The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) recently announced the results of the June 2025 Architect Licensure Examination. With 1,352 newly licensed architects entering the field, the profession continues to grow—fueled by fresh ideas and the ambition to shape better spaces.
It made me pause—not just for the achievement, but for the energy behind it. I remembered that feeling from years ago, starting out with more questions than answers, driven by a simple idea: to design buildings that worked with nature, not against it.
I was 20 when I started architecture school in Italy. I didn’t fully grasp structural systems or environmental controls yet, but I knew I wanted to design sustainable developments. That drive stuck with me—and still does.
Last month, while visiting home in Italy, I came across an old photo of myself during those early years—young, uncertain, but determined. Around the same time, I joined a casual bike ride with friends through the countryside. Riding those trails reminded me how closely architecture ties to movement, terrain, and balance. These early experiences shaped how I think about space today: responsive, adaptive, and in tune with its environment.
In 2009, I moved to the Philippines and co-founded Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) with my partner, Atty. Jojo Leviste. It became the platform to put ideas into action. We focused on sustainable architecture long before it became a buzzword—prioritizing passive cooling, natural lighting, and energy efficiency not as features, but fundamentals.
From Primavera Residences to Verona Green Residences, the goal was clear: create buildings that work with the climate and respect the community. IDC turns 16 next month, and while we’ve received regional recognition, what matters more is seeing design improve lives—homes that breathe better, neighborhoods that feel connected, and buildings that make environmental sense.
To new architects: this field is demanding. It takes time to get it right. Don’t be discouraged by the process. Embrace the revisions. Let the environment guide your thinking. Whether you join a large firm or launch your own, keep the reason you started close.
Sustainable design isn’t about being trendy. It’s about being responsible. The best buildings aren’t just efficient—they quietly improve how people live and how communities grow.
So as you begin your journey, keep learning, stay curious, and keep your work grounded in purpose. Your designs will evolve, and so will you—and over time, you’ll see that good architecture isn’t just about aesthetics or metrics. It’s about making places that last—and matter.
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