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, planning + design
Architecture shaped around people, purpose and possibility.
Planning-led architecture for residential, commercial, institutional and hospitality environments.
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.
Expertise
One focused studio, supported by trusted engineering consultants and specialist partners.
01Residential design + build
Personalized new homes and renovations shaped around the people who will live in them—their routines, preferences, hobbies, budget and long-term needs. We guide each decision with clear options, trade-offs and practical alternatives, with construction services available for selected residential projects.
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
- Construction and site oversight for selected residential projects
02Architectural design
A complete, planning-led architectural service for different building types. We turn the project brief, site conditions and practical requirements into one clear direction—from early concepts through coordinated documentation.
What this can include
- Site and context review
- Project programming and space planning
- Concept and design development
- Coordination with engineering consultants
- Permit-ready architectural documentation
03Commercial & hospitality design
Workplaces, commercial buildings, fit-outs, hotels and resorts designed around how the business actually operates. We balance customer or guest experience, staff movement, brand character and day-to-day efficiency.
What this can include
- Business and operational requirements planning
- Customer, guest, staff and service flow studies
- Space planning and fit-out design
- Material and architectural character direction
- Coordinated design documentation
04Institutional & healthcare design
Hospitals, clinics and other institutional environments planned around public service, patient dignity, staff efficiency and dependable operations. We organize complex relationships and movement clearly, while coordinating with the relevant specialists and project requirements.
What this can include
- Functional programming and departmental planning
- Zoning and adjacency studies
- Patient, staff, public and service flow planning
- Planning considerations for safety and infection control
- Coordination with specialists and regulatory requirements
05Master site development planning
Big-picture planning for subdivisions, farms, resorts, campuses 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
06Space planning & interior architecture
Interiors planned from use and movement—not decoration alone. For residential, commercial, institutional and hospitality spaces, we resolve the details that shape comfort, efficiency and everyday experience.
What this can include
- Space plans and test fits
- Furniture, equipment and circulation planning
- Lighting, finishes and built-in element design
- Detailed interior documentation
- Usability, maintenance and long-term value review
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 studio creating intelligent residential, commercial, institutional and hospitality environments.
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.
For residential design-and-build projects, that involvement can continue 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 or renovation, commercial building or fit-out, institutional or healthcare facility, hotel or resort, farm development, subdivision, or master plan, tell us where you are starting.