As we hear the word “architecture”, names of the male architects who have been undoubtedly successful in constructing different projects would usually echo in our ears. However, a lot of women who are venturing in this field are becoming as successful as those men who are into this profession. Among the women architects who have valiantly shown that men and women have equal talents and skillfulness in this area is Architect Maria Sarah Abadia.

Architect Abadia was born in Silay, Negros Occidental where she finished her primary and secondary education. She decided to enroll at the University of San Carlos when she graduated from high school. According to her, attaining her degree in architecture was an accident. Instead of taking up Civil Engineering in the said university (which was her first choice), she enrolled in architecture as suggested by the university registrar. 

Her career started to flourish the moment she passed the licensure examination in 1993 and she became the Project Architect in some huge architectural firms in Cebu.

She served as the Managing Partner for Design Works in 1997 where she worked with various famous architects in the south.

She was chosen as the President of United Architects of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter in 2005-2007 because of her excellent achievements.

In 2003, she became the Project Architect of the US-based Bigfoot Global Solutions, the very first film school and production studios in the country.
 
Because of her remarkable skills in designing and her exceptional creativity, in less than a year the owner appointed her to be the Chief Architect for the multi-million dollar projects of Bigfoot Properties, Inc. 

In her almost seven years of stay with Bigfoot, she was able to design 10 infrastructures; six of these projects were fully built. These six structures were six sound stages, a 200-room hotel, a 68-room dormitory, a 12-storey condominium, corporate office tower, and the post production facility housing. 

Bigfoot Executive Office (image courtesy of Arch. Abadia)

Her 15 years of experience clearly equipped her in establishing her own architectural firm in Mabolo, Cebu City which she manages up to the present. She is, at the same time, the Senior Development Manager of Langdon and Seah, one of the biggest construction consultancies in Asia.

With the desire of widening her expertise in architecture, she is also taking up her Masters Degree in Architecture major in Landscaping at the University of San Carlos. 

Architect Abadia revealed that it was not that easy to practice her profession and continue her Masters Degree at the same time. Her intense passion to improve her knowledge in architecture and the burning desire to enhance her works motivate her to persist. 

 

Like Architect Partosa and Architect Anino, Architect Maria Sarah Abadia is also an advocate of “green architecture”. In fact, she described herself as a nature lover who would appreciate the view in the mountainside and would love to watch the waves and to feel the breeze.

For her, taking up Landscape Architecture would surely improve her knowledge in maximizing nature’s gift to people.

Architecture is all about using various colors and stylistic designs for some. However, this style does not apply to Architect Partosa’s approach in architecture. “Simple is effective”, this is how he describes architecture. Despite the simplicity, elegance, sophistication, and aesthetics are still manifested in his designs.

He observes Zen Minimalism and green approach in architecture. Zen Minimalism provides simplicity and calmness while the “green” technique brings tranquility and relaxation.

Architect Josephril Partosa is one of the renowned architects in Cebu whose expertise contributed a lot to architecture in the present time. He is famous for his works with Zen Minimalist touch and “green” designs. The combination of his techniques provides the structures clean, calm, simple effects and relaxing environment. 

His expertise in the field of architecture that is evident in the various projects he constructed made him the Director of UAP (United Architects of the Philippines)-Rajah Humabon Chapter in 2008-2009. In 2009-2010, he became the Vice President for program of the same organization and was elected as the Vice President for operation in 2010-2011. He was the founder of Arkiteks’ United Futbol Club (AUFC) in 2011 and one of the founders of United Architects Basketball Club (AUBC) in 2007.

When asked if as a child, he ever dreamed of becoming an architect, Arch. Partosa truthfully said no. However, his innate talent in sketching and drawing as well as his neighbor’s encouragement influenced his decision in taking up architecture at Cebu Institute of Technology-University.

After 8 years of experience, he broadened his skills in the field of architecture as he and his wife Lizanne Abarquez-Partosa established JRPartosa Arkiteks in 2008. This architectural firm that is located in Pardo, Cebu City offers services such as design, interior, landscaping, furniture design, and site development and planning. 

JRPartosa Arkiteks has an approach of Zen minimalist and green architecture. The Zen minimalism that gives clean, relaxed and calm effect and the green design that provides tranquility and breathable space are highly effective in every building that they are making.  

Sy Kitchen (image courtesy of Arch.Partosa)

Some of Architect Partosa’s successful projects include residential, commercial establishments such as Tangpuz house (which was published in Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on May, 2011), Chua House, Sy House, and Nanyang Pension in Dipolog City.

Amidst these accomplishments, the happiness and satisfaction that his clients would feel every time he finished a project were considered his greatest achievement as an architect.

Chua House(photo courtesy of Arch.Partosa)

He admires the award winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando and the prominent Frank Lloyd Wright. Having been inspired by the works of these architects, Architect Partosa shared that he dream of designing an iconic building too which will make us Filipinos proud.

The use of different colors and decorations need not be done in constructing infrastructures for according to Architect Partosa aesthetics are attained in architecture by making the design simple, cost effective, and green. Being “simple is effective”, he added.

One of the well-known and skilled architects that we Cebuanos can be proud of is Architect Darell Dave Anino. Architect Anino is a top notched architect who at a young age, has already made different plans and has built numerous structures from these plans. He humbly shared his thoughts about architecture and his life as an architect. 

I graduated in Cebu Institute of Technology Batch 2007. My parents inspired me to become an architect because both of them are architects too. I grew up seeing them practice this profession, observing its facet, learning what architecture is in general. After graduation, I had a 2-year apprenticeship in DGAnino Architects Builders where I am currently connected at after taking the licensure exam last June 2009 and luckily landed in top 8. Aside from being affiliated with the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), UAP- Rajah Humabon Chapter as Vice-President, I am also with the National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP) as a licensed Master Plumber and just recently, the Philippine Institute of Real Estate Service Practitioners (PHILRES) as a licensed Real Estate Broker.

My dream project as of this moment is not to build the tallest structure in the country nor the grandest, but rather as simple as my own dream house, a kind of home which promotes green architecture and sustainability, giving joy to its owners and to the environment where it exists. 

Architecture enables me to express my ideas and stance into different perspectives, seeing my designs come to life and getting appreciation from satisfied clients give me a certain sense of fulfillment. 

In my personal definition, architecture is everything that surrounds us and everything that we see.  

Functionality comes first before form but not sacrificing aesthetic as well. White and earth colors are the ones I usually used although I adjust to the client’s preference also.

I’ve done commercial projects, though most of my projects are residential buildings, interior works and renovation.

                The most challenging project that I’ve encountered so far was a renovation of an old house wherein lots of things had to be considered and carefully planned so that the existing details integrate harmoniously with the new ideas to be implemented.

                My most successful project I consider was when I designed an 8-unit apartment, not because of the scale or design of the project itself but because of its contribution to a faster turn-over of return to my clients where all the units were occupied in less than a month and made them happy and satisfied with my services. 

                It made me feel confident and convinced that with perseverance and Divine Providence, nothing is impossible in life.  

                The Pyramid of Giza. It is the place where pharaohs were buried, the most safe and stable structure that have endured throughout the centuries, long before the invention of modern machines and technologies. They have justifiably served their essence of protecting their pharaohs.

                Local: Leandro Locsin      International: Richard Meier

                Building a relationship with your client is as important as passing the board exam. Treat them as your boss. Build a structure as if it was your own.  Always have a room for improvement, and lastly, observe professionalism at all times.


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