Who are the top architects in the Philippines? This Manila-centred guide profiles 40 firms on a single page, from WTA Architecture and Design, founded by William Ti in 2007 and known for the Book Stop microlibraries and the Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium, to Manosa and Company, the practice of the late National Artist Francisco Manosa, alongside established offices such as W.V. Coscolluela and Associates and ASYA Design. The list is not a ranking, and the quick facts below will help you read it.
Architects in the Philippines: Quick Facts (2026)
| Firms covered | 40, based in Metro Manila, with many working nationwide |
| Names to know | WTA Architecture and Design, whose Ferdinand E. Marcos Stadium won ArchDaily’s Building of the Year in 2025, and Manosa and Company, carrying forward the legacy of National Artist Francisco Manosa |
| Range of work | Homes and condominiums, offices and towers, institutions, hospitality and urban design |
| The market | Metro Manila’s high-rise and township boom alongside provincial work, in a country where typhoon and earthquake resilience shape good design |
| How to read the list | Not a ranking. Shortlist by built work in your project type and ask for recent, comparable projects |
| Last reviewed | Profiles reviewed and updated in 2026 |
Manila, the capital and cultural center of Philippines is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Although the second most natural disaster-prone capital city, next to Tokyo, it is amongst the fastest growing cities of Southeast Asia.
A city planned by an American architect and urban planner, Daniel Burnham in the era of ‘City Beautiful Movement’, Manila’s character, although an eclectic mix of architectural styles, is distinguished through broad streets and avenues radiating out from rectangles. Reflecting its turbulent history and scars of wars are some bare remains, reasonably preserved or beautifully reconstructed historic monuments, reflecting American, Chinese, Japanese and Malay influences. Famed for its Art deco theatres, most of which are now demolished, Manila also exhibits Neoclassical and Beaux-Art styles in its streetscapes. Prominent Filipino architects such as Felipe Roxas, Tomas Mapua, Juan M. Arenello and Antonio Toledo fabricated most of the important public buildings of the city that we see today.
Currently, top architects in Manila are working towards creating modern, contemporary and earthquake resistant buildings, employing an age-old method used in churches and government structures during the Spanish colonial period in Philippines- ‘Earthquake Baroque’. Also, currently in focus is the restoration and renovation of historically significant buildings in Manila, with an aim to restore the city to its former glory and its beautiful prewar state.
Here is a list of the 40 top Architecture firms in Manila, arranged in random order-
Architects Espina, Perez Espina & Associates | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architectural design, Master planning, Renovation.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Retail.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Addressing both practical and aesthetic requirements to provide an uplifting living environment.
Website: wwww.espinaarchitects.com
DNS Architects
Scope of services: Architectural design, Renovation.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Delivering enduring, sustainable designs, whatever the aesthetic. Focused on the ‘Whole of Life’ costs of buildings, smart solutions and lower running costs.
Website: www.dnsarchitectsinc.com
Arch. Jeff McDaniel
Scope of services: Architectural design and Engineering services, Architectural interior design, Consultation, and Site inspection.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Making designs that are more relevant and Cost-efficient.
Website: www.jeffseearchitecture.business.site
ArcoGroup Inc.
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Master planning, Environmental Graphics, Project Management
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Hospitality, Cultural, Retail, Cultural.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines
Style of work: Innovative and integrated design practices.
Website: www.arcogrp.com
ASYA Design Partner | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Transport, Retail, Hospitality, Industrial, Healthcare.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Making a Positive and Beautiful contribution to the built Environment through excellence in Architecture.
Website: www.asyadesign.com.ph
AMD Architects
Scope of services: Architectural design, Master planning, Interior design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Educational, Commercial, Cultural, Healthcare.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Delivering innovative designs with exceptional efficiency, time after time.
Website: www.amdarchitectsph.com
Aoanan Arkitektos Studio
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Design.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila
Style of work: Carefully crafted architecture seamlessly integrating people and place.
Website: http://aoananarkitektos.wix.com/a2studio
Anglo Partners+Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, commercial
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Carefully crafted architecture that has minimal impacts on the Environment.
Website: www.angloarchitects.com
Arch. Tobias Guggenheimer
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Hospitality, Healthcare, Commercial
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines, New York.
Style of work: Providing unique, beautiful and functional design solutions.
Website: www.guggenheimerarchitect.com
Allen Buenaventura Architects | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Master planning.
Types of Built Projects: Healthcare
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Contemporary, sophisticated and always conveying an eye for detail.
Website: www.arbuenaarchitects.com
Architect Manila | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Master planning.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Flexible yet coherent – unique solutions to design problems.
Website: www.architectmanila.com
Angel Lazaro & Associates, Consulting Engineers and Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior design, Master planning
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Designs are contextual and elegant.
Website: www.alazaro.com
Aidea Incorporated
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines and Abroad
Style of work: Creating sustainable buildings with precision and Elegance
Website: www.aidea.com.ph
Buensalido Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Master planning
Types of Built Projects: Commercial, Institutional, Retail, Mixed-use, Hospitality, Residential
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines
Style of work: Designing an environment that evokes an emotional response and creates a memorable experience
Website: www.buensalidoarchitects.com
CT Onglao Architects, Inc. | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Master Planning, Urban Design, Furniture Design
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines
Style of work: Innovative yet practical designs
Website: www.ctonglaoarchitects.com
Dito Architects
Scope of services: Architectural design, Master planning, Renovation.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Institutional
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: The studio operates with a collaborative approach, to achieve a refined and carefully finished result.
Website: www.infoditoph.wixsite.com
DSFN Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Institutional.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Architecture is driven by the pursuit of quality – in design, performance and effect – delivering the best, unique outcome within each project’s specific financial constraints.
Website: www.dsfnarchitects.com
Elizalde Architects and Builders
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban and Environmental Planning, Engineering Consultancy
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, and Recreational
Locations of Built Projects: Manila
Style of work: Dynamic, and successful in the face of ever-changing tastes, trends, and technologies
Website: www.elizaldearchitectsbuilders.com
Escalma Designs & Associates
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Carefully crafted architecture that is contextual and clever.
Website: www.escalma.com
Edwin Uy Design Office | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Retail, Industrial, Commercial.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Creating solutions that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
Website: www.edwinuy.ph
Edward Co Tan + Architects | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Mixed-use.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Providing functional, simple and cost-efficient designs.
Website: www.ect-architects.com
Fulgar Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Institutional.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Designing thoughtful and livable spaces blending design philosophies in their solutions.
Website: www.fulgararchitects.com
GF & Partners Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Master planning, urban design, Project Management.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Hospitality, Cultural
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: They pair massive design ambitions with clear, powerful systems of management and delivery.
Website: www.gfparchitects.com
HANDStudio Co.
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Master Planning, Urban Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Institutional, Retail, Mixed-use, Hospitality.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Sustainable, functional and dramatic spaces and buildings that have an enduring quality over time.
Website: www.handesignstudio.com
Heim Interiors | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architectural design, Interior design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Retail.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Delivering thoroughly researched, creative and intelligent solutions that serve to enhance the culture and operational efficiencies of our clients.
Website: http://www.hurraydesign.com/
HADO Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Master planning.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, featured.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines
Style of work: Innovative and flexible design solutions that support sustainability.
Website: www.hado-architects.com
Jonathan O. Gan + Associates
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior design, Landscape Architecture, Urban design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Hospitality, Healthcare, Commercial.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Advancing the relationships between land, people and culture.
Website: www.jogassociates.com
JCA Design Studio
Scope of services: Architectural design, Renovation.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Unique, Creative and Innovative approach to their projects.
Website: www.jcadesignstudio.weebly.com
LPPA Design Group
Scope of services: Architecture, Master planning.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Educational, Commercial, Cultural, Sports, Healthcare.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Bicultural and Sustainable design solutions.
Website: www.lppadesign.com.ph
Mañosa & Company | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architectural design, Master planning, Renovation.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Institutional.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Contemporary, artful, interactive, accessible, Exuberant, interiors-focused, friendly & comprehensive.
Website: www.manosa.com
Minimalist Manila Architects | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Mixed-use.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Delivering outcomes that are feasible, innovative, sustainable and fully realize the potential of the site from both architectural and commercial perspectives.
Website: http://minimalistmanila.com/
OCB Architects + Associates
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Master planning, urban design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Retail, Hospitality, Institutional.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Enriching the way people live, work and play through architecture.
Website: www.ocbarchitects.com
Plaza + Partners Inc.
Scope of services: Architecture, Master planning.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Retail, Civic.
Locations of built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Design intensive practice with a deep commitment to producing innovative buildings that engage with our culture and landscape.
Website: www.plazaandpartners.com
Philip H Recto Fuap Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior design, Master planning.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Educational, Recreational, Healthcare, Industrial.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Strong commitment to creating beautifully-crafted architecture that enhances the lives of those who experience our buildings – both inside and out.
Website: www.rectoarchitects.com
Rchitects Inc. | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Master planning, urban design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Retail, Mixed-use, Institutional, Hospitality.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Committed to providing unique and innovative designs with a tailored design approach.
Website: www.rchitects.ph
Villarosa. Architects
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior design, Master planning, urban design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Hospitality, Healthcare, Commercial, Retail, Entertainment.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines, China, etc.
Style of work: Fully integrated, holistic design approach to projects of varying scale and complexity.
Website: www.architecturescope.com
Syndicated Architects
Scope of services: Architectural design, Interior design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Infrastructure.
Locations of Built Projects: Manila.
Style of work: Creating buildings that are at once bold and distinctive whilst sensitive to their surroundings and the people who inhabit them.
Website: www.syndicatedarchitects.com
Top-Notch Construction
Scope of services: Architecture, Master planning.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Innovative and flexible design solutions that support sustainability.
Website: www.topnotchconstructionph.com
WTA Architecture and Design Studio
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Graphic design.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Retail, Healthcare, Cultural, Educational, Hospitality.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Delivering sustainable buildings that look great and stand the test of time.
Website: www.wtadesignstudio.com
W V Coscolluela and Associates Architects | Philippines Architecture
Scope of services: Architecture, Interior Design, Renovation.
Types of Built Projects: Residential, Commercial, Hospitality and Recreational.
Locations of Built Projects: Philippines.
Style of work: Unique and Unparalleled designs.
Website: www.wvcarchitects.com
How to Choose an Architect in the Philippines
Start with licensure. In the Philippines, architects must be licensed through the Professional Regulation Commission, and United Architects of the Philippines membership is a useful professional mark on top of that, so verify both before anything else. Then match the firm to the project. A condominium fit-out, a provincial family home and a corporate tower call for different teams, and the forty firms here split clearly along those lines, so judge each practice on built work of your project’s type rather than its renders. Ask specifically about building-permit experience with your city or municipality, because LGU processes differ and an architect who knows the local office saves months. And ask how the design handles climate, since good Filipino buildings are shaped by typhoons, heat and seismic codes rather than by style alone.
On fees, firms variously charge a percentage of construction cost, a lump sum or a per-square-metre rate, and the honest comparison is a written, itemised proposal from two or three practices for the same scope. Confirm what is excluded, such as structural and MEPF consultants, permit processing and site visits, and speak to a past client about supervision before you sign.
Beyond This List: Names and Districts to Know
Two further practices belong in any serious conversation about Philippine architecture. Palafox Associates, the Manila firm of architect and urban planner Felino Palafox Jr., has shaped masterplans across the Philippines and abroad and remains one of the country’s most recognised names. And AIDEA, a Manila practice known for large commercial and workplace projects, placed 39th in Building Design’s WA100 world ranking for 2024, part of a wider moment in which Philippine firms now appear in that global list each year.
Geography shapes the work. Makati and Bonifacio Global City generate most of the towers, workplaces and hospitality fit-outs; Ortigas and Quezon City add dense commercial and institutional projects; and the provinces, Cebu and Davao especially, produce more of the country’s notable new buildings every year, with many Metro Manila firms delivering nationwide. Judge a firm by recent built work of your project’s type and scale rather than by its district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous architect in the Philippines?
Historically, Leandro Locsin, National Artist for Architecture and designer of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, remains the towering figure, and his practice continues as LPPA. Francisco Manosa, named National Artist in 2018 for championing Filipino neovernacular architecture, including the Coconut Palace, passed away in 2019 and his firm carries his legacy forward. Among today’s practitioners, William Ti of WTA is one of the most internationally visible.
How much does an architect charge in the Philippines?
There is no standard rate. Fees run as a percentage of construction cost, a lump sum or a per-square-metre charge, and the number depends on scope, complexity and the firm’s seniority. Request itemised fee proposals from two or three shortlisted firms for the same clearly defined scope and confirm what each excludes.
Is this list a ranking?
No. The firms appear without any order of merit. The selection reflects built work in Metro Manila and beyond and an active practice, and it is reviewed periodically, most recently in 2026.
Which are the top 10 architecture firms in the Philippines?
Any top ten is a matter of judgment, but several firms on this list appear in most shortlists: WTA Architecture and Design, ASYA Design, W.V. Coscolluela and Associates, Manosa and Company and LPPA among them. Rather than relying on a ranked ten, shortlist three firms whose recent built work matches your project and compare their proposals directly.
Which firms should I approach for a house project?
Many of the forty practices here are residential specialists whose everyday work is houses, duplexes and small residential buildings. Shortlist firms whose recent portfolio matches your lot and budget, confirm they are PRC-licensed and handle LGU permits themselves, and speak to a past client before signing.
Building elsewhere? See our guides to the top 100 architecture firms in London and the top architects in Mumbai.
Sources for the 2026 update: Wikipedia, William Ti. Wikipedia, Francisco Manosa. Wikipedia, Book Stop Intramuros. Building Design WA100 2024, Aidea.
