The new year often stirs a longing for fresh perspectives. Whether it’s a space that inspires productivity or a home that nurtures rest, finding the perfect blend of form and function can feel like a journey. Arch. Benjamin of BAAD Studio walks us through his approach to minimalism, where the focus is on creating functional spaces that support daily life and evolve over time, not just on beauty.
Founded in 2010 by architects Benjamin Mendoza and Annabelle Bermejo Mendoza, Benjamin Annabelle Architecture Design Studio (BAAD Studio) has quickly become a distinguished name in architecture and design. With offices in both Makati and Alabang, the studio is home to a passionate team of 28 to 30 architects, each committed to creating spaces that do more than house people—they elevate the human experience.
At BAAD Studio, the design approach leans heavily on the importance of truly listening to clients and understanding their unique needs. By fostering a collaborative process, Arch. Benjamin and his team work closely with clients to ensure that each design reflects their lifestyle and vision. "We try not to imprint our personal style onto the homes of our clients. We remain open-minded, taking the time to get to know the users and understand the purpose of each project. We avoid preconceived ideas or concepts, allowing us to truly listen to the situation and the problem at hand. Ultimately, our role is to be consultants, organizing thoughts and working to create solutions where function meets beauty," he shared.
Balancing functionality with aesthetics captures the essence of the design studio’s approach. Arch. Benjamin stresses that design goes beyond just aesthetics; it’s about how spaces function and integrate into everyday life. Achieving this balance is no easy feat, but it’s a skill they have refined over the years, with every design carefully crafted to ensure both user experience and long-term functionality.
Pursuit of minimalism
Arch. Benjamin has embraced minimalism not just as an aesthetic choice but as a guiding principle that allows users to fully express their personalities. For him, minimalism isn’t about empty spaces or featureless walls; it’s about eliminating distractions to reveal a space that reflects the true essence of its inhabitants. The beauty of minimalist design, according to him, lies not in its austerity but in its adaptability to the needs of those who occupy it.
"Our approach to minimalism is about cohesiveness," he explains. "It’s not about adding more elements, but subtracting the unnecessary ones. It’s like finding your authentic self by removing the distractions that take away from your core." This ethos guides the studio’s approach, especially when working on projects that prefer a minimalist style, whether for residences, civic, or commercial spaces.
He also emphasized that sustainability isn't a trend but a necessity. BAAD Studio’s designs often incorporate passive cooling techniques to minimize reliance on artificial air conditioning—a challenge in the Philippines' tropical climate. “You can have a space that’s cool and comfortable without turning it into a microwave or an icebox,” he quips. By focusing on functionality and sustainability from the ground up, the studio ensures their projects stand the test of time, in both comfort and environmental impact.
Minimalistic designs tend to be more timeless, making them inherently sustainable, according to him. “Minimalism doesn’t just look beautiful—it’s also sustainable. A well-designed space that is thoughtfully put together will stand the test of time, reducing the need for renovations or adjustments in the future,” he shares. “This timeless approach is at the heart of the studio’s design philosophy, which strives to create spaces that endure not only in terms of aesthetics but also in their functionality."
Insights for aspiring architects and designers
Arch. Benjamin's advice for aspiring architects is deeply rooted in self-awareness and learning from others. He believes that by truly knowing yourself, you can align with designs that reflect your values. "You have to take the time to learn about yourself, and in doing so, expose yourself to as much of the world as possible—both within the country and beyond. Invest in your thoughts, your experiences, and your perspectives as quickly and deeply as you can. This process allows you to ask yourself: What designs resonate with you? Which ones inspire you, stress you, or simply don’t work?”
He also views growth in design as learning abroad and applying those lessons locally. In the Philippines, functionality is crucial due to the climate and calamities, though aesthetics remain important for creating inspiring, uplifting spaces.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of creating spaces that inspire positivity. "Personally, I can't live in a place that brings me down, and that energy is what I strive to transfer into our work. If we can build spaces with versatility, flexibility, and heart, we can make people happier and the world a better place. It’s about passing that energy to others and teaching the younger generation that we can achieve this if we think with intention and care for our community. At our office, we approach this aspiration with discipline, taking it one project at a time. Our efforts may be small, but our goals are ambitious, and our commitment is unwavering.