What work do you specialise in?
I specialise in designing foodservice facilities based on clients’ requirements and food solutions developed by our Sodexo Food platform. I focus on concept and space planning, from schematic through to detail design and project management with consultants.
What do you enjoy most about your profession?
I enjoy working with the people involved in food. I relish the challenge of seeing the project go from design to construction and aligning every detail and coordinating with other consultants. Most of all I enjoy seeing the final product after all the hard work and when the chef, culinary staff and client are happy with the result.
What does being an FCSI member mean to you?
I was in the foodservice business for more than 10 years before becoming an FCSI member. It was only after I joined that I realised I should have been an FCSI member earlier, as it adds value to my trade. Being an FCSI member gives me the opportunity to develop and communicate with all FCSI members around the world. It has added a valuable trade mark and assisted me with my work development towards excellence in foodservice design.
What do you think are the biggest challenges FCSI member are facing right now?
The standardisation of foodservice CAD requirements for layers, line types, the development of standardised kitchen equipment CAD blocks and acceptance at an international standard by architects and engineers. However, as long as we are open to development and reach out to all members around the world for new technology, there should be no hindrance to developing, and inspiring, the improvement of foodservice industries.
What are your goals for the rest of the year?
I hope to continue to develop new design concepts and ideas, and share them within our Sodexo Food platform.
What achievements in your career and life make you most proud?
I started my foodservice career with Middleby Philippines Corporation as a technical design detailer and worked as a senior designer at Foodservice Consultants Singapore. Moving on to Sodexo, a global powerhouse in foodservice, has allowed me to work on some great projects with Facebook, Google and HP, and has led to me being recognised as a senior foodservice consultant with a wealth of experience and design knowledge.
What are your interests away from the office?
I enjoy being with my daughter and seeing my parents, who are always there to support me. We usually have a meal together, watch TV and crack some jokes. I really love preparing a snack and having a cup of coffee with them.
CURRENT FOODSERVICE PROJECTS:
Corporate: Facebook’s new APAC HQ, Singapore – Catering for approximately 2,000 staff, located at Marina-One Singapore; Hewlett Packard’s new APAC HQ, Singapore – Food court concept and café catering for approximately 5,500 staff at full capacity
Healthcare: Makati Medical Hospital, Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines – Kitchen redesign; St. Lukes Hospital, Singapore – Kitchen redesign
Michael Jones
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