There is still something poetic about an architect who prefers to sketch by hand in a world dominated by trends, artificial intelligence and constantly changing skylines. Jose Pedro “Bong” Recio is a visionary who has influenced architectural designs around Asia while staying committed to his passion for art, integrity in design and essence of architecture.

His resume initially appears to be a list of artistic accomplishments: graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, seasoned designer in Hong Kong’s most prestigious firms, co-founder of RECIO+CASAS and currently Principal of RCHITECTS, Inc. Behind the tall skyscrapers and decades of international experience, however, lies a man who’s story started with a pencil, paper and a strong passion for drawing.

“I always liked drawing,” Recio begins, reflecting on his childhood days filled with art classes and oil paintings.

There were no architects in the family — just an uncle who painted on the side — but that was enough to spark a young Bong Recio’s imagination. “As far as I was concerned, architects just drew all day,” he says with a laugh to DAILY TRIBUNE.

This passion led him to the halls of UST, and soon after, to Hong Kong in 1976, where worked at firms like Eric Cumine Associates, Wong Tung International, and M. Moser Associates — eventually becoming a partner.

In 1988, Recio co-founded RECIO+CASAS, and later, in 2008, launched his own firm, RCHITECTS, Inc., where he leads a tight-knit team designing everything from luxury resorts to institutional buildings.

Returning home, redefining spaces

In 1992, Recio returned to the Philippines, bringing with him an international sensibility deeply shaped by discipline, innovation and the power of collaboration. Since then, his hand has been behind some of the country’s most iconic landmarks: Shangri-La in Boracay, The Cebu Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Church of the Gesu and The New Rizal Library at the Ateneo de Manila University, among others.

In 2008, Recio founded RCHITECTS, Inc., a professional architectural practice, where he now serves as Principal and oversees a group of architects who complete institutional, retail, residential and hospitality projects. Among the noteworthy projects are the FEU-Tech Center, the San Antonio Plaza in Forbes Park Makati and the Bellevue Resort Bohol.

But Recio’s approach isn’t about showy design. It’s about livability, honesty, and the long game. He said, “Today, we make conscious choices — like passive design, orientation and materials — to ensure structures are built with purpose.”