Ar. John Joseph T. Fernandez: A Visionary Leader in Architecture and Academic Excellence

Ar. John Joseph T. Fernandez is a prominent figure in the field of architecture and academic leadership, currently serving as the Vice President for Academic Affairs at Manuel L. Quezon University (MLQU), where he is also the Dean of the School of Architecture and School of Engineering. His extensive expertise and contributions to architecture and education have earned him recognition both locally and internationally.

Fernandez brings a wealth of experience to his role at MLQU. He is the principal architect of Fernandez Architectural Design and previously held the position of Dean for the College of Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for an impressive 10 years. His influence extends beyond MLQU, having also taught at Enderun College and Colegio de San Juan de Letran-Calamba. As a key industry leader, he serves as the CEO of both JJ Property Development Corporation and JF Kuche Corp., while also presiding over Presant Medical Enterprises.

His work in education and architecture is supported by various affiliations and leadership roles in prominent organizations. Notably, he is the Vice Chairman of the ASEAN Architecture Educational Committee and has served as Chairman of the Committee on Architecture Education for the Architects’ Regional Council Asia in Pakistan. He has held significant roles within the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), including National Treasurer and Secretary General, and he currently serves as Executive Director of the UAP Commission on Education. He is an International Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects and a member of the Philippine Institute of Architects. Fernandez also holds leadership positions in the Council of Deans of Architectural Schools of the Philippines and is a member of the Technical Committee for Architecture of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Committee on Continuing Professional Education of the Professional Regulatory Commission. He is a founding member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (Philippine Chapter and France Chapter).

Fernandez’s academic journey is as impressive as his professional career. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Development Studies at UST, having already earned a Master of Science in Architecture (Cum Laude) from UST. He also holds a Professional Diploma in Conservation Heritage Buildings from Lund University in Sweden and completed a course in Public School Planning at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Additionally, Fernandez holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Architecture and another in Zoology, both from UST.

With a remarkable portfolio of architectural projects and numerous academic paper presentations to his name, Ar. Fernandez continues to make a significant impact on the fields of architecture and education, both in the Philippines and on the global stage.