Nikki Boncan: Nikki's blueprint

MANILA, Philippines - When Nikki Dayrit Boncan says she’s an architect, many doubt if this sweet Rachel Leigh Cook look-alike is cut out for the job. Truth be told, she is more than adept. Graduating magna cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas with a Rector’s Award in 2007, this 25-year-old was a consistent dean’s lister and was class president throughout college.

“(People think that) I’m fragile (because the) first impression when they see me is that I’m quiet. (They ask) ‘Kaya mo ba talaga yan? Can you go up scaffolding? Can you go out the roof and look at high buildings?’ I show them that I can,” says this lady and truly proves it.

In 2008, Nikki, with her team from UST, won first place for the “Ang Pinakamagandang Bahay Sa Balat Ng Lupa” competition of UP. She explains, “The competition was for professionals and for students. We had to come up with a medium to low-cost housing. Since aesthetic is subjective, we decided to come up with something that appeals to whoever will use it, something that fits according to the (owners’) needs. The idea was to create a secondary skin concept. We have a modular house. You can rearrange the dining room, bedroom and living room. Even if architects designed it, they still have ownership because they designed it. It’s like a catalogue where you can choose the material you want.”

Having recently passed the Board exams, Nikki is currently enjoying her work with an esteemed design group. She also helps in her family’s real estate projects.

The best thing about being Nikki Boncan is the fact that she can be herself. One of the granddaughters of the late Mila Dayrit, founder of Miladay Jewels, Nikki has her two feet firmly planted on the ground, having been raised with principles as solid as diamonds.

For Nikki, a “Woman of Allure” is a woman who is empowered and knows what she wants and does everything in her power to achieve it. “If you’re going to do something, you might as well do it with style and excellence and passion,” she emphasizes. Having a preference for modern architecture, she admires the museum of Frank Gehry. “Nobody has been able to copy what he tries to do. Someday I hope I’ll be able to do something like that. Wherever you go everybody knows what it is and it becomes a landmark of the city,” she dreams. With eyes of conviction, Nikki lays the foundation for a bright future in her mind.

Photography by Sara Black • Styling by Corine Alegre • Makeup by Mickey See of Shu Uemura • Hairstyling by Felicity Son • Jewelry by Miladay