Industry mentorship, peer feedback and financial assistance are helping Filipino architects prepare for international competitions, with architect Alfonso Datuin’s shortlisted Strata House illustrating how locally grounded design can gain recognition on the global stage.
For Mr. Datuin, the recognition at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) is particularly meaningful for Add Arch, a young studio still refining its approach to architecture and design.
“It means a lot because, as a young studio, we naturally have a lot of questions about how we design,” he said. “Are we doing it right? Is this what the client wanted? Is it significantly relevant to the site we designed it for?”
“A recognition like this validates how we approach design and architecture. Because of this, we have an idea that we’re on the right track,” he added.
The shortlisted project, Strata House in Punta Fuego, draws its design from the rocky landscape and steep coastal terrain surrounding the residence. Rather than treating the site as a backdrop, the architecture takes inspiration from the way the landscape was formed.
“I think it’s how closely the architecture is connected to the site. That’s where we have an edge because, interestingly, the story of our project is really about how the landscape was formed,” Mr. Datuin said.
“The landscape was shaped by rocks, and we applied the same idea and process when designing the house.”
The project also reflects his view that Filipino architecture should be understood through the country’s geography and environmental conditions, rather than being limited to familiar materials or decorative references.
“In terms of Filipino architecture, our project doesn’t really use much exterior wood because it faces the sea,” he said. “I think we can push Filipino architecture forward by highlighting the archipelagic landscape and the characteristics of the Philippines.”
He said the country’s varied terrain can provide a strong foundation for contemporary architectural design, particularly in areas where buildings must respond to cliffs, steep slopes and coastal conditions.
“Filipino architecture isn’t limited to the use of wood or seashells. It also encompasses the terrain,” he said. “By showcasing that to other countries, we can demonstrate that even when we’re working with cliffs or sites facing a body of water, we can design a house in a unique way.”
Designing for such locations, however, requires careful coordination between architecture and engineering. Structures built on sloping coastal sites must account for heavy rainfall, strong winds and other weather conditions common in the Philippines.
“In this kind of project, engineering should come first,” Mr. Datuin said. “Collaboration with our engineers is crucial because when you design a house on sloping terrain, you have to consider how it will hold up, especially since it rains for a significant part of the year.”
“If you’re facing the sea, you also have to account for strong winds from typhoons and other weather conditions. Understanding the engineering requirements of the site has to be one of your main considerations,” he added.
Being shortlisted at WAF has also given the young architect an opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners and understand how his work can be presented more effectively to an international audience.
Mr. Datuin said feedback from jurors helped him recognize that the way architects communicate their ideas is just as important as the concepts behind their projects.
“There were a lot of comments from the jurors that I really appreciated,” he said. “They explained to us that we shouldn’t dwell too much on the concept and that we should refine our presentation, since the international jury appreciates and views architectural presentations differently.”
“Given the rich experience of these fellow architects, there was a lot to take in. These people are experienced in the craft, and hearing their insights firsthand gave me a lot of direction on how to improve my presentation,” he added.
Such feedback is among the areas where industry-led mentorship initiatives can help Filipino architects prepare for international competitions.
INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE FOR PHL ARCHITECTS
LIXIL Marketing Leader and Marketing & Retail Leader Emily Rose Besavilla said the initiative to help Filipino architects gain international exposure began with a commitment to building a supportive community. She joined LIXIL in 2017 and met Judith Torres, Kanto.ph’s editor-at-large who was already advocating for Filipino participation in international design and architecture competitions.
“She was already very passionate about this advocacy of helping Filipinos shine at international events and competitions,” Ms. Besavilla said.
“She’s always believed that we should help one another and that our community should support each other so Filipinos have a better chance when participating in international design and architecture events,” she added.
The initiative was built around the observation that Philippine architecture often receives less attention than the work of architects from other countries in international discussions.
“She often pointed out that when you’re on the international stage, people don’t usually talk about Philippine architecture. The conversation is often about the architecture and design of other countries,” Ms. Besavilla said.
“The advocacy is to ensure that Filipinos shine when we go out there and become known not just for our culture and handicrafts, but also for our design and architecture.”
FILIPINO PARTICIPATION IN WAF
As a founding partner of WAF, GROHE saw the festival as an opportunity to help Filipino architects participate, get shortlisted and compete for awards.
“Since GROHE is a founding partner of the World Architecture Festival (WAF), we saw this as the perfect opportunity to help Filipinos participate in the festival, get shortlisted, and have a chance to win,” she said.
Ms. Besavilla said the number of Filipino participants and winners has grown over the years, supported by a community that shares its time and experience with fellow architects.
“We do this for free. We don’t charge one another,” she said. “We meet with the finalists, discuss their designs, and help them improve their presentations.”
The group also conducts mock presentations that simulate the experience of presenting a project at WAF, allowing participants to practice explaining their design decisions and responding to questions before facing the actual jury.
“We also conduct mock presentations that simulate what happens at the WAF,” Ms. Besavilla said. “That way, when they get there, they’re familiar with the process and prepared to perform at their best.”
She said the initiative is intended to go beyond the business interests of the companies involved, focusing instead on helping Filipino architects build their reputations internationally.
“GROHE supports the initiative not only by providing a platform but also by sponsoring young architects who may not be able to afford the fees required to join international competitions,” she said.
“We’re proud to support this advocacy because it’s beyond business. It’s not just about developing a project, winning a competition, or generating business from it. It’s about helping one another gain the opportunity to win and become known internationally, not just in the Philippines.”
For emerging studios, financial assistance can help address the cost of joining competitions, while mentorship provides opportunities to refine projects and presentations. Together, these forms of support can help architects make better use of international platforms.
Ms. Besavilla said GROHE has also observed that Filipino architects tend to consider the needs of the people who will use their designs, as well as the environmental impact of their work.
“They’re very aware of the needs of the people they’re designing for,” she said. “They make an effort to understand the requirements of a particular space or project before starting their work.”
“It’s not just about designing or coming up with a project. They also want to make sure that it gives back to the community,” she added.
“Their top priority, or core objective, is to ensure that their designs matter to their clients and the environment. That’s the kind of care I see throughout this community.”
ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS PARTICIPATE
LIXIL’s support also extends to students through the American Standard Design Awards (ASDA), an Asia-Pacific competition for third- and fourth-year design and architecture students. The program provides mentorship and encourages students to submit their work to the competition.
“American Standard has the American Standard Design Awards (ASDA), which aims to help students by mentoring them and encouraging them to submit designs to the competition,” Ms. Besavilla said.
“In fact, the Philippines has already won twice in the competition’s five-year run. That’s the kind of support we provide.”
While ASDA focuses on students, GROHE’s WAF initiative supports practicing professionals. The company also sponsors the International Property Awards, which recognizes properties and projects with notable designs.
“It’s a continuing effort to support and elevate architecture in the Philippines,” Ms. Besavilla said.
She hopes the community will continue to expand as past participants and winners share their experience with the next generation of architects.
“For GROHE, we want to see this community continue to grow,” she said. “We hope to bring more Filipino finalists to the WAF and help them win.”
“In turn, the winners can give back by training and mentoring newcomers and young architects as they enter the profession,” she added.
For Mr. Datuin, the experience of being shortlisted also serves as an example for young architects who are still finding their footing in the profession. He said he began joining competitions while he was a student, beyond those required by his academic program, and that the habit continued into professional practice.
“But it wasn’t something I was desperately seeking. It was more out of habit and passion,” he said of joining the competition.
“I guess if that passion drives you, whatever profession or practice you pursue, recognition will come later. We’re just lucky and fortunate that it’s coming this early.”
Now 27 and running a small studio after completing his studies and apprenticeship, Mr. Datuin said aspiring architects should focus on developing their skills and respecting the discipline rather than treating recognition as the primary goal.
“Architecture is a difficult and challenging profession, just like any other. But if you like it enough and are passionate about it, you can advance in the profession as far as you want, or even beyond your expectations,” he said.
“What I really want to share with young people and those aspiring to become successful architects is that it’s attainable, as long as you put in the work and respect the craft for what it is,” he added.
His advice complements the aim of mentorship initiatives such as GROHE’s: helping emerging practitioners strengthen their work, communicate their ideas and gain access to opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to pursue.
For Ms. Besavilla, the long-term goal is to build a community in which established professionals help younger architects prepare for the same opportunities that helped them gain recognition.
For Mr. Datuin, international recognition is encouraging, but the work itself remains central.
“As long as you put in enough work, recognition will follow,” he said. “Sometimes, the rewards can come not just twice over, but a thousandfold.” — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba