Jeanette M Muñoz Abela is an architect and structural engineer. With a career that spans the design and execution of diverse projects, Jeanette has been instrumental in shaping iconic structures such as stadium roofs, bridges, towers, hotels, museums, and residential developments. Her academic journey began with studies in Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Malta, followed by advanced degrees—a Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral research—in Structural Engineering at Imperial College London. This rigorous academic foundation underpins her expertise in structural engineering and innovative design.
In 2017, Jeanette co-founded Bureau 105, a firm dedicated to human-centred and sustainable architectural solutions. Under her leadership, the firm has focused on integrating community participatory design with structurally optimized solutions, ensuring that projects are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally resilient and environmentally responsible. Her work exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, particularly in designing buildings that enhance user experience and well-being.
Jeanette's academic role as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malta allows her to delve into research areas such as structural instability, topology optimization, and the interdisciplinary fusion of architecture and engineering. Her research aims to push the boundaries of traditional engineering and architectural practices, seeking innovative approaches that benefit both the built environment and its users.
Beyond her academic and professional endeavours, Jeanette has been an active member of the Kamra tal-Periti council from 2016 to 2022, where she has contributed to the advancement of the architectural and engineering professions in Malta. Currently, she chairs the Permanent Committee on Engineering and represents the organization on the Executive Board of the European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE) and the European Monitoring Committee of Engineers Europe (EE). Through these roles, she continues to influence the industry on a European level, advocating for excellence in engineering practices and education.
Warranted Perit (Architect and Civil Engineer); Warrant Number 927
EUR ING, European Engineer, with a degree equivalent to a second cycle academic degree in engineering, awarded by Engineers’ Europe (European Federation of National Engineering Associations - formerly FEANI).
Energy Performance Assessor for Dwellings using the EPRDM methodology awarded by The Building and Construction Agency, Malta; Registration Number D0330
Kamra tal-Periti, KTP (Chamber of Architects and Civil Engineers, Malta) - Vice-President, 2022
Kamra tal-Periti, KTP - Council Member, 2014 to 2021
KTP Permanent Committee on Engineering - Chair, 2020 to date
European Council of Civil Engineers, ECCE - National Representative(2018 to date) and Member of the Executive Board (2021 to date)
Engineers’ Europe (formerly Fédération Européenne d'Associations Nationales d'Ingénieurs, FEANI) - National Representative, 2018 to date
International Committee of Women Architects, UIA - National Representative
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering, IABSE - Member
Inginiera Malta - KTP Representative
Institution of Structural Engineers, IStructE - Member
Institution of Civil Engineers, ICE - Member
International Federation for Structural Concrete, fib (fédération internationale du béton) - Member
International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures, IASS - Member
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Reviewer
AWARDS
Young Researchers’ Conference 2008 - Institution of Structural Engineers: Runner-up in Poster Competition
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Imperial College London - Poster Competition 2008: Awarded Joint First Prize
The Graduate School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (GSEPS); Imperial College London - Poster Competition 2008: Awarded High Recommended Prize
Concrete Communication Symposium 2007; The Concrete Centre in conjunction with The University of Sheffield - Best Paper
PODCAST
"The Human Agenda" focuses on sustainability, regenerative design, and the human impact of architecture and engineering. Featuring expert discussions, the podcast explores sustainable building practices, community engagement, and innovative structural solutions. Jeanette's background in architecture and structural engineering, combined with her commitment to sustainable design, brings a unique perspective. The show advocates for human-centered, environmentally responsible design, aiming to inspire critical thinking about the built environment's impact on people and the planet.
