MAPÚA UNIVERSITY

School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and Built Environment

Department of Architecture

[A Literature Analysis of Architectural Firms

in the Philippines]
AR182-1 Professional Practice 2 – Administering the Regular
Services of the Architect

BY

2021102635
[September 9, 2023]

Philippine Architecture is one of the most rich and diverse because of its neighboring countries’
history. The industry was joining the rise of technology by making digital plans and renderings.
Sustainable architecture or green architecture are now the top priorities of every architect and
architectural firm in the country to help protect and preserve the environment for the future. The
literature review focuses on the architecture overview, its issues, challenges, and how to establish
and properly manage an architectural firm in the country as well as the conclusions and
recommendations.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................1

1.1 Overview of Architecture in the Philippines..............................................................................1

1.2 Architectural Firms in the Philippines.......................................................................................1

1.2.1 H1 Architecture and Design.........................................................................................1

1.2.2 AIDEA Philippines, Inc................................................................................................1

1.2.3 Casas + Architects, Inc.................................................................................................1

2 LITERATURE REVIEW 2

2.1 Types of Architectural Firms and Their Building Models.........................................................2

2.2 Issues and Challenges of Establishing Architectural Firms in the Philippines..........................2

2.3 Project and Financial Management............................................................................................3

2.4 Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliances.......................................................................3

3 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................................4

4 REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................5
A Literature Analysis of Architectural Firms in the Philippines
STUDENT NO. 2021102635 5/25/2024

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview of Architecture in the Philippines

Architecture in the Philippines is rich and unique as it embodies the diverse influence of its
neighboring countries. The Spanish Colonial period left its architectural influences in Vigan, Manila,
and Cebu, Chinese architecture seen in Binondo, and American architecture found through industrial
and contemporary buildings around the country. Over time, the Philippines has evolved into an
architectural melting pot, displaying indigenous Filipino and colonial architecture (Enta, 2022).

According to Fulgar (2022), Austronesian cultures significantly influenced early vernacular

architecture in the Philippines. Pile construction on stilts is a popular design that elevates structures
above ground level, protecting them from flooding and other possible dangers. Following the
Philippines' independence, a new generation of architectural designs emerged. Architects began
reimagining old customs while merging them with some of the country's most renowned works (Enta,
2022). With emerging sustainable practices worldwide, Filipino architects also began designing more
sustainable and environment-friendly structures, especially with the gradual increase of global
warming.

1.2 Architectural Firms in the Philippines

1.2.1 H1 Architecture and Design

H1 Architecture brings architectural innovation to the world through a narrative viewpoint and a full
awareness of place and community. They worked with well-known and big companies and
established big projects like Panglao Oasis in Taguig and Parkway Corporate Center in Alabang.

1.2.2 AIDEA Philippines, Inc.

They originated from England before becoming an all-Filipino Group in 2003. They provide value-
added services through integrated design and technology (Aidea Inc., 2023). Some of their works are
the famous High Street South Corporate Plaza Tower 2 in BGC, Taguig.

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1.2.3 Casas + Architects, Inc.

It is a multi-disciplinary architectural firm with a distinctively modern aesthetic. The company is

committed to upholding Philippine architectural and master planning concepts. One of their famous
works is the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Studio.

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2 REVIEW LITERATURE
2.1 Types of Architectural Firms and Their Building Models

There are various types of architectural firm, each having their own building models. An architectural
firm may be niche-specific or broad, it depends on the area of expertise, location, price point and
sales approach of the firm (Trook, 2022). Small architecture firms tend to focus on one or two
specific areas like high-rise architecture, public building or sustainable designs. While larger
architectural firms focus on general architecture. According to Trook (2022), when it comes to
marketing, it is essential to focus on the building niche rather than thinking about the competitors.
Instead, focus on the core services that the company can provide and expand its offerings to the
country. Focusing on a few services can give a good reputation to other people, and clients will
choose the firm, making the firm more profitable and successful. Building a niche will emphasize
how a firm is different from its competitors.

Project management is one of the most important aspects of an architectural firm. Good project
management will strengthen and give a firm an advantage over its competitors. Project management
will be the center of an architectural firm, from managing the in-house team to coordinating with the
civil staff and consultants to deciding whether the project will be profitable. The second most
important is staffing; having professional and licensed architects and other professionals in the firm
will create a big difference (Trook, 2022).

2.2 Issues and Challenges of Establishing an Architectural Firm in the Philippines

One of the architectural firms and architects' most common concerns when dealing with customers is
that good design will trump cheap construction (Panganiban, 2021). Architects are the ones who
create all the research and planning before designing structures. Big companies are surely choosing
architects over other professions in designing their buildings because of their knowledge about the
profession, but the majority of mid-low-end users are deciding to do the work themselves instead of
hiring an architect because of the budget. The next concern is for the smaller firms; clients often
charge them for making a drawing about their house, but when they get the idea from the architect,
they will give that idea to another architect to let them build it for them. In addition, some clients
prefer well-established and known architectural firms to smaller firms. Another challenge
architectural firms face is the illegal practice of non-architects (Panganiban, 2021). These are the

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people who do not have a license but accept clients who are asking them to design a house. This is
not acceptable because only licensed architects must be the ones designing.

2.3 Embracing the Future of Architecture

With the rise of technology, architectural firms are now adopting to digital designing to create better
design solutions (Fulgar, 2022). For the longest time that the construction industry relied on manual
or paper-based system, architectural firms are now utilizing Building Information Modeling or BIM
from planning, design, stimulations and 3D models and presentations. In addition, architectural firms
in the Philippines are more supporting the environment and create sustainable design to preserve and
protect the environment for the future. To add, architectural firms are now using Integrated Project
Delivery or IPD. According to Fulgar (2022), IPD uses its members to handle the design and
construction risks as a whole team compared to the traditional construction manager, who is the only
one at risk. IPD is a great practice in architectural firms because each member contributing to the
process is accountable for the project outcome. This will result in the team communicating and
working thoroughly on the project to avoid such incidents.

2.4 Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

Certain rules and laws must be considered before establishing an architectural firm in the country.
According to Section 37 of the Republic Act (RA) 9266 (), the practice of architecture is a
professional service to which entry is based on individual personal qualifications. However, a
business, company, partnership, corporation, or association may be registered or licensed to practice
architecture under certain conditions. Only Filipino citizens officially registered and licensed as
architects may form and register a firm, business, partnership, organization, or corporation to practice
architecture. This is to ensure clients that architectural firms are legible for designing and prioritize
the safety of both parties.

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3 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In conclusion, whether big or small, architectural firms face different issues and challenges.
Regarding the most common challenge of every architect and architectural firms, which is about how
clients want a better design but doesn’t want or expect less expenses from architect’s, is to educate
them what their services are all about and what are their advantages compared to those who is not
licensed but practicing architecture. In order to keep up with current trends and technology, architects
can genuinely improve their services and job quality by joining mergers with other larger
architectural businesses. Smaller firms may continue but with better promotions so that they will be
known and be trusted with more clients. Aside from that, architectural firms continue to adapt to the
most advanced technologies to provide a great service to their clients. In order to establish a
successful architectural firm, prepare and plan in all aspects to face issues and challenges smoothly
and surpass them successfully.

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4 REFERENCES

Aidea, A. (n.d.). About. Home - Aidea Inc. https://www.aidea.com.ph/#about

Enta. (2022, February 23). Reconstructing the future: A comprehensive guide to Philippine
Architecture. https://www.enta.ph/resources/philippine-architecture/

Fulgar, I. (2022a, February 15). Architects in the Philippines for Resiliency and
Sustainability. Architect in the Philippines into New Designs & Land Ventures.
https://www.ianfulgar.com/architecture/architects-in-the-philippines-for-resiliency-
and-sustainability/

Fulgar, I. (2022b, July 11). How are Philippine Architects Adjusting for the Future?.
Architect in the Philippines into New Designs & Land Ventures.
https://www.ianfulgar.com/architecture/how-are-philippine-architects-adjusting-for-
the-future/

Lawphil. (n.d.). Republic Act No. 9266.

https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9266_2004.html

Panganiban, A. B. (2021, October 18). Safeguarding the Architectural Profession. The

Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/10/19/business/real-estate-and-
property/safeguarding-the-architectural-profession/1818865

Trook1999. (2022, May 25). Types of Architectural Firms and Their Building Models.
Elizabeth Nelson studio. https://elizabethnelsonstudio.com/types-of-architecture-firms-
and-their-business-models/#:~:text=Types%20of%20Architecture%20Firms%20and
%20Their%20Business%20Models,...%204%20Knowledge%20libraries
%20...%205%20Branding%20