UNA Architecture x Design
UNA is a holistic architecture, interior design, and construction studio located in Muntinlupa, Philippines, delivering distinctive spaces across residential, hospitality, commercial, and institutional projects.
The name UNA is a creative play on “You and Architects”, reflecting our belief that architecture is a collaborative journey that thrives best with the involvement of the community, clients and potential users toward a shared purpose.
Derived from the Filipino word “una,” meaning “first,” the name embodies our drive to move Filipino architecture forward: to question conventions, explore new ideas, materials, technologies, and ways of building, while remaining rooted in our culture, climate, craftsmanship, and the aspirations of the people we serve.
With every project, we strive to create spaces that are not only distinctive, but also meaningful to the people who experience them—contributing, one project at a time, to the continued evolution of Filipino architecture.
What we stand for
FILIPINO
Making Filipino identity a global influence.
FORWARD
Pushing boundaries through ideas, materials, and solutions.
TOGETHER
Building better through collaboration and shared purpose.
John Raymund Topacio
Principal Architect and Founder
Topi, a graduate from the University of Santo Tomas in 2014, is a licensed Architect and Master Plumber, and is currently a director for the Committee on Professional Development in the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Alabang Chapter, and a consultant of Makati City Museum and Cultural Affairs Office.
He began his professional journey at JSLA Architects, a perennial member of BCI Asia's Top 10 Architectural Design firms in the Philippines. He furthered his career at Mañosa and Company, Inc. (MCI), a revered architectural and design firm known for pioneering Filipino architecture under the late Arch. Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa, Philippines' National Artist for Architecture. At MCI, Topi assumed pivotal roles as a designer and head of the Architecture Department.
Topi champions the evolution of Filipino architecture, design, and craft by merging local ingenuity with modern technologies and forward-thinking design.