WHO I AM
My name is Juan Felipe Canal, and I am 22 years old and currently in my fourth year of Architecture at the University of Navarra. I seek to strengthen a comprehensive formation that integrates design, technical knowledge, and management, with the purpose of delivering innovative solutions and contributing to projects that transform the way we inhabit and build.
For me, architecture transcends the physical: it is the opportunity to connect people, create spaces of well-being, and contribute to the common good.
ORIGINS AND PERSONAL INTERESTS
Since an early age, I have seen the world in a different way, always curious about manual activities. I spent my time building, experimenting with materials, and searching for new ways to create. At six years old, I began practicing origami and soon realized that what motivates me most is the ability to bring my ideas from the intangible to the tangible, transforming concepts into forms and experiences.
Over time, I came to understand something that still defines my way of working: complexity is built from simplicity. In every simple gesture, there is the potential to create outcomes that communicate ideas and emotions. This practical and clear vision is what led me to study architecture, as a way to transform everything I have learned into concrete projects that integrate technique, creativity, and sensitivity.
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
I am currently in my fourth year of Architecture at the University of Navarra, where I have received a comprehensive education that combines design, technical knowledge, urbanism, and management. Throughout these years, I have worked on projects at different scales—from collective housing and public facilities to urban interventions—developing the ability to approach architecture with a complete and structured perspective.
In parallel, I have strengthened my technical profile through key subjects. In construction, I have worked on the definition of building systems, envelopes, and detail solutions aimed at efficiency and durability. In structures, I have gained the ability to analyze and dimension resistant systems, understanding their role in both stability and spatial clarity. In building services, I have been trained in HVAC, electricity, and energy efficiency, learning how these systems integrate into design to enhance comfort and sustainability. In urbanism, I have developed criteria to analyze territory, sustainability, and the quality of public space, understanding the role of architecture as part of a broader urban fabric.
All this learning has given me a solid foundation that I now wish to bring into the professional field, applying it to real projects and continuing my training through practical experience. The joint application of these areas in my academic projects has allowed me to approach architecture from an integral perspective: designing proposals where space, construction techniques, structure, and systems are coordinated in a coherent way.
SKILLS AND STRENGHTS
My profile stands out for the ability to integrate creativity with representation tools to communicate design ideas clearly and effectively. I work with programs such as AutoCAD, Rhino, SketchUp, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, and D5, and I complement these skills with the creation of physical models, where I use different materials and resources to explore concepts and present them in a tangible way. This versatility allows me to adapt to different phases of the design process, from the initial concept to the final communication of the project.
Beyond the technical side, I am characterized by my ability to communicate ideas and perform well in diverse contexts. I feel confident in public presentations, organization and task management, and teamwork, where I am not afraid to take the lead when needed. I know how to listen and recognize both my strengths and my limits, which allows me to contribute effectively while also relying on others when necessary. This approach has helped me consolidate a balanced profile, with initiative, responsibility, and coordination skills, while maintaining a human and collaborative perspective.
VISION
I conceive architecture as a discipline in constant evolution, one that demands technical precision, creativity, and sensitivity toward people and the environment. My goal is to bring the education I have acquired into the professional field, applying it to real projects that allow me to keep learning while adding value through commitment and dedication.
"I understand architecture not only as the construction of spaces, but as an opportunity to generate well-being, strengthen connections, and contribute positively to society."