WIA_ISSUE2_2023

SUSTAINABILITY
to be taken seriously and gain equal
opportunities and recognition.
One of the significant challenges I faced
was breaking through cultural and
societal expectations that often limited
women’s roles in the construction
industry. As a woman, I had to work
extra hard to prove my worth and
expertise, particularly to clients who
were not used to working with female
architects.
Another challenge was balancing
work and family responsibilities. As
a working mother, I had to find a way
to manage my time effectively to
meet the demands of my career while
also ensuring I spent enough time
with my family. It was particularly
challenging given the long hours and
high-pressure nature of the industry.
I also faced challenges in getting my
ideas and designs accepted by my
male colleagues and clients; I had to
be assertive in presenting my ideas
and ensure that my voice was heard in
meetings and discussions.
1
However, despite these challenges,
I persevered and established myself
as a talented architect with a unique
perspective on design and construction.
Through determination, hard work,
and talent, I was able to gain respect
and recognition in the industry, paving
the way for other women architects
to follow in my footsteps. I hope to
serve as an inspiration to young women
architects in the Philippines and
beyond, showing that with dedication
and perseverance, it is possible to
achieve success in a male-dominated
industry.
Why did you and your design studio,
Ecotecture, decide to expand to
Singapore? What business and design
possibilities do you see in Asia-Pacific?
Morales: First, Singapore has a growing
demand for sustainable design solutions
due to its limited land area, high
2
population density, and vulnerability
to climate change. As a result, there
are significant opportunities for
sustainable design practitioners to
make a meaningful impact here and
contribute to a more sustainable future.
Second, Singapore has set ambitious
sustainability targets, such as reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,
increasing renewable energy use,
and improving energy efficiency. The
government has implemented policies
and initiatives to support these targets,
providing incentives for businesses
and individuals to adopt sustainable
practices. This creates an environment
conducive to sustainable design
practices and presents a significant
opportunity for designers to contribute
to Singapore’s sustainability efforts.
Third, there is a growing awareness and
demand for sustainable design solutions
among consumers and businesses in
Singapore. Consumers are becoming
more conscious of their environmental
impact and are increasingly seeking
products and services that align with
their values. Businesses are also
1 A restaurant in
the San Vincente
resort in Palawan,
the Philippines
2 The interior
design of JB
Music & Sports
Flagship store in
Mandaluyong
WOOD IN ARCHITECTURE • ISSUE 2 – 2023 27