Looking forward
Hospitality, resorts and places worth remembering.
We bring the same people-first rigor to destinations, masterplans and larger environments.
Discuss a project
Architecture studio · Lipa City, Batangas
Architecture shaped around people, purpose and possibility.
From Lipa City, Batangas, we focus on residential architectural design, design-build for selected homes and renovations, and master planning for farm lots and subdivisions across the Philippines.
Our point of view
We design from the inside out.
Good architecture begins with understanding—not a predetermined style. We study how people live, work, move and interact, then shape a practical plan around what matters.
The result is architecture with purpose: efficient, workable and honest in its expression, while remaining responsive to each client, site and context.
Selected works + directions
Across types. Always grounded in use.
Explore the portfolio by project type, then enter a collection to see the work within it.
Core strengths
Three areas where CARA brings established experience, close guidance and a planning-first approach.
01Residential architectural design
People-first design for new homes, renovations and extensions. We shape each project around the people who will live in it—their routines, preferences, budget, site and long-term needs—then develop one clear, buildable direction.
What this can include
- In-depth space, lifestyle and project brief development
- Concept design and iterative plan development
- Coordinated, permit-ready architectural and engineering documents
- Material, budget and decision guidance
- Consultant coordination through the appropriate project stages
02Selected residential design-build
For selected homes and renovations, we carry the project from design through construction with one coordinated team and the same close involvement throughout. Availability depends on the project scope, requirements and location.
What this can include
- Architectural design and coordinated permit documents
- Material, budget and buildability guidance
- Construction planning and trade coordination
- Site oversight and design-intent review
- Guided decisions through completion and turnover
03Farm-lot & subdivision master planning
Big-picture planning for farms, subdivisions and larger properties. Before individual buildings are designed, we establish how land uses, access, infrastructure, open spaces and future phases should work together.
What this can include
- Site opportunities and constraints analysis
- Land-use organization and development zoning
- Road, access and circulation planning
- Open-space and utility planning
- Phasing and long-term development strategy
How we work
A guided process. Fewer surprises.
Our role is not simply to draw what is requested. It is to listen, test, clarify and help every client make informed decisions.
Understand
We begin with the people behind the project—their needs, ambitions, routines and constraints. The right questions reveal what the brief alone cannot.
Plan
Function comes first. We organize space, movement, context and resources into a clear plan before allowing the architectural expression to emerge.
Guide
Every major decision comes with clear options, trade-offs and professional guidance, so clients can move forward with confidence rather than guesswork.
Deliver
We translate the chosen direction into coordinated, permit-ready documents and remain closely involved through the stages appropriate to each project.
The studio
Personally led. Purposefully focused.
CARA Designs is a planning-led architecture practice based in Lipa City, Batangas, creating intelligent residential, commercial, healthcare, institutional and hospitality environments across the Philippines.
We believe architecture should do more than look good. It must respond to its users, work efficiently, respect its context and deliver long-term value.
CARA Designs was founded and is led by Ar. Carlo Armando T. Reyes, who remains personally involved from initial consultation through design development—guiding decisions, explaining trade-offs and coordinating the necessary consultants.
Architectural design services are available nationwide. Design-build is offered for selected projects depending on scope, requirements and location, with that same personal involvement continuing through construction.
Principal architect
Ar. Carlo Armando T. Reyes
Opportunities
Build your foundations through real work.
A structured, closely mentored apprenticeship for fresh architecture graduates who want real project exposure and a stronger foundation for professional practice and the licensure examination.
Architecture is learned by doing—asking better questions, testing ideas and understanding how drawings become real places. Apprentices follow a curated learning program rather than being limited to one repetitive production task.
Through direct guidance, they gain exposure to planning, design development, documentation, coordination, client discussions and site work—while building the technical understanding and professional judgment needed for the board examination.
Start your application
Send your CV, portfolio, software proficiency, availability and a short note about what you hope to learn. We review thoughtful applications as opportunities become available.
Apply now careers@caradesigns.pageBegin a conversation
Tell us what you're planning.
Whether you are planning a new home, renovation, selected design-build project, farm-lot development or subdivision, tell us where you are starting. For other project types, share the brief and we can assess whether CARA is the right fit.
Contact
Unit 3 Balete DriveGovernor Leviste Highway
Lipa City, Batangas 4217
Philippinesconnect@caradesigns.page+63 917 798 1238+63 43 276 9600