About

Gerald Portea is an architectural designer from Highland, California. He is currently a Designer at HPI Architecture in Newport Beach, CA. Gerald graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with Summa Cum Laude Honors and later received his Master of Architecture at California Baptist University in Riverside, CA focusing his studies on Urban Design with an emphasis on Mixed-Use and Educational Developments. His projects demonstrate sensitivity to community-oriented design, sustainability, and tailored solutions all while exhibiting empathy and intention. Gerald’s strengths are in his architectural representation, conceptual design, sketching, and design communication skills.

Before studying architecture at CBU, Gerald attended Aquinas High School in San Bernardino where he was Vice President of the high school’s National Honor Society, and Team Captain of both the Varsity Boys Basketball and Track and Field Teams. He concluded his Senior Year by earning the distinguished Saint Thomas Aquinas Leadership Award by embodying what it meant to be a scholar who excels in academics and pursues service.

His experience includes working remotely as an Architectural Intern, dealing with 3D modeling, drafting, and rendering for Serena Sturm Architects in Chicago, Illinois. Gerald has also worked as an Architectural Intern for Kamus + Keller Interiors & Architecture in Long Beach, CA conducting surveys and drafting. He has also worked as a research intern, conducting interviews, and collaborating on the study of Church Design. Gerald also served as a Student Director Board Member of the American Institute of Architects Inland California Chapter. He also served as the Founding Vice President of CBU’s Chi Rho Chapter of the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society. Gerald has also held leadership roles in CBU’s Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students, CBU’s Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects,

Throughout his career, he has developed a philosophy that defines design as interdisciplinary, informed, and responsive to current and future issues. He believes that design requires passion, sensitivity, and innovation compiled in a collaborative effort that results in an intentional solution that responds to user needs.