No matter what your style is—whether you possess a nostalgia for the warm tones of old '60s bungalows or are a proponent of the urban chic digs of today—it is clear that the city’s built landscape has drastically changed over the last few decades.
Thanks to the old guard as well as the newer breed of architects, interior designers, and decorators Manila still possesses surprising, relevant spaces that collectively create a better and brighter environment.
Architects
RAMON ANTONIO
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Manila residences have been made all the better with Ramon Antonio’s meticulous and purposeful hand in design. The homes he’s helped shape, from their landscaped gardens to luxe tropical living spaces, all possess a characteristic lightness.
CHITO ANTONIO
Antonio follows the footsteps of his father Pablo Antonio, the National Artist for Architecture as the trusted architect and interior designer of Manila’s most discerning. He’s also tried his hand at designing accessories and home décor.
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Notable Projects: Rustan's Our Very Own, Malacañang Premier Guesthouse
Digno "Ding" P. Asuncion and Isabel Berenguer Asuncion are the principal architects behind Asuncion-Berenguer, Inc. Together, their portfolio includes clubs, spas, hotels, resorts, residential, institutional and commercial projects in the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Macau, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.
Notable Projects: Solenad, Discovery Shores Boracay Spa, De La Salle University’s Henry Sy, Sr. Hall
Metro Manila over the last 15 years has seen a spike in restaurants and cafes that have put it at par with the rest of the globe. Barrios is a tour de force in the commercial design scene, having been responsible for the look of many of the city’s most popular haunts.
In addition to being an architect and interior designer, Bettina "Tina Bonoan" is a product designer and creative consultant. She's known for her modern yet resort and homey style of designing.
In all his years in the industry, Buensalido’s work has come to be known for its innovative concepts and forward-looking aesthetic. Fun seems to be a common theme in many of his projects, with wildly engaging forms and interiors that shift our idea of space.
Notable Projects: Nuvali Clubhouse, Chef’s Table by Chef Bruce Lim
Calma’s work possesses a bold and boundless quality that is perfect for people who want to push the envelope and innovate. His residential work is just as progressive as his more commercial projects. He is also a visual artist to boot.
Continuing the proficiency in forward-thinking design of Lor Calma, his father, Ed Calma’s modern masterpieces envelop both intimate and larger-than-life spaces with a keen understanding of lines.
Notable Projects: De La Salle—College of Saint Benilde, Serendra Bridge, Mind Museum, Univers, Homme et Femme, Clipp Center
Calma got his training from a number of schools: Nottingham University in England, De La Salle—College of St. Benilde, Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, and Boston Architectural Center. Though he excels in modern design, there is a certain sculptural effect to his work. The architect counts the designs Tadao Ando and Philippe Stark as his main influences.
With a staunch commitment to green architecture as well as preserving and actively continuing the legacy of their father William Coscolluela, these brothers have been behind some of the city’s most prominent buildings in the last few years.
Notable Projects: Joya Towers & Lofts, The Grand Midori in Makati
As global warming becomes an even more prominent issue in the international scene, sustainable design is becoming more and more important. Formerly New York-based, Crespo brings her tech and eco-knowhow to our shores. We say, it’s about time.
Notable Projects: Parish of the Risen Christ; Green Pastures restaurants; Alab restaurant; Shop LCP; Bo's Coffee headquarters; and Public Safety Savings and Loan Association Inc. building, the first green building on EDSA
Working on both a macro and micro scale, de Castro takes the most conceptual studies and turns them into full-scale works of art. Adept at large-scale site plans to smaller-scale details such as lighting, her work stands out from the inside out.
Notable Projects: Hyve, Toby’s Estate in Greenhills
With a career that helped shape some of Manila’s most defining buildings, Ledesma holds post as managing partner at Locsin’s distinguished firm. His work continues to hold a lasting impact on the fabric of the city.
Notable Projects: CCP Theater for the Performing Arts, Tower One of the Philippine Stock Exchange Plaza
Lichauco’s portfolio spans a wide range of projects from little commercial shops to prominent institutional buildings His residences are refreshingly contemporary—homes that heed the tropical environment but do not shy away from going full modern.
Notable Projects: Asian Hospital; Ospital ng Makati; Medical City Abbott, Clark, Cavite, Iloilo, and Dagupan; CCA Student Center; NAC Tower lobby; and Ateneo de Manila School of Management and the Medical City, both of which were co-designed with a team of architects while he was working for Manosa and Co., Inc.
The junior to national artist Leandro Locsin, this Wesleyan and Harvard-educated architect pools his knowledge of landscape architecture, urban planning and design into a practice that is steeped in integrity, responsibility, and socio-cultural context.
Notable Projects: Ayala Tower One, the new Ayala Museum
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MONIQUE ALBERT LOPEZ
M.Cal Architecture & Design
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Albert Lopez began her architectural journey at 14. She shares, “I was looking outside at some buildings, wondering how they were designed and built, and felt like it was something I wanted to do.” She went on to study architecture in UST which was followed by an internship under Ed Calma. Albert-Lopez enjoys designing in various styles, having worked on Pacific/tropical modern, Mediterranean, Asian, French Victorian, and rustic-industrial projects.
Filipino architecture has been synonymous with the Mañosa name since Gelo’s father, Francisco Mañosa, supported the movement to create architecture that tells the truth of its people and culture. Gelo takes this maxim and spins it to fit the 21st century.
Notable Projects: Ylang Lane, Tagô
J. ANTONIO MENDOZA
J. Antonio Mendoza Design Consultants
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A master of distinctive design, Mendoza has worked on residences, restaurants, hotels, commercial establishments and institutions. In 1991, he founded his own firm—J. Antonio Mendoza Design Consultants—which has become known for its modern and eclectic approach to design.
Notable Projects: People's Palace, Sala Bistro, Two Roxas Triangle
What do the homes of Eugenio Lopez III, Bienvenido Tantoco, Jr., Teresita Sy-Coson, and Jose Concepcion III all have in common? They were designed by Emmanuel Miñana, who was named the National Winner for Excellence in Philippine Architecture by National Commission for Culture and Arts in 2015. For Miñana, “architecture respects the relationship between the built space and its contextual site.” He makes it possible for contemporary homes to look seamlessly integrated with the outdoors, something recognized by a number of design books on tropical living.
Notable Projects: Villa Marina, a residential project in Sta. Elena; Presidential Villas for the 1996 APEC Summit; Accenture; Cemex; TAO Corporation; Banco Santander; Philippine Seven Corporation; Madrigal and Company; Avon; Korea Telecom; The Philippine Stock Exchange; and Lopez Sugar Corporation
With a heavily geometric and linear aesthetic, Nazareno and his firm have been making waves in many of the residential developments with houses that play around with cubist forms and don’t shy away from distinctive patterns.
Notable Projects: Kennedy Street Residence, Cattleya Street Residence
Onglao’s many years spent honing his craft in Los Angeles and his recent return to Manila inform his work with a blend of eastern and western influences. Both his residential and commercial projects offer a serenity very much in demand in this city.
Notable Projects: Balesin Island Club, El Nido Resort’s Pangalusian Island
Felino “Jun” Palafox is one of the country’s most notable architects. On July 1989, he founded Palafox Associates, a firm that specializes in architecture, urban planning, town planning, site planning, engineering and interior design as well as project development studies and environmental design.
Notable Projects: SM China, Rockwell Center, Santa Elena Golf Course Community
“Modern, monastic, and tropical”—Royal’s work possesses a decided point of view. Filipino without the clichés attached to local design, his brave visions in architecture have helped usher forward the country’s design scene.
Notable Projects: Kenneth Cobonpue residence in Cebu, Qi Wellness in Tagaytay
ANA ROCHA
Rocha Design Group
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Architecture runs in Rocha’s blood. Her grandfather, Julio Victor Rocha, designed the edifice of the University of Santo Tomas' Ruaño Building. He was also the first dean of the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (1947-1953).
Rocha graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of the Philippines. She heads the Rocha Design Group, a company that specializes in retail, commercial, and restaurant designs.
Sy’s clean, streamlined spaces take shape in everything from tropical Asian homes to houses that play into their environment seamlessly. Her works, from residential to commercial spaces, have an intelligent and respectful response to context.
Notable Projects: Net Lima, Net Park, Silverlens Galleries
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ALFRED WIENEKE
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This versatile architect co-designed Superferry 19, among many other projects commissioned by the Aboitiz family. His restaurant projects are a study in making modern design warm and intimate, such as Txanton and the revamped Masseto (now M Dining and Bar M) in Makati.
This architect is as creative and forward-thinking as they come. His designs feature cutting-edge geometry and the playful interplay of light with various materials. Some of the marvelous forms in his portfolio draw the eye up, making spaces—residential, civic, or commercial—seem bigger. Last year, he received the Iconic Award (Best of the Best in the Interiors Division) for his work on Mecha Uma, which features a magnificent steel sculpture above the open kitchen.
They say it’s never too late to follow your passion. This rings true with designer Tessa Alindogan who had already completed a Master’s degree in Education before switching gears and taking up design in London before establishing her Alindogan Design Group. While Alindogan admits veering toward mid-century design as a personal style, she says that simple lines and good proportion play a big role in all of her residential and commercial projects.
Nix Alanon's love for contrast is evident in his residential and commercial projects. He mixes contemporary design with organic pieces, combining and refining different styles to make a space global but timeless. Alanon also opened PhoeNix Home which showcases bespoke furniture and home accessories.
Design duo Cynthia and Ivy Almario put up Atelier Almario here in the Philippines after practicing in Los Angeles for almost fifteen years. Their success and expertise in varied residential projects catapulted them to commercial projects like bars, restaurants, and hotels here and abroad.
Notable Projects: Astoria Boracay, Romulo Cafe, Gigi Coffee and Cupcakes, Movenpick Cebu, Midas Hotel
Calma works with her husband, J. Calma at Jose Calma Development Corporation (JCDC) where she works on projects related to retail, healthcare, food, hospitality. Aside from JCDC, she co-owns and serves as the interior decorator of Cura V.
Fores worked for six years at internationally acclaimed architectural firm Leandro V. Locsin Partners before opening her own interior design firm, Chat Fores Design Studio. Her work is mostly focused on residential, commercial, and corporate interior design.
Artist turned craftswoman Yola Johnson's use of well-designed and locally crafted furniture in traditional and modern lines makes for a unique ambiance inside a tropical home. Her attention to detail and artistry is demonstrated through her residential works. Johnson also owns Soumak, a home decor and furnishings line together with her daughter Popi Laudico.
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ITO KISH
Kish Interiors
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Ito Kish is a creative with a myriad of artistic ventures. While he recently closed operations at KISH, a beautifully curated home store in Makati, he is currently a creative consultant for a number of companies and organizations. Kish is also a furniture designer, having a number of local and international awards under his belt. Kish Interiors offers interior decorating services, where Ito helps clients edit their spaces and let their personality radiate by editing their own styles.
Layug finished his studies at the New York School of Interior Design. His signature use of “traditional techniques and indigenous organic materials” adds a sleek and elegant look to every space he touches.
Gabby Lichauco has made a name in the field by focusing on home decor and furniture and opening up Open Studio, a multidisciplinary design practice which incorporates innovative and sustainable design and ideas.
Notable Projects: Sarsa Kitchen, Schema Booth at Manila Fame
TANIA FRICKE LICHAUCO
TFLifestyle Studio
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Having a natural eye for beauty and developing creative flair, Tania Fricke Lichauco's work combines neutral tones with hints of colors and modern lines in furniture to create timeless and relaxed spaces for her clients.
Lozano is an interior designer, design curator, and service consultant that specializes in luxury service. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree for Interior Design from Assumption College Makati and an Associate of Arts in Interior Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
The daughter of celebrated architect Francisco Mañosa, Bambi Mañosa heads Mañosa Design Board and acts as the vice president of the firm’s corporate social responsibility arm, Tukod Foundation. She holds an interior design degree, masters degree in Art Education from the University of the Philippines, and an art management degree from the Asian Institute of Management.
Notable Projects: Amanpulo renovation, Ylang Lane, Lantana Lane, Tago, Child Protection Unit at Philippine General Hospital, Hermitage Farmstay & Homestead, INC Museum
JONATHAN MATTI
Jonathan Matti Design Associates
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There is always an old world aesthetic flair in seasoned designer Jonathan Matti’s works. His residential projects are rich and bold, reminiscent of a classic opulent period but at the same time, these spaces are never overwhelming and have a certain warmth that can make anyone feel at home.
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MAJA OLIVARES-CO
Sonia Santiago Olivares & Associates
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Interior designer Maja Olivares-Co took her masters and worked abroad before taking the helm in their family's design and consultancy firm Sonia Santiago Olivares & Associates (SSOa). Aside from having outstanding residential and retail design projects, Olivares-Co also won the Philips Lighting an Award of Merit from the International Illumination Design Awards (IIDA) which recognized her lighting design for Essensses, a cosmetic store.
Notable Projects: Dalmore Whiskey's first flagship store in the world, Dalmore Cigar Lounge, Fundador's first flagship store in the world, Josie Natori boutiques, Bank of Singapore, Central Square Mall for the SSI group and many SSI stores, Family Mart Philippines, Daiso Philippines, Mini Stop Philippines, Sheraton Hotel Manila at Resorts World complex, the only five-star hotel with an all-Filipino team—a joint venture between SSOa and Manny Samson & Associates
RENE OROSA
Rene Orosa Design
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Interior designer Rene Orosa has had quite a handful of residential projects not only here in the Philippines but also abroad varying from condominiums, homes, and even public spaces. He creates interiors that are timeless and cohesive to the architecture and setting of the space while still incorporating the personality of the owners.
Interior designer and furniture maker Eric Paras is a household name in the design scene here in the metro. His store, A11 can attest to his sophistication and brilliance as a designer. By carefully studying design history and trends, Paras can beautifully marry his global aesthetic with Filipino craftsmanship and design, making his style inspiring and stimulating not only to clients but to fellow designers as well.
Periquet is an interior designer and the principal of Periquet Galicia. She received her design education at Pratt Institute and Assumption College, and has had several residential projects in Manila, New York, London, Hong Kong, and Vancouver.
Notable Projects: The Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences, One McKinley Place, Arya Residences
GRACE REYES
Grace S. Reyes Designs, Inc.
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As an interior architectural consultant, Reyes specializes in residential, corporate, health and hospitality projects. Reyes is known for incorporating innovation and dynamism, as well as unique touches to each of her designs.
Interior designer Junie Rodriguez' residential works have a lived-in feel that makes for a comfortable home. His mastery of mixing a variety of styles and curios create a richness to the interior without becoming too contrived.
Rosales heads creative consultancy Caramel, Inc. and acts as creative director for auction house Casa de Memoria. In an Inquirer piece, Rosales describes his work as anti-decorating: “It’s meant to make you question design and how it should be more personal and not so much a prepackaged look. It’s looking at things with a different eye.”
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NINA SANTAMARIA
Grupo Santamaria
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With over 15 years of design experience under her belt, Nina's success stems from thorough research, proper communication, and understanding of clients' needs before coming up with design solutions. She follows the "form follows function" design philosophy, which shows in all of her residential and commercial works.
One of the country’s leading interior designers, Andrés “Andy” Vázquez-Prada has built a reputation on creating spaces with an exquisite identity and luxurious touch. Vázquez-Prada acts as creative director at W17, a home store that uses a “bespoke approach” to furnish spaces.
C. MARK WILSON
WE Design
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After years of studying and practicing the profession out of the country, Interior and lighting designer C. Mark Wilson is a partner at WE Design, which focuses not only on effectively designing spaces but enhancing them through functional and aesthetic lighting techniques.
Notable Projects: Tesoro's flagship store in Pasay, Kultura at SM Makati, Filinvest's Residencia Sta. Fe
Ahead of Christie's upcoming "sale of the century," photographer Claiborne Swanson Frank captures fashion's most powerful wearing important jewels from Maharajas & Mughal Magnificence.
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