My name is Ian Fulgar, and I am an architect in the Philippines.
I create exciting and competitive development projects with landowners, investors, and real estate communities. My research interests include building industry trends, unique property development ventures, and the next generation of architecture.
Hi there! I have the excellent opportunity of working with many exciting people in the real estate and building industries. An architect bridges everyone’s aspirations and requirements, including landowners, investors, engineers, suppliers, and contractors. Each project introduced is always exciting and has its unique challenges. To deliver the best ideas, I need to be open-minded and flexible. This experience taught me that being an architect in the Philippines is not just about creating buildings; it also means being able to design spaces with cultural sensitivity, having a roadmap for community welfare, and having a framework for regional impact. And with each project’s experience gathered, there are plenty of incredible anecdotes and inspiring lessons along the way. Welcome to my blog, and don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter called The Projects to stay in touch with future real estate and building industry opportunities.
Joint Venture Opportunities in Real Estate Development
I also develop ways for real estate investors and property owners in the Philippines to work together on joint venture projects. Investors want to invest in real estate projects that accrue the highest return. Property owners want to utilize their property and make a profit. My proficiency in developing unique and viable real estate projects brings both parties together to form a joint venture agreement to help gentrify the land and generate profit. We have a team of professionals and local partners, like investors, engineers, real estate brokers, appraisers, suppliers, contractors, accountants, and lawyers, ready to help with any project. If you have idle lands or are simply interested in real estate development investments, please feel free to get in touch. I would love to know more about what we can do together.
Welcome to my blog!
One of the roles of an architect in the Philippines is not only to solve the country’s design issues but also to provide help and opportunities for sharing information about architectural trends, techniques, case studies, and updates in the real estate industry. So, I made this blog to share industry knowledge and give people a place to ask for help, share thoughts, and talk about or share ideas or experiences in practice.
Recent Posts from The Architect
- Cebu Landmasters Inc. Deals With Luzon Expansion Challenges
Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) is stepping into a new world as it plans to expand its projects into Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. This move brings excitement but also presents several challenges. Luzon, especially areas like Metro Manila and Cavite, has a fast-paced market filled with diverse needs and expectations from buyers. The company aims to offer affordable… Read more: Cebu Landmasters Inc. Deals With Luzon Expansion Challenges - The Devastating Reality Of Flooding In The Philippines
The problem of flooding in the Philippines presents a harsh and often unforgiving reality due to the increasing severity of super typhoons. Year after year, these storms devastate the archipelago, uprooting entire communities, destroying livelihoods, and tragically taking lives. As climate change intensifies, these typhoons’ frequency and destructive power have only grown, creating significant challenges for urban and rural regions.… Read more: The Devastating Reality Of Flooding In The Philippines - The Breathe Baguio Program As The Next Big Step
Baguio City faces increasing challenges of overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and the gradual loss of its green spaces, threatening the essence of its natural beauty and livability. In response, the “Breathe Baguio” initiative stands at the forefront of the city’s efforts to reclaim its environmental heritage and promote sustainable urban planning. This program focuses on revitalizing green spaces and enhancing the… Read more: The Breathe Baguio Program As The Next Big Step - Cebu Pacific Expands Its Horizons With AirSWIFT
On October 7, 2024, Cebu Pacific announced a ₱1.75 billion (approximately $30 million) agreement to acquire AirSWIFT Transport Inc. from ALI Capital Corp., a boutique airline known for its presence in the domestic travel market, mainly focusing on leisure destinations within the Philippines. Cebu Pacific aims to enhance accessibility to local destinations recognized for their tourism potential. The airline’s president, Xander Lao, emphasized the importance… Read more: Cebu Pacific Expands Its Horizons With AirSWIFT - The Omnibus Investments Code Of 1987 For Private Developers
The Omnibus Investments Code of 1987, formally known as Executive Order No. 226, was signed into law by President Corazon C. Aquino on July 16, 1987. This legislation aimed to create a more favorable environment for domestic and foreign investments in the Philippines by integrating and clarifying existing investment laws. It incentivizes private developers and investors to invest in priority… Read more: The Omnibus Investments Code Of 1987 For Private Developers - Consortium vs Joint Venture In Philippine Real Estate
In the fast-evolving Philippine real estate sector, developers and investors frequently engage in collaborative efforts utilizing various business models to enhance project efficiency and mitigate risks. Consortiums and joint ventures, two prevalent approaches, offer specific advantages tailored to distinct project requirements. Although many in the industry use these terms interchangeably, consortium vs joint venture differ significantly in structure, legal implications,… Read more: Consortium vs Joint Venture In Philippine Real Estate - Why Prime Real Estate In The Philippines Sells
The coveted combination of location, architectural finesse, and superior construction materials often attracts the high-end market. Yet, these tangible elements, though essential, are merely the starting point. The true allure of prime real estate in the Philippines is deeply rooted in the intangibles, elements that are not seen but felt. These properties are places to live that embody status, symbols… Read more: Why Prime Real Estate In The Philippines Sells - Human-AI Cooperation in Architecture
For centuries, architecture has thrived on the collaboration between diverse professionals—architects, engineers, specialty designers, and urban planners. This collective effort has driven the evolution of architectural design, blending artistic vision with technical precision. As we advance into the digital age, a new player has entered the field: artificial intelligence (AI). The advent of AI introduces a powerful new element to… Read more: Human-AI Cooperation in Architecture - House Construction Costs In The Philippines 2024
Building a single-detached home in the Philippines in 2024 is an enterprising endeavor that demands more than enthusiasm and vision. It requires a profound understanding of house construction costs and the practical strategies to manage this substantial investment. The financial aspects of home construction can be unpredictable due to various factors such as the type of finish, location, quality, and… Read more: House Construction Costs In The Philippines 2024 - Developing Coastal And Seaside Residences In The Philippines
Developing seaside residences in the Philippines presents a unique fusion of technical innovation and strategic business planning. The coastal regions of the Philippines, with their awe-inspiring vistas and abundant natural resources, serve as an exceptional canvas for crafting living spaces that cater to modern needs while honoring the environment. Seaside residences in the Philippines offer unparalleled opportunities for those seeking… Read more: Developing Coastal And Seaside Residences In The Philippines - Legal and Regulatory Joint Venture Requirements in the Philippines
Joint venture requirements in the Philippines offer companies, investors, and individuals a safer opportunity to combine resources, expertise, and market access. Succeeding in these partnerships requires an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework. The process begins with documentation, involving strict compliance with local regulations and navigating foreign ownership restrictions, capitalization requirements, and industry-specific rules. Critical provisions in joint venture… Read more: Legal and Regulatory Joint Venture Requirements in the Philippines - Dawn of Meta-Builders In Architectural Design and Construction
I wish to coin the term “meta builders” as a groundbreaking shift in architecture and construction, heralding a new era where the fusion of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and advanced robotic technologies paves the way for unprecedented advancements in building design, construction, and operation. These innovative paradigm shifts redefine the role of architects and builders and promise to address some… Read more: Dawn of Meta-Builders In Architectural Design and Construction - Will Artificial Intelligence or AI Replace Architects?
Most advocates in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction or AEC industry argue that it is improbable that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will completely supplant architects in the foreseeable future. Conversely, many regard AI as a tool that can augment the architect’s creativity rather than a substitute or a rival. Artificial intelligence can enhance formulaic or labor-intensive jobs, such as ensuring code… Read more: Will Artificial Intelligence or AI Replace Architects? - The Charm of Midcentury Modern Architecture In The Philippines
Midcentury modern architecture is a style that emerged in the middle decades of the 20th century, primarily in the United States and Europe. The post-World War II boom and the exploration of materials such as steel, concrete, and insulated glass influenced it. Clean lines, open floor plans, and a focus on functionality characterize the style. Midcentury modern architecture often incorporates… Read more: The Charm of Midcentury Modern Architecture In The Philippines
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Ask The Architect In The Philippines
Have you ever wondered how things work in the Philippines? Or do you not know who to consult with regarding your property projects? Feel free to ask. Even though I may not be able to answer all of your questions, I will do my best to organize similar topics into related posts. I look forward to hearing from you!
Most importantly, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list so I can also get in touch with you. If you require a more engaging consultation with an architect, please consider hiring me for your project. It is always a pleasure to meet new friends in the industry.
Past and Ongoing Projects
I have always been fascinated with the future and unique architecture. Fulgar Architects is an architectural firm in the Philippines that promotes design philosophies that are precisely like that. First, we’ve been lucky to work with clients who want unique and meaningful architecture for their real estate investments. Please check out some of the past and ongoing projects. Second, I would sometimes play around with ideas for architectural design or enter competitions. I hope you enjoy my portfolio and journey as a designer and planner in the Philippines. Third, architects are only as good as the team they work with. The success of any project depends on the dedication and talents of each team member working on it. To them, I extend my honor and gratitude.
See More Architectural Works
Services of An Architect In The Philippines
I believe architects are in the business of providing services. No project is ever too small or too big. I provide architectural planning and design services, from pre-design, master planning, design development, and specialized architectural services to professional consulting services. My international and local experience includes hotel designs and resorts, entertainment with casinos, condo towers, office buildings, house designs, residential mixed-use, townhouses, subdivision ventures, township development, civic and cultural, commercial and industrial, urban planning, and renewable energy projects. If you are looking for an architect who is easy to talk to, forward-thinking, and can connect you to other real estate opportunities, look no further. My profile and CV are available here.
Making It To The Headlines
It’s Time To Go Meta
“He came back to the Philippines with the hope of bringing change into the country’s urban planning and design. His firm, Fulgar Architects, is known as the pioneer in metamodern designs of commercial properties, hotels, museums, shopping malls and residences.” Full story..
Kathy Moran
The Philippine Star
Metamodern Filipino Architect
“With metamodern design, his company is delineating away from the old school of polarity—black or white, good or bad. What metamodern is that it helps us become more subjective to try to think of more common ground where we can entertain polarities to come up with something new, something creative.” Full story..
Roderick T. dela Cruz
Manila Standard
Fulgar Pushes Metamodernism Architecture
“While he admires efforts on heritage preservation, Fulgar is looking to make his mark on the more modern, even futuristic, side of architecture, particularly in adapting it to suit the change in lifestyle brought about by technology.” Full story..
Rizal Raoul Reyes
Business Mirror
Technology at the Helm
“And that, for him, is what the role of metamodern architecture is all about: considering the sustainability, livability, and buildability while coming up with new and better building designs that could help change how people live and interact with each other.” Full story..
Din M. Villafuerte
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Metamodern Elements
“Mr. Fulgar believes that art provides the backbone to his creations. He likes working with clients who prefer the unusual over the usual.” Full story..
Vincent Mariel P. Galang
Business World
Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?
“Passion is key—the passion to try putting things together. Arch. Ian’s requirements never strayed into technique and prestige—he focused on forward-thought and flexibility. Here, Arch. Ian forges his second amalgam: architecture and technology.” Full story..
John Ravino Duanan
D+C Magazine
My Affiliations
Ian Fulgar is the best architect in the Philippines for real estate ventures. His passion includes creating joint venture opportunities and sharing tips and ideas on architectural designs and real estate trends. He is the founding architect at Fulgar Architects, an architectural firm pioneering unique and meta-modern design specialties for various real estate projects, from hospitality, condominiums, museums, and commercial to mixed-use township developments.