Breaking Barriers Through Garcia + Lee Architects' Diversified Expertise and Inclusive Initiatives

Garcia + Lee Architects Team

Packaged as a diversified and research-based architectural firm, Garcia + Lee Architects is committed to functional planning, design excellence, innovation, and sustainability. They work on a wide range of project types from industrial, residential, hospitality, commercial, mixed-use developments, landscape architecture, interior design, and commercial design fit-outs.

Afer graduating BS in Architecture at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) 2002, Ar. Jasamin Jean Lee Garcia took the Basic Course of Interior Design at the Philippine School of Interior Design. Looking back on her career, she is happy to have been under the greatest positive influence/mentor figure in her life, Ar. Richard M. Garcia, who is currently the UAP National President and coincidentally her husband.

“As the best teacher/role model I have ever had, he has provided me with the knowledge and pushed me to be different from the usual.” Ar. Jasamin adds that, “He served as an inspiration in my career and has the greatest influence on my career path.”

Ar. Richard M. Garcia and Ar. Jasamin Jean Lee Garcia

While most of Garcia + Lee Architects’ designs lean more towards the modern motif, “Thinking outside the box” has always been their motto that should be implemented on their projects.

This leads to an emphasis on clean lines and using minimal ornaments. A brand formula combining concrete, steel, glass, and wood with an effective monochromatic color palette for interiors is among their favorites. These subtle elements make an effective foundation as can be seen in their T Residence and M Residence Projects.

M Residence

With a lot area of 557 sq. m, the M Residence owned by a celebrity is a 3-storey residence with basement parking located in a Village in Fairview, Quezon City. The property covers a total floor area of approximately 1000 sq. m. Since it had a triangular shape, Garcia + Lee Architects maximized the lot space in front and allocated the triangular or irregular part at the back as an outdoor area.

M Residence by Garcia + Lee Architects

The outdoor part consists of the garden and poolside with seating areas. The house has high glass doors and windows while the ground floor has a high ceiling that makes the house even grander. The elements of wood, stone, and glass, plus the use of organic materials in the interior design of the house make the overall feel of the house warm and homey. This leads to visual beauty that balances natural elements in indoor spaces.

M Residence by Garcia + Lee Architects

The garden and pool area is the focal point of the house, where it can be viewed from a scenic elevator, similar to a resort-type house or hotel. This area is visible in all major parts of the house from the living area, dining area, kitchen, and even in the bedrooms. The residence highlights a simple modern tropical build but is luxurious in style.

T Residence

T Residence by Garcia + Lee Architects

The T Residence located in a Village in Bagumbayan, Quezon City stands at a lot area of 805 sq. m. The house is a 2-storey residence with a roof deck area, also themed in a resort living style.

The L-shaped design of the home allows views of the primary areas and bedroom along the pathway of the swimming pool. The T Residence also boasts a roof deck that consists of an open area, a gym, and an entertainment or media room. With its spacious living area, its 2-storey high ceiling allows it to house a grand staircase.

Visual connections stretch throughout the spacious living areas and dining areas out to the terraces, where, from these outdoor patios one enjoys views at the back of the interior of the home as well. It gives the owners a view of the outdoors, while the tall windows allow natural light to stream into the space. The outdoor area is enough to make you want to stay, but this small pocket garden under the stairs makes a perfect view, too.

T Residence by Garcia + Lee Architects

“During this pandemic, we realized how much we needed our own spaces. Spaces where we don’t feel suffocated or restricted. With this in mind, these spacious homes feature an open layout that makes it easier for the occupants and their guests to move from one area to another.” Ar. Jasamin adds, “We gave importance to the learnings and the well-being of our clients and we incorporated these in the design of the house. We made sure that even though you are locked down at your house you can still walk around to enjoy nature, do some activities, and have a glimpse of the sunlight. As an effect, the users will feel relaxed, comfortable, and peaceful.”

Ar. Jasamin looks at the traditionally male-dominated architecture world as a challenge for anyone in the industry, regardless of gender or experience.

“It’s not about the gender but about the passion. As long as you have passion in what you do I believe that you can build and create great things in your own unique way.”

To practice architecture means to provide services that will connect the design of buildings and space to human comfort and needs. Ar. Jasamin notes that “[As a firm] We aim for client satisfaction and we build relationships. Not just the “client – architect” relationship. I try to learn the lifestyle of each client to understand each person or each family’s needs and preferences.”

This practice of hers allows her to achieve the success she has now, which can be a great step towards empowering other women to find their own path and catch the industry's attention.

Ar. Jasamin Lee-Garcia

“I am hopeful that more women architects be recognized because there are a lot of women that are really doing well in their profession but are not well recognized. From providing skills, recognizing outstanding females, and promoting the works of these women, these initiatives will have a common purpose of encouraging women to have an impact on our society. Doing so will do more to help empower women in architecture.”

- Ar. Jasamin Jean Lee Garcia

Check out Garcia + Lee Architects here:

Address: Unit 201 Sunrise Office Condominium 1 Bldg., 226, Ortigas Avenue, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila

Mobile: 0917 532 3271

Email: garcialeearchitects@gmail.com

Facebook: @garcia-leearchitects

Instagram: @garcialeearchitects