividly recall how awe-inspiring it was to see his plan drawings and building sketches spread across the table. The intricate details and the thought process behind every design sparked my imagination. This early exposure deepened my interest in architecture. I started drawing buildings and landscapes and over time I realised that becoming an architect was not just a dream, but a goal I wanted to pursue when I grew up.
Several years pass by, and my family made the life-changing decision to emigrate from the Philippines to the United Kingdom. We settled in the Cotswolds, a place filled with charming stone cottages and scenic views. The transition was exciting, but as I adjusted to my new life my passion for buildings and architecture began to fade. The excitement of a new environment and culture pulled me in different directions. I found myself becoming more interested in sports, particularly football and basketball, which quickly became my main focus. For a while, it felt like this was where my future might lie, far from the world of architecture I once wanted to be.
This continued for a couple of years until I reached the start of my college years. By chance, I stumbled upon a city simulator game called City Skylines. As soon as I started playing, I was completely immersed in the role of a mayor, tasked with transforming a small collection of residential lots into a vast, sprawling urban metropolis. The challenge of balancing resources, building infrastructure and managing the needs of a growing population fascinated me. I found myself focused on designing efficient road networks, planning public transportation systems and ensuring that my city had enough green spaces and amenities to support its residents. The satisfaction of seeing my city evolve, with every decision impacting its growth, reignited my passion for urban design. Through this game, I rediscovered my love for city-making and realised that my interest in architecture and planning had only grown stronger.
Having experienced the joy of watching my city grow in the game, I became increasingly intrigued by how and why cities grow and develop in the real world. I started wondering about the complex processes behind the expansion urban landscapes and what factors influence the success or failure of a city. This curiosity led me to pursue a career in urban planning and so I decided to enrol in the Urban Planning course at the University of the West of England in Bristol. There, my passion for city-making took on a more practical perspective. I began to learn about the fundamentals of urban design, policy and sustainability and had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects. These included site appraisals, development proposals, creating master plans, conducting green infrastructure audits and evaluating the social and environmental impact of development projects. Each assignment helped me understand the multifaceted nature of urban planning and solidified my desire to contribute to the creation of more sustainable, liveable and vibrant cities.
After graduating I was fortunate enough to find a job as a Graduate Town Planner at Bluestone Planning. When I first started, I had a few concerns - would I fit in? Was I good enough to contribute? But after a few weeks, I settled in and began to feel more confident. Every day, I’m learning something new, whether it’s about the planning process, local regulations or how to work effectively within a team. Even in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve already been involved in a variety of projects and tasks, each offering new challenges and opportunities for growth. I’m excited to continue to gain experience, develop my skills and become a well-rounded professional in the field of urban planning. My journey is far from over, but I’m eager to see where it takes me.
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