Welcome, Valerie Nica Ribao!

We are excited to welcome Valerie Nica Ribao to our architecture team as a Designer. Valerie brings an impressive background with a Doctor of Architecture from UH Manoa, coupled with experience as a Junior Project Manager, Research Assistant & Design Planner. Her commitment to thoughtful, purpose-driven design has earned her multiple accolades, including the Hawaii Architectural Foundation Award for her thesis: Blue Space: Designing Active Communities for Hawaii’s Kupuna.

Valerie’s passion for architecture is deeply rooted in her upbringing. With a family background in construction and a sibling in the architecture field, her curiosity about the built environment was sparked early on. This curiosity has driven her to explore the intricacies of design, always striving to understand the engineering aspects that underlie her work. For Valerie, designing is more than just creating spaces—it’s about integrating wellness and offering something meaningful to the people who will experience those spaces.

Outside of her professional life, Valerie’s creativity extends into video production, where she enjoys creating content about surviving architecture school and honing her video editing skills. She’s also a hands-on designer, known for crafting her own chair and footrest. Valerie’s love for hands-on activities reflects her approach to architecture—practical, innovative, and always with a personal touch.

Valerie’s favorite place in the world is Japan, a country she admires for its incredible food, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities for exploration. Valerie also dreams of hiking Mount Fuji someday. Her love for Asian-Fusion cuisine and music genres like R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop further illustrate her eclectic tastes. Her favorite quote, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” resonates deeply with her, driving her to continuously give back through her work. And if given the chance, she’d love to meet her favorite celebrities, Robert Downey Jr. and Beyoncé.

Living in Hawaii, Valerie appreciates the rich diversity of its demographics, which aligns perfectly with her design philosophy of creating spaces that resonate with people from all walks of life.

We are thrilled to have Valerie on board and look forward to the unique contributions she will bring to our projects and our team. Welcome, Valerie!