In a male-dominated field that historically included few women, we are now seeing a shift as more female designers gain recognition for their work in shaping the built environment. Women thrive in spaces that highlight human-centricity—ensuring that inclusivity, sustainability, engagement, and interaction are prioritized in the places we design. In the Philippines, our unique culture influences how we value spaces, and women are leading in carving new paths that were once inaccessible.
Across the Philippines, women innovators are redefining architecture, interior and urban spaces. Their work goes beyond aesthetics—focusing on wellness, environmental conservation, community development, and social impact. As we celebrate Women’s Month, here are some of the women I personally admire for their intentional and transformative work:
Carmen Jimenez-Ong: Prioritizing Wellness in Architecture
As CEO of Menarco Development Corporation, Carmen pioneered Menarco Tower, Southeast Asia’s first LEED and WELL Gold-certified building. She champions locally designed and built spaces that prioritize sustainability and human well-being. I admire how Carmen, through Menarco Tower, created an example of how buildings should not only be sustainable but should also actively contribute to human health and productivity. Even more impressive is their directive to build spaces that are designed and built with local resources–both manpower and material.
Ann Dumaliang: Championing Conservation Through Space Design
As Managing Trustee of Masungi Georeserve, Ann and her team have transformed the once-degraded Masungi Karst Landscape into a protected ecotourism and environmental education hub, creating a sustainable trail design and restoring degraded landscapes into protected conservation sites like Sapot, Yungib, and Bayawak—innovative structures blending nature with architecture.
Anna Maria Gonzales: Enabling Greener Spaces
As Ayala Land’s Head of Corporate Sustainability, Anna oversees carbon neutrality programs and green spaces in urban developments like Bonifacio Global City, integrating sustainable farming and circular economy solutions.
Arch. Cathy Saldaña: Designing Sustainable and Inclusive Cities
As CEO of PDP Architects, Cathy integrates eco-friendly, people-centered design into projects like Seda Lio in Palawan, advocating for climate resilience and inclusive urban planning.
Yani Hornilla-Donato: Cultivating Culture-Centric Workspaces
As Canva Philippines’ Site Lead, Yani helped shape a workspace that reflects Filipino culture, from collaborative mess halls to locally inspired design elements, fostering creativity and engagement. The space did not feel like typical office space at all, instead, it felt like a playground where creatives can thrive and be productive at work at the same time. Every little inch of the space was designed with a focus on its people and our Filipino culture.
Globally, women are reshaping design through biophilic principles, sustainable materials, and inclusive planning. But what exactly makes their work groundbreaking? Female designers, architects, and creatives excel in shaping our future spaces through a combination of unique perspectives and approaches:
1. Fostering Collaboration and Inclusivity
Female leaders in design frequently cultivate collaborative environments, valuing diverse perspectives to enrich their projects. This inclusivity fosters innovation and results in spaces that resonate with a broader audience, thereby encouraging a more inclusive industry.
2. Challenging Traditional Norms
By questioning and redefining conventional design standards, female creatives introduce fresh ideas that push the boundaries of architecture and design, leading major design projects and advocating for women’s roles in architecture, thereby challenging the status quo.
3. Integrating Cultural and Social Awareness
Many female designers incorporate cultural narratives and social consciousness into their work, creating spaces that reflect and respect diverse backgrounds. This approach ensures that designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also socially relevant.
4. Mentorship and Advocacy
Women in design often engage in mentorship and advocacy, supporting emerging talents and promoting diversity within the industry, thereby fostering a supportive community for future designers.
As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s recognize the impact of women in the built environment and support their efforts in creating spaces that are functional, inclusive, and transformative. The future of design and development is being reimagined—and women are at the helm.
