After studying architecture in Mexico and earning a Master of Architecture degree from SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, Jorge de Ovando spent nearly four years practicing in Chicago, contributing to institutional, workplace, and large-scale public projects.
During this time, he completed the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) while preparing for and successfully passing every division of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), ultimately earning architectural licensure in the United States.
Professional licensure represents far more than passing examinations. It reflects years of documented experience, technical competency and responsibility across every phase of architectural practice—from programming and design through construction administration and project delivery.
For JDO Studio, these credentials reinforce a broader ambition: building a practice capable of working confidently across international contexts while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Today, Jorge de Ovando is a licensed architect in both Mexico and the United States, holding active architectural licensure in Illinois and California, as well as the NCARB Certificate, which facilitates professional reciprocity across U.S. jurisdictions.
Together, these credentials support JDO Studio’s vision of creating architecture that moves naturally between cultures, cities and scales while meeting the highest standards of professional practice.