International News Oscar A. Coloma, AIA, UAP

By: Ron Rocky Coloma

of Philippine Consulate, Santa Barbara Catholic School’s Science and Technology Building, Tumon Shopping Center and other monumental and well-known projects.

Some of his past clients include Tanota Partners, LG Development Inc., Lucky Development Inc., Lucio Tan, Calvo Enterprise Inc., Bank of Guam, David Su & Family and Goodwin. He worked with Thomas J. Davies Guam for three years and with US Navy Guam Public Works for two years.

high level of standard in his profession. He depicted his passion in architecture with a unique response, describing the pertinence of perspective no matter what occurs in his work life.

Despite the impositions COVID-19 has brought to professionals, Architect Oscar Coloma’s workload has tremendously increased. He is optimistic about the completion of his new projects, which include a recreation center, a restaurant, a hotel swimming pool, a data center, and several military-related developments.

Residing in the beautiful island of Guam since 1983, Coloma has contributed to all types of architectural designs. He is the president and prime architect of OA COLOMA PC, a Guam-based architectural firm with a wide range of experience in performing multi-disciplinary projects for various public, military, and private sector clients.

His previous work on Guam includes several off-base projects, such as Dusit Thani Guam Hotel, Macy’s Expansion at Micronesia Mall, The Plaza Mall, Ladera Tower, Royal Orchid Hotel, Dededo Mall, BMW Prestige Building, Sirena Building, Tumon Bay Mall, the Official Residence

Coloma’s designs can also be found in buildings across Korea and the Philippines.

In the Philippines, he worked with Architect Cesar H. Concio and associates for three years and two years with J O Dixon and associates who was a designer and builder before going to Guam. In South Korea, he worked with Thomas J Davies/ Jung Il US Military projects in South Korea for five years.

Coloma also used to be the Project Architect of assigned military projects and was in total control of all design disciplines. While working for PWC Guam, TJD Guam and TJD Korea, Architect Coloma was involved in design, cost estimates, construction drawings, specifications, planning/programming, field investigations, documentations, and preparation of reports for infrastructures and building projects.

Dealing with various projects, Coloma prioritizes certain issues and sets a very

With any occupation comes challenges, and Architect Coloma constantly faces some in his daily routine. “It could be an unusual condition that the owner desire, the adaptability of the project on the site, the sewer, water, power, utilities needed to be considered, accessibility on how you enter the property, parking requirement, security, and most importantly the topography of a place,” he said.

Regardless, Coloma is motivated by his fervor for architectural design and always ensures that he fulfills the desires of his clients and their criteria. “Architecture is not just complex math and geometric use,” he said. “It is about building coordination with other engineers and other disciplines, helping them create a team composed of proficient and hardworking individuals.”

Coloma strives for simplicity and costeffective designs, keeping in mind that they are contemporary and aesthetically pleasing. Never did he know that he would be an architect one day, but it is with passion, conviction and determination that helped him excel in his ambitions.

“I never had a trophy or a medal when I was a student, but now I can proudly say that the soaring buildings I designed are my most cherished treasures—my towering trophies,” Coloma said.