Steel tough architect conquers battleground

She stood out, gained a strong foothold in the local market, and earned the respect of her peers.

In an industry largely dominated by the alpha male, Arch. Isabel Berenguer-Asuncion has emerged as one of the industry’s strongest design masters, displaying a certain kind of brilliance and strength of character that have catapulted her in a battleground of technical abilities and genetic differences.

Indeed, the principal architect of Berenguer-Asuncion Inc. has aptly displayed her expertise in a diverse range of project types in the world of architecture and interior design, including clubs, hotels, resorts, residential, institutional and commercial projects, for clients in the Philippines, Thailand, China and Hong Kong SAR.

Recently, Inquirer Property was given the privilege to peek into the story of this renowned lady architect, as to how she journeyed and managed to survive the world of the so-called boys’ club with flying colors.

For Berenguer-Asuncion, it has always been about delivering surprise and excitement in a visually competitive market. Her goal has consistently been to transcend the mundane and create powerful, memorable architectural and interior design solutions.

Inquirer Property: What was your childhood dream?  Was architecture something you always wanted?

Berenguer-Asuncion: I had a fascination with houses and buildings. At that time I had no idea about architecture, I just fancied looking at old and new buildings and houses, trying to peek into the driveways of the sprawling heritage houses in New Manila and Malate, and the newer houses in the Greenhills area.  I thought I’d buy them when I grew up and had money.

I also recall looking forward to visiting our family pediatrician in the old PAL building (now Enterprise Centre) on Ayala Avenue because I was fascinated with the concrete and glass buildings in the area. During that time (the 70s), they looked monumental and had all these sleek and shiny materials.

I actually wanted to be an archaeologist until I understood that there was such a thing as architecture. There was also a time in my teens that fashion design was a consideration, because I’d sew my dolls’ dresses and later, design dresses for my friends. I never looked into a business course, as I just couldn’t seem to make that connection. I always knew I’d be in the creative field.

IP: What convinced you to go into architecture?

BA: My father! When I was entering university I knew I wanted to be in either interior design or architecture, but architecture seemed daunting with

all the math and physics subjects. My dad prodded me on, and convinced me that I’d have a better design foundation with architecture.

There are also a few architects and engineers in my mother’s side of the family, so to be in architecture was not unusual. I’d borrow an aunt’s architecture magazine and thought it was pretty cool to be able to draw all that.

IP: Who has the greatest influence in your life? Who would you consider as your mentor?

BA: Greatest influence would be my parents. My dad was very hardworking, and looked at idleness with disdain.

When I was young, he constantly reminded me of how I had to work hard. When I started working, he’d nagged me about going on my own, that as a professional, I should eventually have my practice.

My mom on the other hand, was a very funny and light-hearted person. From her I learned the virtues of grace and hope, that there’s always a tomorrow, that things can change for the better; that you didn’t have to be defeated by your present circumstances.

My mother passed away right after she turned 50 years old, and her early death is a constant reminder to live fully and joyfully. From her too, I learned to keep things simple, smart and elegant. She didn’t like anything flamboyant. Both parents were very democratic. They treated people the same way, regardless of financial or social standing.

I was the only daughter, and so growing up with two boys made me very comfortable with men and they were predominantly what my work colleagues were. I don’t think I can pinpoint any single mentor.

I learned a lot from my former employers and my colleagues, especially early in my career when after graduating, I moved to Hong Kong and lived there for five years. It was five very intense years of work, but the experience I gained was beyond my stay there.

The exposure to the work ethic, quality design, and execution turned out to be great foundation. I was 23 years old then and I think I was very

fortunate to have been primed in that way so early in my career.

IP: In an industry highly dominated by men, what were the challenges you encountered? How did you overcome these?

BA: I think it is the stereotypical perception of women not being able to understand and resolve technical issues.  It’s very difficult to establish your authority in the profession because it is such a paternal environment. From the design office to the construction site, it is dominated by men. They don’t expect you to challenge their ideas.

But like any other job, you have to do your homework and come prepared so you can stand your ground and not allow your ideas to be side-swept. It was a lot more difficult when I was younger and starting out.

The bigger challenge though was in keeping work and life obligations in tow, especially with young children. The precarious “work-life” balance still comes into play.

On a lighter note, I once  showed up at an emergency site meeting when I was eight months pregnant, (then at the Manila Polo Club when we designed their new food and beverage facilities) in a dress and platform stilettos.

I went around the site and threw the whole project management team into utter dread and panic!  I felt very able-bodied and comfortable, huge belly included, but realized the men can’t identify with the ease of that.  I’ll never do that again though. You really should be in safety gear at job sites.

IP: What made you stay in the business?

BA: After so many years, I realized that I truly enjoy the work I do and I had been enjoying the diversity and growth in the types of projects we were getting. It’s a tough profession, and the hardest was starting alone, having to deal with all the problems yourself— including trying to break that glass ceiling. Ten years into my own, my husband and partner Ding, joined me and the dynamics has made the business of design more interesting and more progressive.

This 2017, Berenguer-Asuncion Inc. will celebrate its 20th year in the business. I am both grateful and challenged.

IP: Is there any particular belief/mantra that you follow?

BA: My mantra? There are a few and they are changed as needed: Keep moving. Don’t burn your your bridges. Win some, lose some.  Keep sharpening the saw.  Deliver delight. Carpe diem. Life is short; make it sweet.

I’m a realistic optimist:  I’ll go forward, take a challenge and focus on the bright side of things –BUT at the same time I think of all the scenarios of what could go wrong and prepare myself mentally for that.

IP: What can you consider as your greatest reward from being the principal architect of Berenguer-Asuncion Inc.?

BA: Seeing our clients or the users happy and enjoying their spaces, being proud of what we have created for them—like weaving magic.  It validates all the grueling hard work for the people in our team too, and it reinforces the discipline of keeping our design instincts sharp. Its great to see our staff looking accomplished and empowered after they see the work they’ve done.

IP: What do you think is your company’s greatest contribution to society, to the property industry in particular?

BA: At a time when everyone is excited to design and throw in every possible design element, we pull in a lot of thought and a lot of restraint in our concepts… Our concepts are meant to be future-proof, with some timelessness in its modernity.

I would like to think that we’ve somehow contributed to the advancement of the profession, and that we’ve mentored and churned out some very capable young architects and designers.

On a personal level, I hope to be a role model for other women in architecture and design.  Young aspiring female architects need to know and understand that yes, there is a lot of room for women in this profession.

IP: What legacy would you want to leave? What is that one project you dream of building?

BA: I’ve always wanted to design a well thought-out housing for the middle class, something that allows them to be part of the solution to their housing issues.

Yet it is something that is self-sustaining in the sense that they can grow it as they need it, and that they contribute to its own aesthetics.  And will be something with a very strong sense of community.