‘There are people now who can design structures using AI without ever studying architecture,’ he said. “While that’s progress, we need guardrails. It’s not about rejecting technology — it’s about protecting a profession that people study years for, take the board for, and dedicate their lives to.’
Conrad Onglao’s ‘C House.’
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BLUPRINT
Being named the new commissioner of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is more than just a new title for celebrated architect Conrad Onglao; it is a higher calling. Renowned for his breathtaking creations and years of practice, Onglao now embraces a position that calls for not just talent but also sacrifice, vision and compassion.
“I don’t know how I feel about it just yet,” Onglao said to DAILY TRIBUNE. “Technically, I’m still the chairman of the Board of Architecture. Then, recently I took my oath as commissioner.”
What most people would consider a career milestone has turned into a very reflective experience for Onglao, who was reminded of the value of public service by a young architect who approached him and stated that his 2014 guesting on Kris TV had inspired him.
“I just felt that I was able to change somebody’s life,” he shared. “And that’s what makes this role worthwhile. If even one person is inspired by what I say or do, then it’s all worth it.”
New chapter
Onglao’s path to public service has been gradual but meaningful. His scope has expanded from servicing individual clients in private practice to managing 60,000 architects as chairman of the board. But what about this new position as Commissioner? It is greater than all of that.
“To be a commissioner, it’s all about giving back. It’s service over self. That’s what’s fulfilling now,” he told to DAILY TRIBUNE.
His approach to leadership reflects this sense of purpose. “I don’t come in with grand plans of control,” he shared. “But I know what we need to work on: information dissemination, ease of doing business, and regulating our profession in this digital age.”
His career is a master class in architectural brilliance and cultural action, spanning from studio sketches to national efforts.
Prior to taking on his most recent position as Commissioner, he served as chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (PRB-ARC), where he led the way in establishing industry standards.
His legacy from C. T. Onglao Architects, Inc., is at the center of it all. Since 2000, he has served as the principal architect and managing director guiding more than 20 years of recognizable design and classic beauty.
Additionally, since June 2024 he has served as the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) private sector representative (Cultural Sites Domain) for the Philippine Creative Industries Development Council.
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the practice of both professions, Onglao, who is also a Registered Interior Designer, was granted the 2019 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award.
Home among architects
Despite his decades of experience, Onglao is new to the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), yet he felt at home right away.
“I’ve only been a member, I think, since last year,” he shares. “But I feel at home being with my fellow architects here. There’s so much camaraderie.”
PIA is a Philippine architectural society, and Onglao believes it isn’t about politics or cliques. “It’s not to favor one group over another. You just feel welcome. It’s where you belong. It’s hard to explain, but it’s just a feeling.”
Onglao never passes up the chance to meet up with other members of PIA whenever the opportunity arises.
“We don’t even talk about work,” he laughed. “It’s that yearning to just be with each other — not as competitors or professionals, but as people who understand each other.”
Fight for the future
Onglao is keen to draw attention to current concerns in architecture, including the issue of illegal practitioners and the growing influence of artificial intelligence.
“There are people now who can design structures using AI without ever studying architecture,” he said. “While that’s progress, we need guardrails. It’s not about rejecting technology — it’s about protecting a profession that people study years for, take the board for, and dedicate their lives to.”
He also acknowledges the increasing diversity in the architecture profession. “It’s no longer just NCR dominating the board topnotchers,” he noted with pride. “It’s proof that excellence isn’t limited by geography.”
For Onglao, empowering these up-and-coming architects is key. And his message to them is simple but powerful: “Do the research. Stay passionate. Never give up.”
“There’s no secret to becoming successful,” he said. “You just need to be hungry to learn, to observe, to keep your senses open. That’s what makes a good architect.”
Life lessons
Onglao wants everyone to know that he wasn’t born into riches.
“We weren’t rich, but we were taught the value of hard work, resilience and education,” Onglao emphasized.
He now bases his leadership and parenting style on these principles. Onglao, who is very quiet in his personal life, describes himself as a homebody.
“My love language to my kids is cooking. Every weekend, I’d wake up at five to go to the market and cook what they wanted. That’s how I show love.”
Apart from his role as an architect and the many hats he has had, Onglao is a father who drives himself, packs his own baggage, and feels that a man’s title doesn’t define him. “Even when I’m no longer commissioner, I want to look back and say I did my job well. That’s what matters.”
Building lives
Conrad Onglao’s passion for inspiring others, even if it is just one person at a time, remains his driving force.
“I told the graduates recently, ‘Don’t give up. You will succeed. Just do your best. And if you give it your best, you’ll never have regrets.’”
His advice is timeless but timely: Use your God-given gifts. Don’t chase money. Chase excellence. Be observant. Be disciplined. Be of service.
He recalled how his instructor had advised him to travel not only physically, but also with his senses. “Architecture is about lifestyle. You have to see, hear, touch, taste and smell. If you limit your senses, you limit your designs.”
And if there’s one mantra that encapsulates his philosophy? “Just do it,” he smiled, echoing the iconic Nike slogan.
“Don’t procrastinate. Don’t overthink. Just do it.”
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