A NEW WAVE OF ROOTED ARCHITECTURE

Rooted architecture redefines ‘local architecture’ in a world where ideas are teeming and cultures along with many social issues are all already fused together. We recognize there is no longer a style that is ‘just belonging to a certain place’. All that we are as architects and what we discover and learn everyday is constantly re-shaped by our knowledge of history, what is happening now, and what is possible for the future, applying it into our practice of ideation and creation of spaces that have a strong foundation yet are unique and versatile.

Our process is context-based imbued with a deep sense of sustainability, users’ quality of life, and a distinct aesthetic perhaps only Atelier FIJI can conceive. This begins with an intimate and free-spirited approach; we work with you (together) in an atmosphere of openness and readiness for the unexpected. We love to focus on context and how people can fully experience, appreciate, and grow with the spaces we create. This is place-making as a craft.

Fifi, Jen, and Ishka (FIJI) was first formed in 2015 during our architecture school days at the College of Architecture, University of the Philippines - Diliman in Metro Manila, Philippines. In 2018, we decided to establish our practice as a studio. Our individual exploits today—aside from architecture—span from urbanism, interior design, art & photography, travel, to being one with nature.

Fifi and Ishka both received the Philip H. Recto Design Excellence Award (Best Thesis) in the UPCA graduating classes of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Ishka completed her MSc in Urbanism at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in The Netherlands and is currently based in Paris, France.