Guam’s Newest Architect,

Elmer Prudente Jr.

AIA Marianas is excited to congratulate Guam’s newest Architect, Elmer Prudente Jr. Elmer has been an active member of AIA Marianas since 2019. He has previously served as an Associate Board Member and is the current Secretary Pro Tem. Elmer has worked within the community since his return to Guam through chairing the Emerging Professionals Committee and through his efforts to garner the 2025 AIA College of Fellows Component Grant- the proceeds of which will be used to establish AIA Marianas’ pioneer Mentorship Program, entitled Bridging the Gap.

Born and raised in Guam, Elmer developed an interest in architecture during his high school years when he participated in the Green Dream Home High School Competition, organized by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability. There, students were tasked with researching, designing and presenting model homes that were sustainable and energy efficient. Elmer went on to continue his education at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, Philippines where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2018. After returning to Guam, he worked as an intern for a short period before becoming a full-time employee at Taniguchi Ruth Makio Architects where he has worked since.

Having always wanted to become a licensed architect, Elmer started logging his hours from TRMA through NCARB’s Architectural Experience Program (AXP). He completed his experience and began his Architecture Registration Exam process in 2023 while balancing his work life and accepting a position as adjunct faculty at the University of Guam. He finally passed his last exam in February 2025 and on March 6, 2025, he officially took the oath to become a registered architect, marking a major milestone in his career.

To those interested in the profession:

“My advice to those interested in pursuing architecture is simply to do it. Be resilient, patient, and curious. The process of becoming a licensed architect may take time, but the journey is worth it. We get to create life-sized art that touches the lives of all the people who come across the buildings we get to design!:”

— Elmer Prudente

For those working towards licensure, Elmer encourages you to “keep going and don’t rush the process! Make a plan to gain experience, to complete your Architectural Experience Program (AXP), to study and take exams. Don’t be discouraged if you feel stuck or you have a few set backs. Stay motivated and keep pushing forward, even when it feels challenging, and always remember there’s a whole community, AIA Marianas, that is here to support you!”

We look forward to seeing the bright future that’s in store for Elmer and the impacts that he can make within our island community.