Interviews

The significance of construction consultancy in building projects cannot be overstated. As global demand for sophisticated buildings increases, skyscrapers and towering structures rise to dominate the skyline. In a world constrained by limited land resources, the vertical growth of commercial and office spaces necessitates cutting-edge technological innovations. It is here that qualified experts from reputable companies leverage their expertise to achieve outstanding success.

Archetype Philippines is one such company that has blazed a trail in the industry. Under the leadership of President and CEO Danilo Aquino, the company has earned a distinguished reputation as a reliable partner for clients. Armed with a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering and vast experience, Aquino towers over the world of design and construction, exuding an aura of invincibility that enhances the finesse with which Archetype Philippines delivers its projects.

In an interview with Business Frontier, Danilo Aquino highlights the crucial role of architectural and engineering consultancy and emphasizes the importance of leading by example for effective leadership.

Q. You have extensive experience in the architectural consultancy sector. How do you look at your professional past?

My professional journey spans 42 years and is marked by numerous achievements and milestones. It all began with an eight-year tenure at the Lyceum of the Philippines University, where I eventually rose to the position of Chairman at the College of Civil Engineering. Between 1990 and 2007, I held several key positions at prominent international construction companies, including ABV Rock Group, Express Builders, Meinhardt Philippines, and Arenco Architectural and Engineering Consultants.

From 2007 to 2019, I started as a Structural Manager and got promoted as the Director and Head of Structural Engineering and Design Integration at NORR Group Consultants International Dubai. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with some of the best minds in the industry, contributing to a variety of significant projects and advancing my expertise in architectural consultancy.

Q. Give us a lowdown on the organisation’s nature of operations.

Archetype Group is a premier international construction consultancy company, renowned for shaping enduring buildings and providing a comprehensive suite of consulting services. Our expertise spans Architecture & Master Planning, Building Engineering, Industrial & Process Engineering, and Project & Cost Management. Since our inception in 2002, we have demonstrated our proficiency, experience, and extensive knowledge in serving the hospitality, real estate, and industrial sectors, with successful collaborations across four continents—Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.

Our team of highly qualified professionals is committed to delivering top-notch services in various construction domains, including buildings and real estate, industry and manufacturing, and energy and infrastructure. We leverage innovative thinking and exceptional expertise to ensure the successful completion of projects, consistently meeting and exceeding our clients' expectations.

Q. What is your approach to leadership, and which is your favourite leadership style to lead your team?

My approach to leadership is embedded in the fact that effective leadership varies depending on the situation and the individuals involved. I prefer an unconventional approach, leading by example. Rather than simply instructing my team, I like to demonstrate tasks myself first. I foster a collaborative environment, viewing my staff as friends rather than subordinates. I value creativity and give equal consideration to ideas from both new and experienced employees. My priority is to set specific goals, analyse the market, study the competition, develop long-term strategies, and be prepared to make course corrections as needed.

Q. What do you envision for the future of the Archetype Group?

In the next five years, we aim to become the premier consulting firm in the Philippines. Our unwavering commitment to providing environmentally-friendly and sustainable solutions will remain at the core of our mission. With the support of our parent company Archetype Group, we will continue to deliver resilient and sustainable design solutions. By fostering lasting relationships with our clients and offering tailored services, we strive to meet their unique needs. We recognize the significant impact of emerging trends, such as the increased use of digital technology, and are eager to integrate these advancements to offer more sophisticated and innovative designs to our clients.

Q. Being an experienced professional in the industry, what message would you like to give the others in the sector?

Architecture consultancy is going to evolve rapidly in keeping with the business environment and needs of society. People’s lifestyle is also going to have an impact on the sector and the way it evolves. For instance, the pandemic was instrumental in changing the way clients and firms interacted, which has led to the dynamics of operations undergoing significant changes. Several organisations have realised that working from home has its own advantages in terms of cost management and better work-life balance for employees. I would like to tell business leaders to be mentally prepared for the management of change not only in terms of the style of working but also because of the imminent changes to the technological environment that is likely to prove intrusive.