By Brix Cruza, Cebu-based Junior Designer
Being part of the internship program of Design HQ in 2023 has paved a way for me to grow professionally and build myself from the ground up. From starting out as an intern to now stepping into the role of a Junior Designer based remotely in Cebu, it always amazes me to see how much things have progressed in just a span of two years.
Working remotely has given me a unique perspective not just on design, but also on communication, time management, and adapting to diverse workflows. As a remote designer, I can say that confidence and trust is the salt and pepper to making things great given the setup. Confidence that we have what it takes to make things successful and the trust given by the Manila team that we’d be able to manage things smoothly and effectively. This flexibility and exposure have helped shape my approach to design, making it thoughtful and adaptive.
Being a remote designer in Cebu is a privilege as this further widens my capacity as a designer to imagine and approach things in a different perspective instead of being confined in a 4 cornered office space. This setting made it possible for us to design and deliver spaces that are timely and relevant.
Originally designing in the Metro, Design HQ has built a reputation in various areas and regions, Cebu included. Dubbed as the design capital of the Philippines, Cebu has ultimately shaped its design landscape into something world class. Being part of the force that realizes the visions makes the entire experience worthwhile.
Solinea by Alveo Land, a multi-tower residential development situated in the heart of Cebu designed to encapsulate the island’s pristine blue waters was the first project I was involved in when I started my design journey as an intern. As the project progressed, I also progressed in my role at Design HQ from Design Support Specialist to Junior Technical Designer to Junior Designer.
Another project, the Robinsons Galleria Residences, on the other hand, a three-tower residential development helped me understand not just the aesthetic side, but the structural and practical demands that bring a design to life when I had the chance to make site visits towards the end of construction. I often found myself reflecting on whether to play the “good cop” or the “bad cop” when it came to decisions, negotiations, and pushing for design integrity. In the end, I learned that standing firm on my instincts as a designer sometimes meant being the “bad cop”—upholding standards, saying no when necessary, and making difficult calls to protect the design vision. This experience taught me that leadership in design isn’t just about creating; it’s also about defending and guiding the process until the very end.
In time for our 25th year anniversary, Citadines Mactan Resort is now a milestone project, paving the way for the remote designers’ brighter future. The first beach resort for the Citadines brand, this project has introduced the team to the hospitality landscape on the island of Mactan, a premier hospitality destination in the country.
From this Cebu-based designer’s point of view, these projects have represented not only growth but also confidence that we could help shape and elevate the design identity of our place of origin.
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