You cannot miss breaking into laughter when chatting with our affable designer, Albert. Always ready with a vivacious smile and quick humour, this quick-to-laugh, warm Filipino is also a family man at heart. His family is currently in Manila, being taken care of by his loving wife Cleofe “Faye” Asehan, a division secretary for Duty Free Philippines. Both his sons are in university; the eldest son is reading “Teaching, special education for the physical and mental disabled” whereas his middle son is studying a course in Advertising. His youngest daughter is in secondary school.

1. How would you describe yourself?
Well, I’m a typical shy-type, quiet guy. I only talk when I’m asked and spoken to. I’ve a strong work ethics; I’ll let my finished work describe my character. I don’t have a strong personality; I like to just blend in and adapt to people. I usually mind my own business whether it’s work-related or personal. My interest and passion is in my work first and foremost, and I’m always looking out for chances to upgrade and opportunities to further enhance my skill and speed up my work production.

I also have a BIG interest in music; I was a former club DJ for 6 years in Manila so that’s why the “BIG” term is there hahaha. In sports, the love for the game of basketball is in my blood. Most of my uncles from my mother’s side are basketball players and as we all know, Philippines is the only basketball fanatic country in Southeast Asia. Photo taking or photography is one interest I also love doing. The love for sneakers and shoes is another interest for me.

2. Tell us a little about your past work experience.
I have an 8 years’ work experience before coming to Singapore. This work experience ranged from Architectural, Structural & Civil Works to interior design in the telecommunications and transport industries. I started working as a full interior CAD designer/specialist when I came to Singapore in year 2005. I started in DB&B and after 3 years plus, I joined Simon Chrisandra & Associates (SCA). In 2009, during the Asian financial crisis, the CAD dept of SCA was dissolved and luckily I ended up joining Kyoob-id in Smith Street.

3. How have the different experiences in different countries mould you as a designer today?
The work ethics and dedication I’ve always put into my work helps a lot, especially in my jobs in Singapore. I’m used to a highly pressurised and fast-paced working style, and I often work late into the night. I just work and adapt to that style every time, so when I came to Singapore, I also brought the work attitude, dedication, and passion to my work here.

4. Tell us more about your role in Kyoob-id.
My role in Kyoob-id is quite straightforward. As a CAD designer I’m involved in site survey verification before a certain test-fit is done. We’re the ones who will provide a base plan for every project assigned. Then we’ll pass it to the designers to work on concept, space planning, and material selection. Once everything is confirmed, we’ll take over from the designers by meeting with clients for requirements and changes till the layout is confirmed. From there, we’ll proceed with the construction documentation until the completion of the project.

5. What interests you about the design industry and what keeps you going?
There will always be new concepts and ideas for this industry; it’s a continuing process of knowledge and innovation because design always evolves plus the fact that good compensation one may get for joining the design industry will always be there. So the interest for me is always there and it keeps me going.

6. What are the challenges you face in your role and how do you overcome them?
Challenges will always be there for my role such as potential miscommunications between colleagues. This will lead to multiple challenges and sometimes mistakes. In order for me to overcome these challenges, I’ll make sure to initiate communications like specially talking to the colleagues involved or having a touch-base meeting in order for me to raise/highlight problems that we might encounter during the entire phase of the project.

7. What are the pre-requisites for this role and how can one excel in it?
I guess job understanding and knowledge, dedication, as well as focus are the main pre-requisites one must have or possess in order to excel in this role.

8. Have you experienced any culture shocks while working here? What are they?
Yeah I experienced it here in Singapore. Complaining is one shock I’ve experienced. Some of the locals will complain first and work. It should be the other way around – work first and complain later. And the misconception of some locals thinking that we foreigners are taking away good jobs from them. My wish for Singapore is to be self-reliant on its work force in due time; I’ll be very happy to see Singapore for Singaporeans and less foreign workers.

9. What do you do to relax?
Mainly I listen to music to relax myself. Watching TV series or going to the movies. Playing basketball is another way for me to relax. Another thing is to do window shopping. ☺

10. If you’re not an interior designer, you’re likely to be a businessman doing my own kind of business or even maybe a cab driver just living a simple and quiet life.