TASKED with designing and executing the production design for “Pinoy Big Brother” under a tight 10-day deadline, architecture graduate Julie Gwhen Box led her woodworks studio in creating new furniture for the iconic “Bahay ni Kuya.”
Box, who graduated from the UST College of Architecture in 2021, runs Within The Box Woodworks & Design Co., a studio specializing in furniture and fabrication.
She said the collaboration started when the PBB team reached out to her business via email and Instagram to commission furniture for the show’s new season.
According to Box, the project’s biggest challenge was the 10-day turnaround for pieces needing a Duco finish, an automotive-style coating that normally takes three weeks to complete.
For Box, taking on the job meant long hours for her entire team, but it was also an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
“Nakapagbigay ako ng trabaho sa mga tao ko — hindi lang ‘yong sarili ko, but my carpenters, painters, our admin, all of them,” she told the Varsitarian.
“You give them a chance to showcase their talents or what they can do. You help them put food on their family’s table. And that’s more than what I imagined this company to be. I didn’t imagine it to be like that.”
The PBB design team provided initial sketches, which Box’s studio converted into production-ready plans to ensure feasibility. Her team also performed constant quality checks both on-site and in the workshop.
Box said the producers adhered to a strict schedule but encouraged collaboration throughout the process.
“Willing sila (the PBB producers) to listen sa ideas mo. Lalo na nagse-set up na kami. And they let us speak, hindi lang sila ‘yong nagsasalita. So I appreciate that,” Box added.
Her team worked with materials including marine plywood, GI steel, and lacquer paint — essentials in high-finish, durable fabrication. She depended heavily on her carpenters, particularly for curved or irregular pieces requiring precise work.
Box said the project also highlighted the dedication of the PBB crew.
“Even late at night, nagtatrabaho pa sila,” she said. “They’re very professional, and they stick to their timeline. Nakaka-inspire na ganon din sila ka-hardworking.”
Amid the pressure, Box attributes her attention to detail and discipline to her UST architecture training.
“Maarte talaga kami dito, especially when it comes to finishes and materials,” she said. “I think we got that from UST Arki, because you can’t submit work just for the sake na ‘pwede na.’”
Before starting her studio, Box served as a project head for her aunt’s construction company and later worked for a build-and-sell firm handling conceptualization, plans, and site supervision.
She also helped run her family’s garment business, which she said strengthened her confidence and client communication and leadership skills.
After completing the PBB project, Box hopes to grow her studio into retail, construction, and related fields. She also plans to take the architecture board exams in the future.
“Even if there are hurdles, challenges, that’s part of [life]. And, as they say, that will be your ticket to go to the next level. You can’t advance to the next stage if you can’t face those challenges. So, just hold on to it, and always aim for the best.”
