About Fer
Multi-awarded architect with more than a decade of experience, Fernando Cunanan Jr. established himself as a rising star in the Philippines with exceptional ideas and remarkable design execution. Graduating with the distinction of “Best Thesis of the Year” at the University of Santo Tomas in 2013, Cunanan quickly amassed a collection of accolades. He consistently placed first and second in various regional and national design competitions, solidifying his reputation for innovation. Notably, he received the prestigious “Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award” twice, in 2009 and 2011. These early achievements, along with his recognition as a finalist in the 2014 Taranta Powerstation Design Competition in Italy, showcase his exceptional talent and dedication to the craft.
In 2013, he further expanded his horizons by establishing Fernando Atelier. Here, his focus is on designing unique buildings that tell stories, catering to a select clientele passionate about art and narrative spaces. In addition to his design firm, Cunanan continued to excel at WTA Architecture + Design Studio, winning several more design competitions. In 2022, he was promoted to Design Director, a role that allows him to work on a wide range of architectural projects and building types. While working at WTA Architecture + Design Studio, his design contributions were recognized internationally. The firm’s projects, on which he played a key role, garnered awards from the World Architecture Festival in 2017, 2021, and 2022
AR. FERNANDO CUNANAN JR.
Principal Architect
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AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS WITH WTA DESIGN STUDIO
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2024: UAP Design Awards: Concept Design of the Year - Bangko Sentral Security Complex
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2022: World Architecture Festival Finalist - BSP Security Complex
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2022: Iconics Award: Innovative Architecture - Horizon Manila Masterplan
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2022: Urban Design & Architecture Awards: Gold Winner - Horizon Manila Masterplan
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2021: World Architecture Festival Overall Winner - Horizon Manila Masterplan
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2019: PSALM Design Competition Winner - The East Grid Office Building
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2016: World Architecture Festival Finalist - The Bookstop Project
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AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
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2014: International Competition Finalist: Taranta Power Station, Italy - Architstart
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2014: Idea Factory Award: “For coming up with best ideas on different projects”
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2013: University of Santo Tomas Best Thesis of the Year Award
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2013: University of Santo Tomas Outstanding Thesis of the Year
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2012: 1st place Designing the Batcave: WTA Design Competition
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2012: 2nd place Design Competition: Olympic Stadium
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2012: 2nd place National Alterchitecture University of the Philippines Diliman Design Competition: Call Center Office (BPO)
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2011: 1st place National Design Competition Freehand Design Competition: Re-designing Taft Avenue
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2011: 1st place National Design Competition UAPSA Adamson University Technological Revival Design Competition
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2011: 1st Honorable Mention Winner UAPSA UST: Satellite UST Museum in Gensan
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2011: UST Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award
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2010: 3rd place UAP National Oil Painting Competition: Iconic Structure
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2010: 1st place UAPSA Libary Design Competition: National Architecture Week
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2010: 1st Honorable Mention Winner UAPSA UST: Disaster Rescue Center
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2010: 2nd place UAPSA USTDesign Competition: Earthquake Proof Housing
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2009: 1st Runner-up UAPSA UPD National Competition - Wall Design
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2009: UST Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award
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2009: 1st place National Competition UAPSA Structural Making Competition
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