T
he Professional Regulation Commission conferred on Architect Carmelo Topacio Casas, a UST College of Architecture Alumnus, the 2015 Outstanding Professional of the Year Award in the field of Architecture during its 42nd Founding Anniversary celebration at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel on June 18, 2015.
Architect Casas received the prestigious PRC award for exemplifying the highest degree of professional competence and integrity in the architecture profession, for his selfless dedication in shaping high standards and values of the architectural practice, for sharing his expertise with peers in various organizations, and for his stewardship role in promoting social responsibility through meaningful participation and contribution in socio-related activities.
The Outstanding Professional of the Year Award is the highest award bestowed by the PRC upon a professional as recommended by the Accredited Professional Organization. The PRC is the government body for the regulation and licensing of various professions and occupations.
Architect Casas earned his Bachelors degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas in 1976 and passed the National Board Examination in 1978, with an overall ranking of 7th Place.
Architect Carmelo Casas’ international career started when he joined Eric Cumine Associates in August 1978 as assistant architect where he got involved in Harbour City projects. In 1980 he moved to Palmer and Turner (HK) as Design Architect where he got involved in major landmark projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia. By 1985 he joined Architects Hawaii Far East (AHFE) as project architect for various hotel projects in China, among which are Furama HOTEL IN Dalian, and the Behai Hotel in Behai, China. He became an associate shortly and became the youngest partner of the firm in 1987.
He co-founded RECIO+CASAS (HK) Ltd. in Hong Kong on October 1988. Architect Casas was responsible for major design projects in Hong Kong, Macao and Mainland China. Together with Architect Jose Pedro Recio, they set up a branch office in the Philippines in 1990 to spearhead their involvement as Design Consultant of the Pacific Plaza project at Ayala Avenue, Makati. In 1992, Architect Casas established RECIO+CASAS Ltd. in Thailand to participate as Design Consultant for various hotel, office and residential projects, namely the Thailand Stock Exchange Building, The First Pacific Building, Phuket Yacht Club, and the Queen’s Park Casa by Land & House.
In August 1996, after 18 years in Hong Kong, Architect Casas decided to return to the Philippines to lead the development of Pacific Plaza Towers in Fort Bonifacio, joining forces with his partner who came back 4 years earlier. From then on, the firm grew as a result of a wide range of clients who sought their expertise in high rise residential and office building design as well as master planning.
Today, after two decades of diversified architectural projects, the firm formerly known as RECIO+CASAS has decided to have a new name and a fresh identity that is CASAS+Architects. The firm holds up ideals in architecture, urban and master planning, and interior design, meeting the varying demands of the current market. The firm keeps abreast of the times through applications of the latest technologies and innovations readily available in this day and age where sustainability and resiliency to change is the name of the game.
Architect Casas served the UAP as Director of UAP Convention Exhibits for the Fiscal Year 2012-2013 under the presidency of Architect Rozanno C. Rosal, Fuap.
As the agency-in-charge of the professional sector, the PRC plays a strategic role in developing the corps of professionals for industry, commerce, governance, and the economy.
