Arnel Mario G. Paranal

CAD Engineer · Architectural Designer

CAD Engineer and Architectural Designer with 35+ years creating construction drawings, technical documentation, and CAD layouts—from concept through construction and field verification.

35+

Years creating construction drawings, CAD layouts, and technical documentation

6

Professional roles across architecture, engineering, and prototype CAD

What I deliver

I keep drawings construction-ready.

Construction Documentation

Permit sets, construction drawings, as-builts, and redline revisions that hold up in the field.

Prototype CAD & Fabrication

SolidWorks and SketchUp models, production jigs, CNC-ready components, and design validation.

Design Coordination

Cross-discipline collaboration with structural, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing teams.

I’m a CAD Engineer and Architectural Designer with deep experience in construction drawings, technical documentation, and CAD layouts for architectural, engineering, manufacturing, and construction projects.

Beyond drafting, I bring hands-on prototype work—creating and modifying CAD models, production jigs, and components in SolidWorks and SketchUp, interpreting engineering drawings, and recommending design improvements after validation testing.

My approach combines technical depth with constructability thinking so documentation and models move cleanly from concept through field verification.

35+

Years Experience

AutoCAD

Core Platform

3

Countries Worked

Selected work

Drawings you can build from

Permit sets, as-builts, and 3D perspectives — plus a walkthrough of Marian World Sanctuary in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

Featured · 3D walkthrough

Marian World Sanctuary

Libmanan, Camarines Sur, Philippines · 70 acres

Designed by Arnel Mario G. Paranal. The largest rosary in the world, laid out on a 70-acre lot. This Bulalakaw sequence orbits the sanctuary so you can read the full site in motion.

Architectural set · 15 sheets

Roy residence

Two-storey house with roof deck · Cagayan de Oro · A / E / P / S

As-built set · 7 sheets

Panelo multi-use building

Three-storey as-built documentation

Architectural set · 15 sheets

Moorehead

Floor plans A1–A14 plus structural S1

Structural set · 6 sheets

Split-level

Foundation and structural sheets S2–S7

3D exhibits

Perspective boards

Presentation sheets of residential, commercial, and institutional massing.

Professional path

CAD & architecture experience

35+ years across architectural design, construction documentation, engineering drafting, and prototype CAD.

2019 – Present Union City, CA

Prototype Technician

Finelite Inc.

  • Collaborate with engineers to develop and validate prototype products.
  • Create and modify CAD models, production jigs, and components using SolidWorks and SketchUp.
  • Interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
  • Perform product validation testing and recommend design improvements.
  • Operate CNC equipment to fabricate prototype components.
  • Recognized through Legrand’s Pursuit of Excellence program for shop-floor jigs, safer methods, and audit-ready documentation.
2003 – 2019 Naga City, Philippines

Principal Architect

PC Design Services

  • Produced complete AutoCAD construction drawing packages.
  • Prepared permit, construction, and detailed design documents.
  • Coordinated with structural, electrical, and mechanical engineers.
  • Performed site verification and incorporated redline revisions.
  • Reviewed drawings for constructability and code compliance.
2000 – 2003 Singapore

Assistant Architect

C+A Architects

  • Prepared CAD drawings, contract documents, and 3D presentations.
1997 – 2000 Naga City, Philippines

Principal Architect

Arnel Mario Paranal & Associates

  • Prepared AutoCAD construction documents and coordinated projects.
1994 – 1997 Guam

Architectural / Civil / Structural AutoCAD Drafter

E&A Engineers Inc.

  • Produced multidisciplinary CAD drawings from survey data and engineering calculations.
  • Coordinated with engineers and construction teams.
1991 – 1994 Guam

Civil / Architectural Draftsman

Sumitomo Construction

  • Prepared shop drawings and presentation renderings.
Design toolkit

CAD platforms, documentation & field skills

CAD Platforms

  • AutoCAD
  • SolidWorks
  • SketchUp
  • Revit
  • Lumion
  • V-Ray

Documentation

  • Construction Drawings
  • Construction Documentation
  • CAD Layouts
  • As-Built Documentation
  • Redline Revisions

Field & Fabrication

  • Site Verification
  • Prototype Development
  • CNC Fabrication
  • Product Validation

Engineering Practice

  • Engineering Drawing Interpretation
  • Design Coordination
  • Constructability Review
  • Code Compliance

Core Competencies

  • Process Improvement
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Technical Specifications
  • Project Coordination

Languages & Office

  • Microsoft Office
  • English
  • Tagalog
Recognition

Awards from the shop floor

Nine Legrand Pursuit of Excellence certificates from Finelite — shown with the nominator comments written when each award was given.

Featured · Achievement Award

We move in sync

Collaborating to upgrade shortcomings in process · Nov 2025

Message from nominator

Nita and Arnel demonstrated exceptional teamwork and innovation in developing new jigs for the lens notching process. Taking the initiative to address a significant quality gap, they designed a solution that greatly improved both efficiency and cost compared to previous versions.

Anthony Slife
Open PDF

Spotlight · Jul 2026

Going Above and Beyond for Safety

We embrace inclusion · cart and fixture testing

Message from nominator

Arnel took ownership of a safety initiative outside his direct responsibilities that impacts nearly everyone in the plant. He dedicated time on Saturday to test multiple alternatives and collect data on cart weight and movement — work that supports future decisions about increasing fixture capacity without creating ergonomic risks to the back, shoulder, arm, or musculoskeletal system. Rather than making assumptions, he established a data-driven baseline to guide those decisions while prioritizing employee safety. Despite a full workload, Arnel helps the team because he genuinely cares about the organization’s success and safety. His willingness to go above and beyond demonstrates outstanding leadership, teamwork, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Isabella van Oppen

Spotlight · May 2026

Find Safer Solutions to Perform Routine Jobs

We are dependable · bench-grinder jig

Message from nominator

An employee was operating a bench grinder when a glove became entangled near the rotating grinding stone. Although no injury occurred, the damaged glove confirmed that contact with the wheel was possible, classifying this event as a high-potential Near Miss. Evaluation determined the hazard was not related to employee behavior or PPE misuse, but to inadequate machine guarding design, which allowed fingers beneath the guard and created a serious entanglement and abrasion risk. Arnel found a solution and went beyond correcting the existing guard. He engineered a solution that eliminated the need for the bench grinder by creating a jig that allows the task to be safely performed on a router. This redesigned process reduces risk while improving efficiency and speed. Arnel consistently goes above normal responsibilities to address critical safety issues. His proactive mindset, technical skill, and commitment to protecting others exemplify true safety leadership. Thank you, Arnel.

Isabella van Oppen

Spotlight · Apr 2026

Innovative Tool Development Driving Productivity

We strive for simplicity · wire-feeding tool

Message from nominator

I would like to nominate Arnel for developing an innovative wire feeding tool that has significantly improved our process. This solution has reduced costs, saved time, and increased overall productivity. His initiative and problem-solving mindset made a strong impact—great work and truly appreciated!

Priyanka Mane

Public Thanks · Mar 2026

HPR door gasket application mechanism

We seize the future · peel-and-wind fixture

Message from nominator

Arnel was very instrumental in creating a machine that peels the gasket backing so people can easily apply the gasket around the door. The peels are collected onto rolls to eliminate the need for cleanup. This is an example of seizing the future and simplifying work.

David Aziz

Spotlight · Dec 2025

Internal Audit Preparation

We are dependable · equipment and compliance

Message from nominator

Thank you to everyone who supported Internal Audit preparation over 15 months without an EHS representative. Michael, Francine, Priyanka, David, Anthony, Leo, and Whit — for CAIRO assessments and Top Action Plan preparation. Demetri, Pablito, and Arnel — for installing guarding on high-risk equipment and for compliance during the audits. Chloe — for the DOJO area. Cease and Leo — for facility preparation. Sasha, Hadji, Giovanni, and Sabina — for PPE signage updates and implementation. Grateful for everyone’s support and teamwork.

Isabella van Oppen

Spotlight · Sep 2025

LNCA Serious Injury Response Report Data Analysis

We are dependable · tool and safeguard review

Message from nominator

I would like to thank Arnel for his excellent work in creating a comprehensive tool inventory, analyzing safeguards for each tool, and reviewing the availability of training and work instructions. Despite working within a very tight timeframe, he collected all the necessary information with accuracy and thoroughness. He went beyond expectations by expanding the list to include additional equipment in his area, complete with photos and detailed notes. This contribution reflects an impressive level of dedication and professionalism.

Isabella van Oppen

Tenure · 5 years

Five years with Legrand

Service anniversary · Finelite

Message from the certificate

Loyal associates like you are essential to our company’s success. Thank you for your continuing contributions and commitment to our pursuit of excellence. Congratulations on achieving 5 years with Legrand!

Brian DiBella, President & CEO, Legrand North and Central America

Spotlight · Feb 2023

Hard working & dedicated employee of Finelite

TEAMWORK · first Finelite recognition

Message from nominator

Arnel Paranal has been working hard fulfilling cut in house requests. He truly takes projects into his hands and knows how to manage all the requests he’s been getting not only from Operations, but also from upper management. Whenever he’s given a task, Arnel is the type of person who’s willing to solve a problem fast for the Engineering department. He shows respect as well as find innovative solutions for his team. I admire him for always getting things done quickly and learning new engineering skills every day.

Alessandra Enriquez

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture

National University · Manila, Philippines

Foundation in architectural design, construction documentation, and multidisciplinary coordination that underpins 35+ years of CAD and building practice.