Notable Graduates of the Mapúa Architecture Program
For more than a hundred years, Mapúa University has played a role in shaping Philippine skylines. From iconic commercial landmarks to culturally rooted public spaces, many of the buildings Filipinos recognize and use every day were designed by Mapúans. As Mapúa marks its centennial milestone from 1925 to 2025, it’s only fitting to look back at the architecture graduates from Mapúa University who helped define its legacy—and, in many ways, the nation’s built environment.
Ar. William V. Coscolluela
A graduate of Mapúa University’s architecture program and recipient of the prestigious President’s Gold Medal for Architecture, Ar. Coscolluela built a career around designing large-scale developments that are both efficient and enduring.
Architect Coscolluela is known for two things: efficiency and a global outlook. His work is known for making smart use of space and resources, a skill that proved invaluable as Philippine cities expanded rapidly.
His career reached a turning point when Henry Sy Sr. entrusted him with the design of SM Makati. That project would become the foundation of a long professional relationship and lead to some of the country’s most recognizable retail spaces, including SM Aura Premier and Robinsons Galleria.
Beyond retail, his corporate portfolio includes RCBC Plaza, Philamlife Tower, and the Zuellig Building—widely recognized for its energy-efficient design. Through his firm, WVCA, now over six decades old, Ar. Coscolluela continues to influence the industry well into his eighties, proving that excellence in architecture has no expiration date.
Ar. Jose T. Mañosa
While some architecture graduates look West for inspiration, Ar. Jose Mañosa looked inward. A Mapúa graduate who later pursued further studies at the University of California, Berkeley, Ar. Mañosa dedicated his career to designing buildings that spoke clearly and proudly of Filipino culture.
One of his most notable projects is the San Miguel Head Office, known for its energy efficiency and regional architecture. His public and institutional works, such as the La Union Convention Center, further reflected his belief that architecture should serve both people and place.
In recognition of his impact, Mapúa honored him with the Outstanding Award in Architecture in 1997—a lasting tribute to his influence on Filipino design thinking.
Ar. Roger Villarosa
Architect Roger Villarosa’s journey began with an extraordinary achievement—topping the Architectural Licensure Examination in 1954, the same year he became an architectural graduate of Mapúa. That early distinction set the tone for a career defined by discipline, clarity, and thoughtful design.
In 1972, he founded Villarosa Architects, a firm that would become synonymous with practical, sustainable, and people-focused architecture. The firm’s guiding principle—“In loving work, there is honor”—reflects Villarosa’s belief that architecture is both a profession and a calling.
His portfolio includes Shangri-La Plaza, one of the country’s most iconic mixed-use developments, as well as leisure destinations like The Palms Country Club and the Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort.
Through decades of practice, Ar. Villarosa showed how architecture can be both aspirational and grounded in everyday human experience.
Ar. Hua We (Willie) C. Yu
Continuing the tradition of excellence, Ar. Willie Yu topped the 1976 Architecture Board Examination and received the Don Tomas Mapúa Memorial Gold Medal. He is a prime example of how Mapúa prepares architecture students to handle the complex demands of modern urban development.
He would go on to earn the title of Most Outstanding Alumnus twice, along with the ARAW ng MAYNILA Award in Architecture. These honors reflect not just technical excellence, but sustained contribution to urban development.
Through WCY Architects, Ar. Yu led the design of major modern projects such as the SM E-Com Center at Mall of Asia, as well as The Padget Place in Cebu and Hampton Gardens Arcade.
Architect Yu’s designs demonstrate how architecture can enhance daily living while supporting the economic and social growth of cities.
Building the Future on Strong Foundations
Architects Coscolluela, Mañosa, Villarosa, and Yu all started as students of Mapúa. They sat in the same classrooms and faced the same difficult design challenges as current students. Their work tells a story of discipline, innovation, and responsibility—values passed down through Mapúa’s Architecture program for over a century.
Today, that legacy continues through faculty members who are active practitioners, mentoring the next generation of designers, leaders, and board topnotchers. With a curriculum grounded in sustainability, technology, and ethical practice, Mapúa remains a strong training ground for architects ready to shape both local and global environments.
Choose an architecture school that will lead you to leave your own mark on Filipino skylines and beyond.
Join the next generation of visionaries at Mapúa University!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Mapúa’s Architecture program different?
Mapúa holds PACUCOA accreditation and AUN-QA certification, aligning its standards with Southeast Asia’s best schools. The program uniquely emphasizes sustainable design, urban planning, and cultural heritage, while providing flexible learning systems.
What career paths can Mapúa Architecture graduates pursue?
Graduates may work as licensed architects, interior designers, landscape architects, urban planners, forensic architects, building appraisers, contractors, educators, or entrepreneurs managing their own firms.
