Even though it has been a tough time for architectural firms these days, some architectural firms and companies have survived and are optimistic as a result of the overall recovery of the economy. The success of some firms and companies is astonishing because they didn’t merely survive tough economic times, but they’ve thrived during it, increasing revenue, projects, and even the number of employees. It wasn’t easy for them to accomplish such a feat but they did and they stood out among the rest.
But how does one stand out from the rest? Well, according to BCI Asia, who recognizes the top developers and architecture firms all over Asia, they select the architectural firms and companies with highest value portfolios of projects during the last full calendar years. They also focus on the extent of sustainability and confirmed local green building ratings.
Here are the top architectural firms and companies that had the greatest impact on the built environment:
Aidea Philippines Inc.
After nine years of working in Hong Kong, architect Abelardo Tolentino Jr., came back to the Philippines in 1998 to lead the local unit of a British architectural company during the height of the Asian financial crisis. That company, which bought after five years, is now one of the world’s largest architectural firms with over 500 projects in 40 countries.
Aidea Philippines began with a 25-man team 11 years ago and has now grown to become one of the largest architectural companies in the world with 170 professionals that include architects, interior designers, urban planners, graphic designers and programmers. In 2013, Aidea was ranked 80th in the Building Design’s World Architecture Top 100 which is a renowned annual list of the world’s largest architectural firms. Aside from winning contracts, the Aidea team has also won grand prizes in international virtual competitions such as Build London Live and Build Qatar Live, which are both prestigious design competitions among architectural companies.
Some of their notable projects include Two Serendra in Taguig City, UP-Ayala Technohub in Quezon City, Baguio Technohub in Baguio (within Camp John Hay), Convergys One and Park Terraces, both located in Makati. Aidea Philippines also designed the West European headquarters of Procter & Gamble in Geneva, Switzerland.
Asya Design
After building an unparalleled reputation in the field of design architecture over a number of years, Asya is now affirming itself as one of the leading architectural practices at the leading edge of incorporating suitable design into the build environment. Their portfolio consists of projects of all scopes, from the architectural design and value engineering of individual buildings to the master planning of communities. They have conceived, designed and built projects that include luxury residences, shopping mall developments, high-rise residential buildings, corporate offices, finance and banking institutions, public and private institutions, clerical and religious buildings; recreational, sports facilities and casinos, just to name a few.
ASYA Design Partner has consistently been awarded by BCI Asia as one of the Top Ten Architectural Firms in the Philippines. ASYA Design Partner sets new trends in the estate market by taking a fresh approach to all aspects of architectural design. The company`s finesse in building technology applications and commitment to design quality has produced a portfolio that features some of the most notable clientele in the country and abroad. With distinguished projects in Shanghai Taicang, Chengdu, Xiamen, Suzhou, Songjiang and mostly in the Philippines, ASYA has completed numerous buildings as proof of its design excellence and service.
Their notable projects include Starmall Azienda in Cebu, Admiral Baysuites and FoGuang Shan Temple both in Manila, SMDC Showroom and SM Sea Residences both in Pasay.
Casas + Architects
Casas+Architects began from the partnership of two architects, Jose Pedro C. Recio and Carmelo T. Casas. They both had diversified practice of Hong Kong’s top architectural firms and decided to form their partnership, which was initially Hong Kong based, in October 1988 and agreed on the name Recio+Casas. They opened a Philippine office in 1990 and their partnership undertook the role of design consultant for many projects such as ABS-CBN Broadcasting Studio Complex, One and Two Lafayette Square, Kingswood Gardens, Salcedo Park, and the Richmonde.
The Recio+Casas firm was awarded its first prestigious title of Firm of the Year Award by the Philippine Institute of Architects. Sadly, Recio+Casas demerged after 20 years when Arch. Recio withdrew from the partnership. The firm continued to run under Arch. Casas with new partners aboard and have since then changed the name to Casas+Architects. What sets this firm apart is more than a distinction in design and structure, they create an impact in individual lives, neighborhoods, and cities in every project that it embarks on.
Some of their notable projects include St. Francis Tower in Mandaluyong, the Shang Grand Tower in Makati, UST-AMV College of Accounting in Manila, Pacific Plaza Towers at Fort Bonifacio, the Bellagio, Camp John Hay Manor and Suites in Baguio, and the Cheng Yang Central Linear City in Qingdao, China.
Edward Co Tan + Architects
Recognized as one of the most awarded architectural firms founded in 2002, Edward Co Tan +Architects has committed to designing, building and developing structures and communities that move and inspire our society.
They give the promise that each project is engineered and studied meticulously for business planning thus, making every square inch of the project functional and fully maximized for optimum investment. In this way, they deliver results that benefit both property owners and investors. Their reputation is built on providing excellence in designing and developing structures that deliver sustainable and flawless urban design while maintaining cost effectively. They embrace advancements and methodologies like the PhilGBC (Philippine Green Building Council), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and USGBC (US Green Building Council).
Their notable projects include the Hive Mall and Residences in Taytay, Central Mall in Cavite, the Sanctuarium in Quezon City, which is the first fully integrated memorial home cum columbary and the Ritz Hotel in Davao.
GF and Partners Architects
GF and Partners Architects is an award winning architecture and design firm based in Manila.They believe that for a design to be successful, one has to learn to collaborate with both designer and client and handle expectations exceptionally well. What sets them apart from other architectural firms is their collaborative and combined approach focuses not only on creating the best solutions today, but also creating the right solutions for tomorrow. They take pride of being one of the handful of architectural firms in the country to have survived and sustained its business for over 40 years.
Gabriel Formoso, the founding partner, mostly designed his buildings in the modernist passion. He started his profession in 1950 and by the 60’s became successful in his element. He became the preferred architect by the rich and famous in the boom years of Forbes Park and Damariñas Village.
Some of their notable projects include the Residences at Greenbelt in Makati, Viridian in San Juan, Shangri-la at the Fort and the Manila Bay Resorts in Parañaque.
Each firm has an underlying philosophy or offers a unique approach which dictates the kind of jobs that it takes. But what’s apparent among the top firms and companies is the advancement of people’s lives is always considered in the designs. They want to leave an impact on people’s lives in every project they embark on and accomplish. They are the best at what they do because they give utmost importance to the satisfaction of not only the clients but also of the end-users.
Do you know the architect that designed your home or the favorite mall you hangout to? Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Source:www.bcitop10.com/index.cfm/top-10-architects/2014/philippines/?countryid=5&year=2014
Joel Samonte works as a Content Writer for Hoppler.com.ph - the most advanced online tool that helps you search, buy, sell and rent properties in the Philippines. A true Bosconian to the core, health buff, devoted husband and a loving father. You can reach him at joel@hoppler.com.ph
FAQs
What are the top architecture firms? ›
Gensler, Perkins and Will, HKS, and Perkins Eastman top the rankings of the nation's largest architecture firms for nonresidential and multifamily buildings work, as reported in Building Design+Construction's 2022 Giants 400 Report.
Who is the most popular architect in the Philippines? ›Pablo Antonio (1901-1975) is regarded as a forerunner and the greatest architect of his day as he was one of the earliest practitioners of contemporary architecture in the Philippines.
Which of the Philippine architectural works is the most appealing? ›1. Intramuros, Manila. No list of the Phillippines' most beautiful architectural spots would be complete without mentioning Intramuros.
What is the best company for architecture in the Philippines? ›- ESA Architects & Associates. ...
- PONT Studio. ...
- DWP. ...
- Abadia Architects & Designers. ...
- NAI RCL Philippines. ...
- E&G Office Space Express. Office Space Solutions Made Fast & Easy. ...
- KGP Design Studio. Architecture & Planning Firm. ...
- Dewan Architects & Engineers. Architecture and Planning.
- SM INVESTMENTS CORPORATION. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- AYALA CORPORATION. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- BDO UNIBANK. World Rank (Jan-07-2022) ...
- PLDT. ...
- METROPOLITAN BANK & TRUST CO. ...
- JOLLIBEE FOODS CORPORATION. ...
- ROBINSONS LAND CORPORATION. ...
- MEGAWORLD CORPORATION.
1. Antoni Gaudí Gaudí spent his entire career in Barcelona, where he built all of his projects, the most famous of which is the 1883 cathedral known as La Sagrada Familia, still under construction today.
What are the top 3 industries that employ architects? ›This graphic shows the share of Architecture & engineering occupations employed by various industries. Architectural, engineering & related services employs the largest share of Architecture & engineering occupations at 23%, followed by Construction with 5.55% and Aircraft & parts manufacturing with 5.51%.
What is the highest position in an architectural firm? ›- Senior partner. ...
- Mid-level and junior partners. ...
- Department head or senior manager. ...
- Senior architect or designer. ...
- Project architect or manager. ...
- Architects and designers. ...
- Interns. ...
- Building architect.
The male-dominated architectural profession welcomed the first female architect in 1934, when Mercedes Raffiñan, a graduate of MIT, passed the board examination. She earned the distinction as the first woman architect in the history of Philippine architecture and the rest of Southeast Asia.
Who is the first licensed architect in the Philippines? ›Timeline. 1921- Tomas Mapua, member, became the first registered architect with the Professional Regulation Commission license number 00001.
Who is the youngest famous architect? ›
Ben Van Berkel is the youngest architect! Ben Van Berkel is a Dutch architect and head of his practice at UNStudio. He and his team are the brilliant minds behind the development of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, Arnhem Central Station, and the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, to name a few.
What can you say about the architecture in the Philippines? ›The Philippine's architectural landscape is a contrast among small traditional huts built of wood, bamboo, nipa, grass, and other native materials; the massive Spanish colonial churches, convents and fortifications, with their heavy “earthquake baroque” style; the American mission style architecture as well as the ...
Who is the first Filipino architect in the Philippines? ›However, the First Filipino Architect was Felix Roxas y Arroyo who was schooled in London and began his architectural practice in 1858. In 1877 – 1880, he was employed by the Spanish government, as the Municipal Architect of Manila.
What specific architectural design is the Philippines known for? ›Bahay na bato
Though not specifically suited for the hot tropics, European architecture was transposed via Acapulco, Mexico into a uniquely Filipino style. In this era, the nipa hut or bahay kubo gave way to the bahay na bato (stone house) and became the typical house of noble Filipinos.
RANK | COMPANY NAME | INDUSTRY |
---|---|---|
1 | Manila Electric Co. | Power Distributor |
2 | BDO Unibank, Inc. | Finance |
3 | Petron Corp. | Petroleum |
4 | PMFTC, Inc. | Tobacco |
- Job Security. ...
- Good Work-Life Balance. ...
- Good Relationship with Superior. ...
- Accenture. ...
- Cognizant Technology Solutions Philippines Inc. ...
- TaskUs. ...
- Teleperformance. ...
- Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald's)
For 2021, however, there was a slight deviation in the top brands in Filipino homes. The top ten brands last year, the second year of the pandemic, include Lucky Me, Silver Swan, Bear Brand, Nescafe, Surf, Kopiko, Coca Cola, Datu Puti, Palmolive, and Safeguard.
Who is the first female architect? ›Louise Blanchard Bethune was the first American woman known to have worked as a professional architect. Bethune started her practice in 1881, opening shop in Buffalo at the age of 25 with her husband.
Which country is best in architect? ›1. England. England knows no bounds when it comes to the eclectic styles of architecture, from the Roman Baths to the Westminster Abbey to the Shard. Employers around the world revere architectural degrees from England.
What are 5 careers in architecture? ›- Urban Planning. Urban planning focuses on creating and implementing designs for communities' physical structures and landscapes. ...
- Interior Design. Professionals in this field design the insides of buildings. ...
- Landscape Design. ...
- Commercial Architecture. ...
- Green Building Design.
Is architecture in demand in the Philippines? ›
There are over 42000 architects in the Philippines, and the global architectural services market is expected to reach USD 344 billion in 2022, determining the massive scope for architecture courses. The demand for architects is rising yearly as the real estate industry is booming faster than ever before.
What skills do you need to be an architect? ›- design skills and knowledge.
- knowledge of building and construction.
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
- thinking and reasoning skills.
- customer service skills.
- excellent verbal communication skills.
- analytical thinking skills.
- the ability to use your initiative.
Lord Norman Foster is the richest architect in the world with a net worth of $240 million. He founded his well-known architectural firm Foster + Partners back in 1967 and he is known for his sleek glass and steel structures.
Who is the Father of Filipino architecture? ›Juan F. Nakpil is the Father of Philippine Architecture and the very first National Artist for Architecture. Nakpil's greatest contribution is his belief that there is such a thing as Philippine Architecture, espousing architecture reflective of Philippine traditions and culture.
Who is the Father of architecture in the Philippines? ›Ildefonso Paez Santos Jr.
(September 5, 1929 – January 29, 2014), popularly known simply as "IP Santos", was a Filipino architect who was known for being the "Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture." He was recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines in the field of Architecture in 2006.
The Liceo, together with the Academia de Arquitectura y Agrimensura de Filipinas, the first professional organization of architects, engineers, and surveyors founded in 1902, offered a four-year course in civil engineering and architecture in 1904, thus becoming the first school of architecture in the Philippines.
Who is the father of architects? ›Frank Lloyd Wright (Father of Architecture) was an American architect, designer, writer, and educator. Over a period of seventy years, he designed over one thousand structures.
Who is the dean of Filipino architects? ›In the scale of compensation, the Architect ranks among the highest paid employee. The employers are rich who build skyscrapers and tall commercial buildings.
Who is the famous female architect? ›
Dame Zaha Hadid is, undeniably, one of the most successful female architects in history. The Iraqi-born British architect became the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize in 2004, the prestigious gong awarded to living architects who have demonstrated commitment, talent, and vision in their work.
Who is the Queen of architect? ›Architect Zaha Hadid, the first female “starchitect,” was an exceptional force in the industry. Her brilliance lives on through her work and influence. Dame Zaha Hadid was known as the “Queen of the Curve” for her swooping designs.
Who is the greatest female architect of all time? ›Dame Zaha Hadid is, with no doubt, the most famous female architect. Her commitment, innovation, and bold persona qualified her for being the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize in 2004. Zaha Hadid's works and achievements inspired women in the architecture and design fields to pursue their passion.
What is the importance of Philippine architecture? ›The Importance of historical structures is to make the people feel how progressive and civilized the people were during the past and it also allows people to understand what the society had gone through. From devastating wars up to the declaration of freedom.
What makes the Filipino architecture global and unique? ›Filipino architecture has influences of Chinese, Spanish, and American architectural style incorporated within it. One of the most influential trends in Filipino architecture is the Spanish influence who ruled over the island for centuries.
What is the development of architecture in the Philippines? ›Architecture in the Philippines today is the result of a natural growth enriched with the absorption of varied influences. It developed from the pre-colonial influences of our neighboring Malay brothers, continuing on to the Spanish colonial period, the American Commonwealth period, and the modern contemporary times.
What is the largest architecture in the Philippines? ›Rank | Building | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | Grand Hyatt Manila | Taguig, Metro Manila |
— | Net 25 Tower (Communications tower) | Quezon City, Metro Manila |
2 | PBCom Tower | Makati, Metro Manila |
3 | Trump Tower Manila | Makati, Metro Manila |
Born at the turn of the century, National Artist for Architecture Pablo Sebero Antonio pioneered modern Philippine architecture. His basic design is grounded on simplicity, no clutter.
Who is the National Artist of Philippines in field of architecture and one of his famous works include the Istana Nurul Iman and the CCP Main building? ›San Agustin Church, Manila
Located in the historic Intramuros or Walled City in Manila, this massive stone building is the oldest and one of the most iconic religious buildings in the Philippines.
What is the most famous architectural? ›
- 1) La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain. ...
- 2) Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE. ...
- 3) Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ...
- 4) Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. ...
- 5) Taj Mahal, Agra, India. ...
- 6) Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey. ...
- 7) Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia. ...
- 8) Colosseum, Rome, Italy.
RANK | COMPANY NAME | LGU |
---|---|---|
1 | Manila Electric Co. | Pasig City |
2 | BDO Unibank, Inc. | Makati City |
3 | Petron Corp. | Makati City |
4 | PMFTC, Inc. | Makati City |
Born at the turn of the century, National Artist for Architecture Pablo Sebero Antonio pioneered modern Philippine architecture. His basic design is grounded on simplicity, no clutter.
What school in the Philippines is best for architecture? ›- University of the Philippines Diliman.
- Mapúa University.
- University of the East, Caloocan.
- Ateneo de Davao University.
- Negros Oriental State University.
- University of Baguio.
1. Antoni Gaudí Gaudí spent his entire career in Barcelona, where he built all of his projects, the most famous of which is the 1883 cathedral known as La Sagrada Familia, still under construction today.
Who is the highest paid architect? ›Lord Norman Foster is the richest architect in the world with a net worth of $240 million. He founded his well-known architectural firm Foster + Partners back in 1967 and he is known for his sleek glass and steel structures.
What are the top 3 biggest companies? ›- #1 Walmart Inc. (WMT)
- #2 China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (SNP)
- #3 Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)
- #4 PetroChina Co. Ltd. (PTR)
- #5 Apple Inc. (AAPL)
- #6 CVS Health Corp. (CVS)
- #7 Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS. A)
- #8 Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK. A)
- Sy siblings. $12.6 B. Diversified.
- Manuel Villar. $7.8 B. Real Estate.
- Enrique Razon Jr. $5.6 B. Logistics.
- Lance Gokongwei & siblings. $3.1 B. Diversified.
- Aboitiz family. $2.9 B. Diversified.
- Isidro Consunji & siblings. $2.65 B. Construction & Engineering.
- Tony Tan Caktiong & family. $2.6 B. ...
- Jaime Zobel de Ayala & family. $2.55 B.
GDP Expands by 7.4 Percent in the Second Quarter of 2022
The main contributors to the second quarter 2022 growth were: Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 9.7 percent; Construction, 19.0 percent; and Transportation and storage, 27.1 percent.
Who is the first female architect in the Philippines? ›
The male-dominated architectural profession welcomed the first female architect in 1934, when Mercedes Raffiñan, a graduate of MIT, passed the board examination. She earned the distinction as the first woman architect in the history of Philippine architecture and the rest of Southeast Asia.
Who is the first Filipino architect in the Philippines? ›However, the First Filipino Architect was Felix Roxas y Arroyo who was schooled in London and began his architectural practice in 1858. In 1877 – 1880, he was employed by the Spanish government, as the Municipal Architect of Manila.
Who is the first registered architect in the Philippines? ›1921- Tomas Mapua, member, became the first registered architect with the Professional Regulation Commission license number 00001. 1925- Tomas B. Mapua established the Mapúa Institute of Technology to train and to share to the Filipino artisans what he have learned from the Cornell University in the United States.
Is architecture the hardest degree? ›The stressfulness of being an architect begins with being an architecture student — architecture is #1 in the 13 Hardest College Majors to Challenge Yourself ranking by PrepScholar. On average, architecture majors spend more than 22 hours of study time per week.
Are architects paid well in Philippines? ›How much does a Architect make in Philippines? The average architect salary in Philippines is ₱ 420,000 per year or ₱ 215 per hour. Entry-level positions start at ₱ 360,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to ₱ 630,000 per year.
Which country is the best for architects? ›This is why most students want to study in the Netherlands. It is considered as the best country to study architecture by many.