Cover Architect-Designer J Antonio Mendoza
Architect-Designer J Antonio Mendoza
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This Tatler Asia’s 2022 Most Influential honouree speaks about his latest triumphs and bumps in his design journey
“Among the many challenges we face in our industry, the one that comes to mind is the level of creativity among today’s students,” says architect-designer J Antonio Mendoza.
Mendoza grew up in a creative design background. He once shared with Tatler that his father, J Antonio Mendoza, Sr, is an architect and his mother, Maribel González, is an interior designer. Thus, he grew up in beautiful homes. Eventually, he graduated from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) with a degree in architecture and became a member of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers.
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Design-wise, he’s influenced by a lot of things; it can even be a well-designed paperclip. But one influence that comes to his mind before every project starts is a phrase from the National Artist Leandro V Locsin: “The architect’s work is a link between the past and the future and may someday be the inspiration for a new generation of architects.”
In this article, Tatler talks to Mendoza about his passion, motivations, and thoughts on the country’s state of design.
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What projects in the last two years are you most proud of? Why?
In the last two years of the pandemic, our projects in exclusive villages and condominiums closed their doors to construction and only resumed less than a year ago. Fortunately, our office never closed due to our corporate projects with Ayala Land, Ayala Hotels, and Ayala Malls.
Greenbelt 3, with its imposing façade and the luxury, sophistication, and quiet elegance of the hallways is also home to the grandest of European fashion houses.
Casa Manila in Intramuros is one of the projects we proudly finished late last year, too. With my intense passion for Hispano-Filipino heritage conservation, I helped then Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo Puyat redesign Casa Manila, which I enjoyed immensely. Closely working with the Intramuros Administration’s team of professionals, gardeners, and skilled workers, we resurrected the tired old lady to the Queen of all living museums in the country. Working with references of valuable never-before-seen archival photographs from the collections of Doña Georgina Padilla Zóbel de Macrohon, and Fundación Ynchausti’s Nik Skalomenos de Ynchausti. All that work for Casa Manila was pro bono, all for love country.
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What challenges do you see now in your respective industry? How do you intend to help address these challenges?
Among the many challenges we face in our industry, the one that comes to mind is the level of creativity among today’s students. Creativity has been at an all-time low in the last decade or two. Instant gratification of the Internet is the preferred choice of the present generation. I advocate the use of technology and the Internet. I marvel at how we can get information in the blink of an eye. But when design is solely dependent on design apps or Pinterest, you can imagine how much output will be produced during a power blackout.
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What can you say to those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Seek your inspiration and never let the passion die, for it is an intense passion that fuels creativity. Look to the past, not to copy, but to get inspired by its triumphs and learn from its downfalls. You are only as good as your last, so approach each project with fervour burning and dedicate the success of each project to the greater glory of God.
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What are your plans for the coming years, and what keeps you going?
I’ve started my first build-and-sell project in Tali Beach in Nasugbu. It’s a stylish 1000 square meter floor area beach house with a view deck for entertaining. I’ve spent decades designing clients’ dream houses, so perhaps it’s my turn. I first built my own beach house, and it felt so wonderful to be the owner, architect, interior designer, contractor, and landscaper all rolled into one. I did whatever I wanted with no parameters (except for costs, perhaps), and the result? It’s my best work to date.
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