The world of real estate—the buying and selling of properties, the building of towers and high rises, the creation of communities and townships, to the turnover of a house or unit—used to be a man’s turf. In fact, when I started writing about properties two decades ago, it was always the men leading real estate companies, architectural agencies, and brokerage firms. It’s their voices that were heard, their ideas implemented, and their visions fulfilled.
On the other hand, the women, more or less, were “relegated” to interior design. Simply put, the “hard” aspects involving stone, steel, wood, or glass are for men, while the women are at the end of the pipeline, putting their “soft” touches in the selection of colors, fabric, tiles, furniture, or fixtures.
Times have changed and evolved for the better. The hard hat can now be worn by anyone regardless of gender. Now, even men are much involved in interior design. As long as one has the skills, has exhibited perseverance and hard work, with creativity and vision to boot, then one can make it (or even rise on top) in the world of real estate.
Sitting at the top of the heap is Arch. Cathy S. Saldaña, president of PDP Architects, one of the leading architectural firms in the country. Established by Saldaña in 1992, the firm is known not only for its wide array of notable projects in the hospitality and leisure industry, but also for “breaking the barrier” with its predominantly female-led team.
Arch. Saldaña: 'Being a prominent Filipina architect has never gotten into my head because it is a daily process of getting work done, seeing designs and ideas through.'
Aside from leading the firm, Saldaña is also CEO of Weave Collaboration Partners. Concurrently, she is also active in various organizations such as being a fellow of the United Architects of the Philippines, country representative of the American Institute of Architects, board of trustees of the Urban Land Institute (Philippines), co-chair of Women’s Leadership Initiative, etc. She was also former president of the University of the Philippines College of Architecture Alumni Foundation. The awards she has received in her three-decade career, and the multitude of articles written about her and her projects in international publications and websites, are testament to Saldaña’s pioneering accomplishment in architecture. Even amidst all these accolades, she remains self-effacing, choosing instead to focus on the work at hand.
“Being a prominent Filipina architect has never gotten into my head because it is a daily process of getting work done, seeing designs and ideas through, ensuring we work with the best suppliers and contractors,” she said.
In this special Women’s Month feature, let’s hear it from the architect herself.
On her start: I was inspired by my father who worked in public housing. I have always been the artist in our elementary and high school classes, tasked to do drawings and artistic projects. Creativity is almost natural to me. Give me a paper and pencil and I will draw. I also enjoyed geometry and physics in high school in Maryknoll.
On her attitude and values at work: Grit. So much grit. Persistence. The ability to mentor, the grace under pressure. Faith. Courage. Patience. Attention to detail.
Having had international work exposure is an advantage, constantly traveling is a plus. Working as a creative professional with a master's degree in management is an important part of running a company. Having 31 years of experience is a definite ace.
Saldaña at a job site.
On a challenge she had faced as a woman: The challenges were mostly physical in job sites in my younger days whenever workers stop and whistle or I could not find appropriate toilet conveniences.
I think respect is earned when you exercise leadership with a voice that resonates and amplifies being female as being excellent.
The moment she felt she made it. When I had our offices in the CBD of Makati; when we won awards after awards; when my husband Alex Siegel placed my medal as a fellow of the United Architects of the Philippines; when I had to decline speaking engagements because it was taking too much time away from self-care time.
When our projects were featured in articles digitally and on print; when I got written about in international publications; and when the American Institute of Architects selected me to be the country representative for the Philippines. Most of all, it is the best feeling when you see people you have mentored make it great as well.
On the importance of sustainability in this industry: Sustainability is a standard, and not a feature in any project. It is a fundamental aspect of designing and building any project. It is not just about documentation to receive a certificate, but a process embedded in planning, architecture, design, and construction to focus on the environment and people’s wellness.
Her advice to young women in this industry: Be brave, be highly specialized, and be a true leader. Blaze the trail! The path has been laid down for you by women on whose shoulders I have also stood on.
What is next for her: The future for me holds bright prospects for international collaborations and work overseas. The years and decades ahead will be busy with high-rises and planning all over the country with visionaries alongside us.
I am, and will always be, part of a greater Philippines that will generate better lifestyles for its citizens. It is my hope that cities and towns will have improved urban planning, character of place, and more beautiful skylines to match our radiant sunsets.