LOR CALMA

ARCHITECT/ INTERIOR DESIGNER

WHEN IT COMES TO ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN, FEW NAMES IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY HOLD AS MUCH CREDIBILITY AS

LOR CALMA. At an age when most are well into retirement, the 85-yearold Calma is admirably still active in the industry. “Inspiration comes from a very clean mind, like a doctor prescribing medicine, you have to be artistically inclined,” says Calma. His designs are clean and minimalist but at the same time modern.

Calma maintains that his aesthetic is primarily ‘modern yet classic,’ meaning that designs considered modern must be timeless to be effective—i.e, structures created 50 years ago that remain stylish today. Innovation is arguably Calma’s trademark, apart from his signature sleek and minimalist look. He is truly a pioneer in Philippine modernism, and that goes beyond mere the world of architecture.

Unlike others who work for profit or prestige, it is apparent that Calma has always been driven by passion, and places equal importance in both form and function. He is foremost an artist (also a skilled painter) and it shows in his creations. He stresses the importance of providing ambiance in the creative process, combining Philippine rustic materials with modernity. It may be a tad ironic that this architectural pioneer grew up in rural, slowpaced Pampanga. But through hard work and sheer talent, Calma rose to prominence in the 1960s for being ahead of his time. His sculptures, pieces of furniture, and center pieces indicate a tastefully original visual.

Calma foresees a bright future for Philippine architecture and interior design. If the budding generation of talent can embrace Calma’s classic yet modern philosophy, then his optimism is surely warranted.