With Bacungan Architect, Living Spaces Are Built for Art
Bacungan Architects creates intentional living spaces where art meets purpose, ensuring every design connects deeply to its community.
Words Mariel Ann Breanna Puli
Photos courtesy of Bacungan Architects
June 19, 2026
Breeze Blocks House by Bacungan Architect
Founded in 2020 and based in Marikina City, Bacungan Architects is a dynamic design firm led by Principal Architect and Managing Director Rocksty James Kurt M. Bacungan. An award-winning young Filipino architect recognized both locally and internationally, Rocksty has steered the firm from its early residential roots into significant commercial and community-driven projects.
Notable works include the Fika Project in Antipolo—a 3-storey cafe and dormitory honored as one of the ARC ICON 100 Projects in the Philippines. The firm’s core intention is to move beyond mere construction to create “soulful buildings,” using architecture as a tool to enhance lives, foster community connection, and provide environmentally responsible solutions.
The Soul in the Blueprint
“I believe a space should touch you emotionally and soulfully, that’s when the essence of art comes in. For me, every space must carry a meaningful story, and through that, it develops its own soul and spirit. I translate this into my work by carefully considering how people experience the space, through light, materials, and spatial flow,” Rocksty says.
Woven Project by Bacungan Architect
The first step of every Bacungan project is not a technical drawing, but an emotional excavation. Rocksty believes that for architecture to truly exist, it must first resonate with the inhabitant’s soul. He would start with an invitation, “Kwentuhan mo ‘ko about this project.”He ensures that the design is a reflection of a lived narrative rather than a lifeless structure.
This intentionality allows the architecture to develop a spirit that guides how light flows through a room and how circulation allows movement to feel effortless, turning daily life into an expressive experience.
Aesthetic Meets Social Responsibility
“The first is, of course, our human client, and the second is our social responsibility—how our design not only looks good to the public, but also connects to the people and community who experience it, and how our design is environmentally responsible through sustainable solutions,” he notes.
Rendered Elevation of Waste-Wise House
For this firm, beauty is never a solitary pursuit; it must walk hand-in-hand with care. Rocksty views each project through a dual lens: the personal desires of the human client and the broader needs of the community and the planet. This balance ensures that high-end textures and warm wood layouts are seamlessly integrated with solar solutions and upcycled materials.
It is a philosophy that insists architecture must be as kind to the earth as it is pleasing to the eye, ensuring that every hallway and communal area contributes to a shared sense of well-being.
The “Pwede Pa” Evolution
“As an architectural firm, we can do more, imagine more, and create more than the usual. We hope our designs make people curious, inspire them to appreciate good design, and encourage them to share its value with others,” he stresses.
Breeze Blocks House by Bacungan Architect
Transformation at Bacungan Architects begins with a refusal to stay within the comfort zone of the “pwede na” mentality. By embracing the “pwede pa” mindset, the firm pushes the boundaries of what a modern Filipino home or building can represent. This approach is inherently transformative and it encourages clients and the public alike to evolve their perspectives on design.
It turns the usual into the exceptional, inviting people to notice how architecture shapes emotion and guides interaction, ultimately proving that a well-designed home can be both practical and profoundly moving.
Beyond the Four Walls
“Since I started the firm in 2020, our early years were mostly focused on residential projects... in the past three years, we’ve also taken on commercial projects, which I find very interesting because they allow for public exposure. I am deeply excited about the potential for our firm to create soulful buildings, whether small or large,” he shares.
Fika Project by Bacungan Architect
While the firm began with a focus on intimate residential spaces, its portfolio has expanded into the public eye with projects like the Fika Project in Antipolo. By moving away from generic commercial boxes and drawing inspiration from local landmarks like Hinulugang Taktak, the firm creates spaces that tell a collective story.
These projects allow a wider audience to experience the firm’s message: that architecture truly matters when it functions well and brings happiness to its users. Whether it is a small cafe or a multi-storey dormitory, the focus remains on delivering meaningful, immersive experiences that resonate within the public consciousness.
Designing for Happiness
“I want them to feel a positive change in their lives, whether in how they live, how their perspectives evolve, or even how their neighbors interact with them. For our clients, we want them to feel valued because we collaborate with them from start to finish,” Rocksty says.
Veil House by Bacungan Architect
The measure of a Bacungan-designed space is how it makes the inhabitant feel. From the first inquiry to the final build, the firm prioritizes a collaborative spirit that makes the client feel like a central character in the design process.
Rocksty’s goal is for his work to serve as a "benchmark for happiness,”creating a ripple effect of optimism that extends even to the neighbors of a project. These are environments built to cradle the beauty of human experience—from communal gatherings to quiet moments of solitude. They ensure that the very essence of living is built into the structure, the light, and the atmosphere of the space.
