Masters of Architecture

Casas+Architects and their Architectural Masterpieces

Casas+Architects, a renowned architectural firm based in the Philippines, has been reshaping skylines and redefining architectural aesthetics since its inception. The firm's success can be attributed to the vision and dedication of its principal architect, Ar. Carmelo “Meloy” Casas, whose passion for architecture was ignited by his family's influence and his early exposure to the world of art.

A Clean Canvas

Inspired by his family who immersed him in the realms of art, paintings, and classical music, Ar. Meloy Casas developed a deep love for drawing at a young age. He learned the value of time and hard work through their exemplary dedication. Furthermore, his experience witnessing the collaboration between his father, an EENT doctor, and a professional architect in designing a commercial building, solidified his decision to pursue a career in architecture. Ar. Meloy began his journey as an apprentice at the prestigious firm, C.D. Arguelles, during his sophomore year in college. This invaluable experience, coupled with his unwavering commitment to excellence, propelled him to excel academically and laid a strong foundation for his future as an architect. In collaboration with Ar. Bong Recio, Casas co-founded the firm Recio + Casas in Hong Kong, which later evolved into the Casas+Architects we know today.

With a satellite office in Manila established in 1990, the firm brought its expertise in high-rise building design to the Philippines. Over the years, Casas+Architects has expanded its operations nationwide, with a branch office in Cebu catering to the Visayas and Mindanao markets.

Splash of Colors

Casas+Architects, while already known for its specialization in high-rise design, has diversified its portfolio with their expertise now spanning Residential, Hospitality, Institutional, Industrial, Commercial, Infrastructure, and Mixed-use structures. The firm's services include architectural design, interior design, research and development, master planning, LEED consultancy, BIM modeling and management, as-built scanning, and project management. This comprehensive approach allows Casas+Architects to offer integrated solutions tailored to their clients' unique requirements. The firm's versatility is showcased through its expertise in various typologies making a name for itself in these industries:

Hospitality

Casas+Architects has been collaborating with renowned hotel operators on beach resorts, mountain retreats, private islands, and city hotels. The firm's knowledge of hotel standards and collaboration with top-rated foreign consultants have earned them a stellar reputation in this sector.

Education

In response to the educational sector's transformation with the adoption of K-12, Casas+Architects has honed its expertise in institutional projects, designing campuses for higher education institutions. Their commitment to coordination, future-proofing, and flexibility ensures that these learning centers will serve generations to come.

Commercial

The firm has also left an indelible mark on the commercial landscape, designing community-centric buildings that cater to shoppers' needs while providing spaces for leisure and social activities. By prioritizing people and sustainable living spaces, Casas+Architects crafts designs that anticipate and fulfill the community's fundamental requirements.

Industrial

Further diversifying their portfolio, Casas+Architects has ventured into the industrial sector, designing commercial laboratories and factories. Safety and efficient circulation of people and goods are paramount in these projects, showcasing the firm's ability to adapt and excel in new domains.

Casas+Architects is confidently poised to tackle new design challenges and expand its footprint beyond the Philippines. The firm's growth will be fueled by the talents and dedication of its 200+ dedicated staff members and their wealth of collective experience. It comes as no surprise that these architectural masters will continue striving to make a lasting impact on society. 

FEU Alabang - Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel interior (Photo courtesy of Christopher Claravall

A Bright Future

Casas+Architects remains commited to delivering world-class designs and services, investing in training programs, and pursuing sustainable architecture. Additionally, they aim to contribute to the government's infrastructure initiatives, especially in affordable housing through the National Housing Authority. While this is so, the firm has their eye on a bright future as they continue to evolve, embrace change, and explore new horizons. Ar. Carmelo sees himself practicing architecture well into his twilight years, drawing inspiration from great architects like I.M. Pei, Kenzo Tange, Philip Johnson, and Frank Lloyd Wright, who created masterpieces in their later stages of life.

We have added a bonus section below where Ar. Carmelo shares his firm's 10 Best Practices that catapulted Casas+Architects, setting new benchmarks for architectural excellence.

Casas+Architects’ SOLID 10

1. Harmonious integration of the Client's Goals and Project Vision with the site's environment and existing conditions.

C+A master planning is an extensive design process that involves creating and implementing a plan for the physical development of a large area. Our approach ensures a harmonious integration of the Client's Goals and Project Vision with the site's environment and existing conditions. With our team of master planners, urban planners, architects, engineers, and research and development experts, we have the expertise to design smart and spatially efficient master planned communities. 

We prioritize seamless connections between buildings and their surroundings, cultural and social setings, quality of life for end users, future growth and long-range plans, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability. In today's context, we also emphasize walkability, cohesive streetscapes, clear wayfinding, open spaces, and geo-hazards mitigation in our master planning process. Additionally, we strive to understand our clients' financial strategies, targets, and expectations and incorporate those findings into our master plans.

As Casas+Architects collaborates with clients, their design process is rooted in personalized interactions and deep understanding. The firm ensures that clients' visions, brand identities, marketing positions, and personal preferences are incorporated into the designs. By fostering open communication and translating clients' aspirations into architectural masterpieces, Casas+Architects creates customized solutions that exceed expectations.

Casas+Architects' efforts and dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The firm has garnered numerous awards and recognitions, which they humbly atribute to the collective efforts of their clients, consultants, and staff. These accolades inspire the firm to push boundaries, continuously improve, and approach each project with renewed vigor.

2. We embrace changes in the world and adapt our design solutions accordingly.

3. We "close the book" on each project with pride.

We maintain a solid track record by committing to completing projects to the client's satisfaction.

4. We put a premium on collaboration.

We emphasize collaboration between our design team and clients to gain a comprehensive understanding of their requirements, which serves as the foundation for our final designs.

5. Our concepts tell a story.

We develop concepts that tell a story and guide the design direction through thorough research and analysis.

6. We push the boundaries of technology and explore different resources.

This mindset enables us to leverage the latest advancements in our designs.

7. We cultivate an environment where our team members feel free to express their ideas, engage in constant brainstorming, and develop their creative skills to deliver innovative designs.

8. We maintain a high standard for our drawings and ensure a smooth translation into the construction process.

When we design, we envision how the drawings will result in a seamless construction process and an optimal experience for users. Our designs prioritize user-friendliness, constructability, maintenance considerations, after-sales service, and the client's budget.

9. We remain actively involved during the construction process, with architects experienced in construction management.

We maintain professional relationships with various trades and services to ensure smooth project execution.

10. We conduct thorough site context studies through research and analysis.

We apply best practices from around the world, learning from successful approaches and avoiding pitfalls while also adapting them to local practices and norms.