About DesignLeap

We're on a mission to empower the next generation of Filipino designers with world-class education and mentorship.

DesignLeap Team

Our Story

DesignLeap was born from a simple observation: while the Philippines has exceptional creative talent, many aspiring designers struggle to find high-quality, industry-relevant education that prepares them for real-world success. Traditional educational institutions often lag behind the rapidly evolving design industry, leaving graduates with theoretical knowledge but lacking practical skills.

Founded in 2022 by a team of Filipino design professionals and educators, DesignLeap set out to bridge this gap by creating specialized courses that combine cutting-edge design methodologies with hands-on, project-based learning. Our founders, having experienced firsthand the challenges of transitioning from design education to professional practice, were determined to create a more direct path for the next generation.

Today, DesignLeap has grown into the Philippines' premier design education platform, with thousands of graduates working for leading companies across the country and internationally. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success remains at the heart of everything we do. We believe that great design education can transform not just individual careers but also elevate the entire creative ecosystem in the Philippines.

Our Mission

To democratize access to world-class design education and empower Filipino designers to compete and excel on the global stage. We aim to transform the creative landscape in the Philippines by equipping designers with the skills, mindset, and connections they need to create meaningful impact through their work.

Our Core Values

  • Excellence: Setting and maintaining the highest standards in design education
  • Innovation: Constantly evolving our curriculum and methods to reflect industry changes
  • Community: Fostering a supportive environment where designers can connect and grow
  • Impact: Creating meaningful change through design education and practice
  • Inclusivity: Making design education accessible to diverse backgrounds and perspectives

Meet Our Team

Our team combines decades of industry experience with a passion for education

Marinaeva Aguilaar

Co-Founder & CEO

Former Design Director at a leading Manila tech company with 12+ years of experience in UX/UI design. Passionate about elevating Filipino design on the global stage.

Ramizhan Delacroze

Co-Founder & Head of Curriculum

Former design professor with experience at leading Filipino universities. Specializes in bridging academic theory with practical industry applications.

Sofeya Reyzan

Head of UI/UX Programs

Award-winning UX designer who has worked with global brands. Specializes in user research and creating intuitive digital experiences.

Kazimiera Lietuva

Product Design Lead

Former product designer at a leading tech company in Southeast Asia. Specializes in creating cohesive product experiences and design systems.

Markir Vylanev

Lead Visual Design Instructor

Brand designer with experience working for major Filipino and international brands. Expert in typography, color theory, and visual systems.

Miroslav Slovenija

Career Development Manager

Former recruiter for design teams at top tech companies. Passionate about connecting Filipino design talent with meaningful opportunities.

Our Journey

From a small startup to the Philippines' leading design education platform

2022

The Beginning

DesignLeap was founded in Manila by a team of passionate designers and educators. We launched our first UI/UX Design Fundamentals course with 25 students.

2023

Expansion & Recognition

Expanded our course offerings to include Visual Design and Product Design specializations. Recognized as one of the most promising educational startups in the Philippines.

2024

Community Building

Launched the DesignLeap Community platform, connecting students, alumni, and industry professionals. Hosted our first Design Summit with over 500 attendees.

2025

Growth & Impact

Reached the milestone of 5,000+ graduates. Established partnerships with leading tech companies across Southeast Asia. Launched initiatives to make design education more accessible throughout the Philippines.

The Future

Vision Forward

We continue our mission to elevate Filipino design on the global stage. With plans for expanded course offerings, international partnerships, and innovative learning formats, we're just getting started.

Building the Future of Design Education in the Philippines

As the digital landscape in the Philippines continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, design education has emerged as a critical factor in the nation's technological and creative development. DesignLeap stands at the forefront of this transformation, dedicated to equipping Filipino designers with the skills, mindset, and connections necessary to excel in an increasingly competitive global market.

The Philippines has long been recognized for its rich creative talent pool, with Filipino designers contributing significantly to various fields from graphic design to digital product development. However, the traditional educational system has often struggled to keep pace with the rapidly evolving demands of the design industry. This disconnect has created a significant skills gap, with many aspiring designers finding themselves unprepared for the realities of professional practice despite their natural talents and formal education.

At DesignLeap, we've developed a unique approach to design education that bridges this gap. Our curriculum is meticulously crafted to reflect current industry standards and practices, with a particular focus on the specific needs and opportunities within the Philippine context. From understanding local user behaviors to addressing the unique challenges of designing for diverse Philippine markets, our courses provide practical, relevant knowledge that traditional institutions often overlook.

What truly sets our educational model apart is our commitment to hands-on, project-based learning facilitated by active industry professionals. Our instructors bring real-world experience directly to the classroom, sharing not just techniques but also invaluable insights about client relationships, project management, and the business aspects of design. This practical knowledge proves essential in building successful design careers in the Philippines' dynamic creative economy.

Beyond technical skills, we place significant emphasis on developing the soft skills that are increasingly valued in the design profession. Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities are woven throughout our curriculum, preparing our students to be not just skilled designers but effective team members and future leaders.

As we look to the future, our vision extends beyond individual career success to the broader impact of design education on the Philippines' economic and cultural landscape. By elevating the quality of design education and fostering a vibrant design community, we contribute to positioning the Philippines as a hub for design excellence in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The journey of building DesignLeap has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. From our humble beginnings with a single course and a handful of students, we've grown into a comprehensive design education platform serving thousands across the country. This growth reflects not just our commitment to educational excellence but also the tremendous hunger for quality design education among Filipino creative professionals.

Our community of students, alumni, instructors, and industry partners forms the heart of DesignLeap. This network creates powerful opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth that extend far beyond the classroom. As this community continues to expand, so too does its influence on the broader design ecosystem in the Philippines.

Connect With Us

Have questions about our courses or interested in partnering with DesignLeap?