President, GALA Architecture
An architect whose journey in architecture has been defined by excellence, innovation, and an unrelenting commitment to design that dares to be different.
A proud graduate of the University of Santo Tomas, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree in 1993. His alma mater later recognized his outstanding achievements by naming him one of its Outstanding Alumni in 2018—the same year he was conferred the esteemed title of ASEAN Architect, with a specialization in Commercial Mixed-Use Developments.
From his early beginnings as a humble CADD operator, he carved a path marked by persistence and purpose – ascending through roles as Project Manager, Division Head, Senior Associate, Partner, and ultimately Vice President at Visionary Architecture (VisionArch), one of the world’s top 100 architecture firms. After three decades of trailblazing leadership, he boldly ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding GALA Architecture with her wife, Architect Jasamin Lee Garcia.
Today, GALA Architecture stands as a proof to their shared pursuit of Design with Distinction – delivering elevated, purpose-driven spaces and embracing a bold refusal to be ordinary. Their firm’s diverse portfolio spans Shopping Malls , Hotels and Service Residences, Resorts, Corporate offices, Industrial facilities, Hi-end Residential enclaves, Restaurants, and liturgical architecture. Signature projects include the iconic SADIK Grand Mosque in Zamboanga City – set to be Asia’s largest mosque and recent winner during as OBRA MAESTRO UAP design excellence award 2026, 240 Units Citadines Hotel – Cerise Towers in Southwoods, Monde Nissin Corpoarte HQ in Brixton, Landlite HQ in Paranaque and Aziza Hotel Resort in Puerto Princesa and Elnido Palawan, along with recent Ayala Mall projects with Ayala Malls Inc., among many others.
An advocate of sustainability, he is a certified Green Architect and the Architect-of-Record for two LEED-certified projects: Texas Instruments in Baguio and Johnson & Johnson’s GFS Building in Parañaque.
Multi-disciplined and forward-thinking, he holds professional licenses in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Environmental Planning. Aside from UAP, He is a member of both the Philippine Association of Landscape Architects (PALA) and the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP).
His dedication to the profession transcends design. As a longstanding leader of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), he has served as Chapter President, Regional District Director for A3, Executive Director for the Commission on Professional Practice, Area A Vice President, Chancellor and Jury of the UAP College of Fellows, National Executive Vice President, and the 29th UAP National President.
Previous years, he plays a key role in shaping the future of architecture in the Philippines, serving on the PRC Board of Architecture’s Technical Working Group for reviewing bills and legislation affecting the industry. and as part of the PRC Committee on Architecture for the Career Progression and Specialization Program (CPSP-CATS).
A distinguished professional, a relentless innovator, and a proud advocate of architectural excellence , a person who refused to be ordinary
Architect, Landscape Architect, and Environmental Planner – RICHARD MANLULU GARCIA, FUAP, PALA, PIEP, ASEAN ARCHITECT
