Cover Architect Lara Fernandez Barrios (Photo: Yvette Fernandez/Melo Lim)
Architect Lara Fernandez Barrios (Photo: Yvette Fernandez/Melo Lim)
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From childhood forts to welcoming homes, discover how architect Lara Fernandez Barrios brings a unique “cosy” aesthetic to her designs
Balancing client visions with real-world constraints is the daily reality for architects.
In this insightful interview, architect Lara Fernandez Barrios navigates these complexities while embracing new technologies and materials to create spaces that are both functional and feel like home.
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What first sparked your interest in architecture?
When I was a child, I loved building things. My brother, neighbours and I would build forts out of blankets and pillows, we would also create homes and spaceships out of cardboard boxes. Lego was also (and still is) among my favourite things.
What’s your favourite material to work with, and why?
I love working with wood. It has a wonderful feel and brings warmth into any space.
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
I think “cosy” would be right. We aim to make our spaces welcoming and familiar—like home. We don’t take ourselves too seriously and like to add a touch of whimsy.
How can architecture contribute to a more sustainable future?
Thoughtful design in general can contribute to a more sustainable future. Designing with the climate and orientation of the spaces in mind can create more energy-efficient spaces. Using eco-friendly, locally sourced, renewable or recycled materials can help minimise the environmental impact.
Above Sugi Restaurant by architect Lara Fernandez Barrios
Sugi Restaurant by architect Lara Fernandez Barrios
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Filipino architecture has a unique history. Which historical Filipino architect or architectural style has influenced you most and why?
There are many periods in our country’s architectural history. One of my major influences is our ancestral home in San Fernando, Pampanga, which was built around 1926. We’re not sure who the architect is, but it's essentially a bahay na bato. I would spend my summers there and absolutely love the house.
What’s the most challenging aspect of bringing a design from concept to reality?
The most challenging aspect is balancing the wants and needs of the client with the actual site conditions, budgets, government restrictions and more. There are many factors at play in building, and our job as architects is to navigate these complexities to create a successful project.
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Above Sugi Restaurant is one of architect Lara Fernandez Barrios’s most memorable projects
Sugi Restaurant is one of architect Lara Fernandez Barrios’s most memorable projects
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If you could design any structure anywhere in the Philippines, what would it be and why?
I would love to design a church someday. It would be an incredible honour to create a space that celebrates and honours God. Designing such a meaningful and spiritual place would be a deeply fulfilling experience.
What has been your most memorable project and why?
This is a tough one as we have had quite a lot of projects over the years. Wildflour in Quezon City is one of my favourites because we had a lot of fun and freedom designing it. If you haven’t been there yet, it’s a very nondescript structure from the outside, but when you go in, it opens up into a large yet cosy space.
Sugi Restaurant is also very memorable. We were entrusted to make something many families have loved for decades feel new, yet familiar.
What’s the most important lesson in your architectural journey?
I’m always learning because there are always new technologies and materials popping up. I think the most important lesson is to adapt to all these changes. Embracing new advancements and integrating them into our practice are keys to staying relevant and innovative in architecture.
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Credits
Photography: Architect Sean Reyes
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