Bringing Nature Inside Residential Design with Grant Orbeta

I’m an architect based in the Philippines and a Certified Passive House Designer, accredited by the PassivHaus Institut in Germany. My work focuses on harmonizing architecture with the natural environment—leveraging natural lighting, breezes, shading, and ventilation to create spaces that are both sustainable and comfortable.

As a Passive House designer, I emphasize energy efficiency and indoor air quality in every project. I balance these performance goals with aesthetics, client needs, and a strong sense of indoor-outdoor integration to create homes that are not only functional but deeply connected to their surroundings.

I’ve always had a strong sensitivity to aesthetics, and an innate drive to create thoughtful, unique design solutions. Early on, I was drawn to how architecture can shape not just physical spaces, but the way people live and feel within them.

What fascinated me most was the challenge of designing with purpose—balancing beauty with function, and creating spaces that respond to the environment and the needs of those who inhabit them. That blend of creativity, problem-solving, and meaningful impact is what led me to pursue architecture as a lifelong craft.

I’ve been a practicing architect for over 30 years, with substantial experience not only in architectural design but also in project management and real estate development. Throughout my career, I’ve taken on roles that span the full project lifecycle—from concept design to execution—which has shaped my holistic and practical approach to architecture.

I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with large foreign design consultants on major developments. These experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for diverse design methodologies, international standards, and cross-cultural teamwork. They’ve also strengthened my ability to integrate global best practices into local contexts, ensuring designs that are both innovative and grounded in place.

Today, I draw on all of this—creative vision, technical skill, project leadership, and cross-border experience—to deliver thoughtful, sustainable, and context-sensitive architectural solutions.

For me, design isn’t just about form or massing—it goes far beyond that. It’s about creating a complete experience. Design encapsulates everything: the thoughtful use of materials and finishes, the integration of site conditions, and the careful balancing of functional requirements and aesthetics—creating a shelter that works for the users.

A well-designed space responds to its environment, serves its users, and elevates their daily experience. It’s not just about how something looks, but how it works and how it feels. Good design is a total package—an orchestration of details, purpose, and beauty to create meaningful, livable spaces.

To me, a good design is one that strikes a perfect balance between form and function, and most importantly, creates a livable shelter. It goes beyond just looking beautiful or being aesthetically pleasing. A good design addresses the specific needs of its users, integrates seamlessly with its environment, and enhances the overall experience. It provides a comfortable, safe, and sustainable space where people can thrive.

Good design is thoughtful, efficient, and makes the best use of resources while ensuring that every decision serves a clear purpose. It tells a story—reflecting the values of its creator, the people it’s designed for, and the context in which it exists. Ultimately, a good design not only meets functional goals but also resonates emotionally with those who experience it, making it a true shelter for the mind, body, and spirit.

My design style is rooted in modern minimalism—clean, elegant, and purpose-driven. It draws on the influence of masters like Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, and Tadao Ando, whose works taught me the power of simplicity, proportion, and light.

At the core of my approach is a sensitivity to site and climate. As a Certified Passive House Designer, I always integrate environmental considerations into my work—natural light, ventilation, shading, and thermal comfort are as important to me as form and aesthetics.

I aim for designs that are timeless rather than trendy—spaces that feel calm, intentional, and connected to their surroundings. Whether through material choices, spatial flow, or indoor-outdoor integration, I focus on creating homes that are both functional and emotionally resonant.

My design process always begins with understanding—the client, the site, and the story the project needs to tell. I take time to listen to the client’s needs, goals, and aspirations. Their lifestyle, values, and vision become the foundation of the design.

Equally important is studying the site—its topography, orientation, natural light, prevailing winds, and context. I believe good architecture should respond to the land, not impose itself upon it. I design forms that work with the site, taking advantage of its unique characteristics rather than resisting them.

From there, the design evolves as a conversation between function and form, performance and aesthetics. Materials, spatial flow, and sustainability strategies are carefully integrated to create spaces that are beautiful, livable, and energy-efficient.

Absolutely. My college thesis, “Towards a Relevant Architectural Identity – A Theoretical Analysis of Cebuano-Filipino Vernacular Architecture,” laid the foundation for how I approach design today. It made me appreciate how local architecture evolved—not just aesthetically, but in response to climate, materials, and way of life.

I believe that there are architectural motifs and design solutions embedded in our cultural memory—shaped by centuries of adaptation and creativity. I try to incorporate these elements into my work in a subtle, contemporary way. The goal is to create a sense of identity and rootedness without being too literal or nostalgic about native forms.

This integration of tradition and modernity allows me to design spaces that feel both current and deeply connected to place.

It’s a great honor for any architect to have their work recognized—especially by an international platform like the MUSE Design Awards. This recognition is both humbling and affirming, as it validates the years of dedication, collaboration, and thoughtful design that went into the project.

For me and my team, it’s also a reminder that meaningful architecture—rooted in context, function, and quiet beauty—resonates beyond borders. I hope this award encourages other designers to pursue their own design voice with conviction, while still honoring the functional and emotional needs of the people they design for.

MUSE Design Awards is known for recognizing projects that excel not only in design but also in innovation and impact, so I felt it was the right platform to present this particular work.

The project I submitted is a recently completed residential home that I feel embodies the core principles I strive for in every design—clarity of form, functional excellence, and sensitivity to both the environment and the lifestyle of its inhabitants. It makes a quiet yet confident statement through its aesthetic choices, spatial planning, and passive environmental strategies.

I chose to enter this project not only to share it with a wider audience, but also as a personal benchmark—to evaluate whether I’ve succeeded in aligning my design ideals with real-world execution. Receiving this recognition reinforces that pursuit and motivates me to keep evolving as a designer.

The biggest challenge with this project was working with a small lot while still creating an indoor environment that felt spacious and open. One of my main goals was to seamlessly integrate the outdoors, ensuring that the views and natural light became a part of the living experience, which helps expand the sense of space.

Another key challenge was balancing the client’s functional needs with a focus on indoor comfort, air quality, and sustainability. It was important to create a home that not only met their practical requirements but also contributed positively to their well-being and environmental footprint. This meant considering everything from ventilation and natural cooling to the selection of materials that supported both aesthetics and energy efficiency.

Winning this award has definitely been a positive milestone for both my practice and career. It serves as an acknowledgment of the work I’ve done and helps potential clients see the caliber of design and attention to detail I bring to every project. When clients see that their architect has been recognized internationally, it provides them with a sense of trust and confidence in my ability to deliver impactful, high-quality design solutions.

This recognition has opened doors to new projects and collaborations, and it reinforces my commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—while ensuring every design is as functional, sustainable, and meaningful as it is beautiful.

Innovation in Design: I’m always excited by the constant evolution in architectural design. New ideas and fresh perspectives push us to rethink what’s possible, allowing us to create more dynamic and meaningful spaces.

New Materials: The introduction of new materials gives designers greater flexibility in terms of aesthetics, cost, and sustainability. These materials not only broaden creative possibilities but also help us design in ways that are both more functional and environmentally responsible.

Environmental Consciousness: There’s a growing commitment within the industry to create designs that have a positive environmental impact. Whether through passive design, energy-efficient technologies, or sustainable materials, I’m inspired by a new vision for architecture that aims to reduce our ecological footprint while improving quality of life.

Over the next 5-10 years, I believe we’ll see even more designs embracing sustainability at their core. Architects and designers will increasingly focus on creating environments that are energy-efficient, using conscious design strategies to take full advantage of natural light, ventilation, and local climate conditions.

There will be a continued push towards designs that minimize environmental impact—whether through passive house principles, the use of sustainable materials, or energy-efficient systems. At the same time, the importance of indoor air quality and occupant well-being will grow as people seek healthier, more connected living spaces.

In essence, I see the industry moving towards a harmonious blend of form, function, and environmental responsibility, where buildings not only meet the needs of their occupants but also contribute positively to the planet.

My advice would be to keep yourself abreast of new processes and materials, and study the work of others—particularly the great masters of design—while avoiding the temptation to follow trends. Understanding how others have approached design challenges can offer invaluable insights, but it’s equally important to develop your own voice as a designer.

Don’t just design to fit in with the current moment; instead, design to create something timeless and meaningful. Find what resonates with you, what excites you, and let that guide your work. The most successful designs often come from those who stay true to their vision and who focus on creating solutions that are both innovative and deeply connected to their environment and users.

My advice would be to study the work of others—particularly the great masters of design—while avoiding the temptation to follow trends. Understanding how others have approached design challenges can offer invaluable insights, but it’s equally important to develop your own voice as a designer.

Don’t just design to fit in with the current moment; instead, design to create something timeless and meaningful. Find what resonates with you, what excites you, and let that guide your work. The most successful designs often come from those who stay true to their vision and who focus on creating solutions that are both innovative and deeply connected to their environment and users.

I’ve always believed in sharing my knowledge rather than keeping it to myself. I want to ensure that my design team and others involved in a project understand the reasoning behind the decisions I make and the principles I follow.

By being open with my knowledge, I can help others grow and create a more collaborative environment. There’s nothing I keep to myself because I truly believe that sharing ideas and insights makes the entire team stronger and the work better.

My family has always been my greatest source of inspiration. They’ve taught me the importance of perseverance, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence. Their support has been invaluable, and they’ve always encouraged me to push myself to be the best version of myself, both personally and professionally.

They remind me daily of the importance of balance—between work, family, and personal growth—and have been my unwavering foundation through all of my endeavors.

For me, the key to success lies in staying true to your values, continuously learning, and always being open to collaboration. I believe in designing with purpose—balancing aesthetics with functionality, and never losing sight of the human experience.

It’s also important to share what you know. I don’t believe in keeping knowledge to myself. By helping others grow, you create stronger teams, better designs, and a more fulfilling practice.

To aspiring designers: find your voice. Don’t chase trends—let your work be a reflection of your principles and your unique perspective. Success isn’t just about recognition; it’s about creating meaningful, lasting spaces that improve people’s lives.