Michael R. Gracilla, UAP, LEED AP
ARKMIKEL Design Architects
Michael Gracilla is a Filipino architect with over 20 years of professional experience in both design consultancy and real estate development. He is a graduate of Far Eastern University’s Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts [Manila] and earned his bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 1997. Before focusing full-time on the Studio, he worked as a senior design architect for DAMAC Properties, one of the top luxury real estate developers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. He was mainly involved in high-rise hospitality, and residential development projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and the United Kingdom. He also had a brief involvement with Kling Consult GmbH a German design consultancy firm with operations in Germany and the greater Gulf region as a senior architect handling hospitality projects. He was with ATKINS for over seven and a half years in its Dubai design studio. Where he was predominantly engaged in hotel, educational architecture, residential and mixed-use developments located in different parts of the world. Michael also has work experience in Nigeria and the Philippines where he has undertaken design and team management roles.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 1997 Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts
Far Eastern University – Manila, Philippines
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect
Philippine Professional Regulation Commission [PRC]
PRC Registration No. 014479
Issued August 1998
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional [LEED AP]
United States Green Building Council [USGBC]
Eligibility ID No. B76F07305F, Legacy Member
Issued April 2008
Memberships
Regular Member - United Architects of the Philippines [UAP]
Philippines, membership no. 10707
Languages
English
Filipino (Tagalog)
DISCLAIMER: The images shown below are the properties of their respective owners. Links to the companies mentioned herein are provided should you wish to know more about them. No copyright infringement intended. The author does not claim the projects shown below were solely done by him. But rather presents them as end products of collective efforts done by all the teams involved, wherein Michael was part of in his designated roles.
Professional Experience
March 2020 to Present
ARKMIKEL Design Architects
Company Description
ARKMIKEL Design Architects is an architectural practice that is focused on creating meaningful built environments. Modernist in design stance, the studio specializes in residential, hospitality, retail, and workplace projects. The studio mainly caters to clients in the greater Metro Manila area in the Philippines and India.
www.arkmikel.com | www.facebook.com/arkmikeldesignarchitects
Lead Architect [March 2020 to present] – Acts as the designer and overall manager of the design practice. Meets clients through online platforms to identify their needs and project requirements. Prepares fee proposals and drafts contracts for client’s approval. Prepares concept and preliminary design based on the information gathered from the initial interactions with the clients. Presents designs and formulates actions to further enhance and add value to the project. Supervises the production of the detailed drawings and manages the designs of the allied services. Prepares project specifications, bill of materials (BOM) and assists the clients in the preparation of the permit application and bidding packages. Maintains the studio’s website and manages social media accounts to keep the Studio’s online content relevant and up to date.
Notable Projects Undertaken (please refer to the main landing page of this website to see the other projects):
Copperbox House, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
Private entity
The Copperbox House is a high-end residential building that boasts a total built-up area (BUA) of 855.15 sq.m. It sits on a slightly rolling 870 sq.m. property in one of the exclusive communities in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna in the Philippines. It has 6 bedrooms - all with en suite, 5-star hotel type baths, has sufficient space to accommodate at least 5 cars, a swimming pool, a full-sized kitchen, ample accommodation for the housekeeping staff, a small cinema, a majlis with a bar, a wine cellar, spice room, and a small fitness gym. The design is in contemporary architectural style with tropical Asian nuances.
Le Chevron House, Mysore, Karnataka, IndiaPrivate entityLe Chevron House is a three-storey residential building having a total built-up area (BUA) of 445.45 sq.m. located in the Nimishamba Layout in Mysore, India. It is composed of two main components – the owner’s residence and a leasable apartment located on the top floor. When combined, it has a total of 6 bedrooms, 5 en suite baths, a garage for two cars, a family room, and a massive double volume living space which acts as the centrepiece of the project.
Open Box House, Bangalore, Karnataka, IndiaPrivate entityLocated in the Nagashettyhalli area in Bangalore is Open Box House, a G+4 high-end residential building. It is composed of two 3BR apartment units and a 4BR penthouse for the owner’s use. It has a 3-car garage has a total built-up area (BUA) of 802.26 sq.m. The design of the building was based on Vastu principles.
October 2013 to March 2020
DAMAC Properties, LLC
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Company Description
DAMAC Properties Dubai Co PJSC is a UAE-based company engaged in real estate development across the Middle East. The Company and its subsidiaries operate primarily in residential luxury properties, as well as mixed-use and commercial properties. DAMAC offers fully serviced and branded apartments and villas, including units that are co-branded with premium brands, Roberto Cavalli, FENDI Casa, and Versace Home. www.damacproperties.com
Responsibilities
Senior Design Architect [October 2013 to March 2020] – Assists the design managers in evaluating design options submitted by the consultants. Prepares alternative options to the designs made by the consultant to further enhance the project’s efficiency, sellability and value. Conducts design reviews on project stage submissions to check their compliance with authorities and company design guidelines. In constant and direct communication with the consultants and in-house allied services to keep architectural design work on track throughout the project. This includes assisting the Design Managers in uploading relevant project content onto Protender and following up on its progress with the consultants. Responds to RFI’s from contractors and conducts site visits to expedite the resolution of outstanding issues involving the development team. Evaluates the impact of design modifications dictated by market conditions on the sales, marketing, and hospitality teams. Manages the entry of unit details into the online sales portal. Performs area efficiency calculations to establish the official project statement and its compliance with the company’s established benchmarks. Reports directly to the VP-Design.
Notable Projects Undertaken:
DAMAC Tower London, Vauxhall, London, United Kingdom
DAMAC Properties, LLC
Damac Tower London is a 50-story high-end residential building under the Versace brand. It was designed to cater to Europe’s very high-value individuals. It has a total construction built-up area of 64,547 sq.m. with 360 residential apartments along with 90 intermediate/ socialized apartments as mandated by local regulations. It is DAMAC’s first project in Europe and forms part of London's Vauxhall Redevelopment Project.
DAMAC Towers by Paramount (DTP), Business Bay, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DAMAC Properties, LLC
DTP is a 4-tower x 69 storey mixed-use development with hotel and hotel apartments as its main components. It has a total of 824 hotel rooms and suites in one tower and 1,196 hotel apartments distributed equally to the other 3 towers. It has its own cinema, it hosts several high-end restaurants and has a resort-like landscaped podium deck. Total CBUA is 369,637 sq.m.
DAMAC Heights, Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates
DAMAC Properties, LLC
Located adjacent to the tallest apartment block in the world, Damac Heights is an 84 storey serviced apartment tower with a total sellable area of 81,553 sq.m. Fendi Casa-branded apartment starts from level 43 all the way to level 84. The project is composed of 640 units in studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, 4BR, and penthouse configurations.
Al Sufouh Tower, Al Sufouh, United Arab Emirates
DAMAC Properties, LLC
Al Sufouh is a 51 storey mixed-use hotel and serviced apartments tower having a total BUA of 150, 809 sq.m. Located in the Al Sufouh district of Dubai, its serviced apartment component houses a total of 453 units in studio, 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, 4BR and Duplex configurations. The hotel has 175 keys.
Majestine, Tower 108, Fiora,Vera, Reva, Zada, Merano, Ghalia, Business Bay & Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DAMAC Properties, LLC
These are residential towers that range from 13 to 34 storeys in height located in Business Bay and the JVC areas of Dubai.
September 2012 to September 2013
Kling Consult GmbH
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Company Description
Kling Consult GmbH is an international design consultancy handling master planning, architecture, interior design, civil, structural engineering, quantity surveying, and project management works. It is based in Krumbach, Germany with satellite offices in Munich, Ulm, Augsburg and has a presence in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE with Dubai as its design hub in the Gulf. Notable works in the UAE include the Jewel of the Creek Complex in Port Saeed, One Business Bay Tower and Katara Towers in Qatar.
www.klingconsult.de/en | www.klingconsult.com
Responsibilities
Senior Project Architect [September 2012 to September 2013] – Responsible for overseeing the preliminary (schematic) up to the detailed design stages of the projects. Undertakes technical project team leadership in producing deliverables to meet owner requirements for financing, approval, and authority review. Handles day-to-day communications and correspondence with key client representatives and hotel operators. Facilitates technical coordination with specialists, engineers, and other related trades. Conducts design reviews on submissions received from the sub-consultants and ensures their compliance. Reports directly to the Projects Director and Senior Project Manager to keep communications current relative to project budget, schedule, and for design issue resolutions.
Notable Projects Undertaken:
ADAC Office Building, Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal 3, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi Airports Company
ADAC Office Building is composed of 4 levels of high-end workspaces having a total built-up area of 9,400 sq.m. It forms part of a proposed multi-building complex that includes hotels, retail, and recreation facilities that cater to the needs of Abu Dhabi International Airport and its future expansion.
Maktoum Hospital Redevelopment Project, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
WASL Asset Management Group
A mixed-use development that includes a 14-storey, Hyatt-operated 4-star hotel, and serviced apartments, a 12-storey office-residential block, a 10-storey residential building, all surrounding a retail complex on what used to be the site of the old Maktoum Hospital in Deira.
Dubai Design District (D3) – Office Buildings, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tamdeen
Situated along the corridor that links Mohammed Bin Rashid City to the Burj Khalifa - Dubai Design District (D3) – Office Buildings is composed of 11 buildings ranging from 5 to 13 floors with a combined BUA of 196,181 sq.m. It is part of the bigger development which is the Dubai Design District which comprises offices, retail, hospitality and cultural waterfront developments envisioned to be the next fashion, luxury and design hub of Dubai.
February 2005 to September 2012
ATKINS Dubai Architecture Studio
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Company Description
ATKINS (now a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group) is the largest engineering consultancy in the UK and the world's 11th largest global design firm - employing over 18,300 people worldwide. It has undertaken a full range of projects all over the world since its inception in 1938. It is best known for its design of the sailboat inspired Burj Al Arab in the United Arab Emirates. In addition to its London headquarters, ATKINS maintains 300 offices in 29 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and the Americas.
www.atkinsglobal.com
Responsibilities
Architect, LEED AP [April 2008 to September 2012] – Responsible for developing preliminary designs, planning, team management, detailing (including façade studies and building component inter-connectivity solutions), multi-disciplinary coordination, tender document preparation and interfacing with the local authorities. Project involvements cover a range of sectors including mixed-use developments, residential, education, office, retail and hotel projects located in the United Arab Emirates, India, Russia, and Iran.
Architect [October 2007 to April 2008] –Meets with clients to ascertain their needs and design requirements for the project. Assists the liaison architect in securing approval of drawings from the authorities. Assists the project managers in the preparation of concept and preliminary design reports. Oversees the production of the drawing to ensure that the drawings are within the set parameters. In-charge of a team of junior and assistant architects and a 3D visualiser. Coordinates with fellow in-house architects, building specialists, senior LEED professional, and allied engineering services during the design process.
Assistant Architect [April 2007 to October 2007] - Functions as design support to the senior design architect by assisting in the preparation of design schemes, presentation materials, freehand sketches and other drawings required by the project. Handles the drawing production aspect of some of the projects listed below. Prepares architectural drawings and pertinent details required by the projects. Coordinates with fellow in-house architects and allied engineering services to ensure the proper execution of work.
Junior Architect [Feb 2005 to April 2007] - Part of a team that prepares architectural drawings and other pertinent details required by the projects. Produces freehand sketches and image layouts for the concept and preliminary design reports. Coordinates with fellow in-house architects and allied engineering services to ensure the proper execution of work.
Notable Projects Undertaken:
The Address Downtown, Dubai, UAE
A 63-storey super tall 196-suite hotel and residential building having a total built-up area of 178,340 sq.m. that forms part of the centerpiece elements of the Burj Khalifa development in Business Bay.
Kazan Riviera Tower, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia
Riviera Tower Limited Liability Company
Kazan Riviera Tower is a 57-storey mixed-use development having a built-up area of 140,000 sq. m. The key components of the development include a 220 key 5-star hotel, 7,800 sq. office space, 370 residential apartments, 7,000 sq.m. of retail, a health club, and spa and a 4,300 sq. ballroom and conference facility.
ITC Bangalore Headquarters, Bangalore, India
Indian Tobacco Company
ITC Bangalore HQ is envisioned to be the central hub of ITC’s operations in India. It is composed of two 12-storey buildings linked together by an office bridge.The project has a total built-up area of 221,452 sq.m.
Padideh Shandiz, Khorasan Province, Iran
Padideh Shandiz Construction & Building Company
A massive mixed-use development in Iran composed of hotels, a huge shopping mall, residential blocks, a water park, and an underground flower garden.
Greenfield Community School, Dubai Investments Park, Dubai, UAE
Taaleem
A 1750-student capacity, two-phase, nine building school complex with a combined area of 25,000 sq.m. The full development is composed of the Elementary and Administration Block, Dining Hall, a Gymnasium, a six-lane full-size swimming pool, 480-seater auditorium, an amphitheater, rehearsal rooms and a recording studio.
Sky Gardens, Dubai, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
Al Mazaya Real Estate Development Co.
A 44-storey business-residential building located in the Dubai International Financial Centre. Standing at 186m tall, it has a total built-up area of 72,000 sq.m.. The residential floors are composed of apartments in studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3 bedroom and penthouse configurations.
Iris Amber, Culture Village, Dubai, UAE
Sheth Estate International, Ltd.
A 12-storey high-end residential building located in the Garhoud district of Dubai. Iris Amber has a distinct Arabic design with an emphasis on the traditional architecture of the Emirates. It stands 46m high, has a total area of 11,000 sq.m. including some 8000m2 of residential space. It is composed of 75 luxury apartment units in studio, 2BR, and 3BR configurations.
February 2004 to December 2004
Private Practice
Quezon City, Philippines
Company Description
Private Practice.
Responsibilities
Architect [February 2004 to December 2004] – Performed the overall function of an Architect such as meeting with clients and formulating the best solutions for their requirements, giving professional advice, developing the initial design schemes up to the final production of the approved contract drawings. Works alongside CAD technicians in the preparation of drawings, bill of materials, and estimates and specifications. Coordinates with the allied services involved in the project to produce a well-organized and professionally executed work package. Projects are mostly G+1 villa in Laguna and Sorsogon in the Philippines.
Notable Projects Undertaken:
Proposed 2-storey Residence
Phase 1E Macaria Village Stage 1, Pacita 1E
Binan, Laguna, Philippines
Proposed Renovation - 2-storey Residence
Phase 2A Macaria Village Stage 1, Pacita 1E
Binan, Laguna Philippines
June 2003 to December 2003
AIM Consultants, Limited
Lagos, Nigeria
Company Description
AIM Consultants is a multi-disciplinary integrated firm that is composed of seasoned multi-national professionals and technicians who have considerable expertise in both architecture and engineering fields. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities and employs 200+ personnel in its Lagos office. AIM Consultants is one of the most visible names in Architectural and Engineering consultancy in both Nigeria and the West African region. It is based in Lagos, Nigeria, and maintains satellite offices in Abuja (FCT Nigeria), Atlanta, Georgia, and Los Angeles, California in the USA. Its clientele includes the World Bank, the Nigerian Federal Government, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), among others.
www.aim-consultants.com
Responsibilities
Project Architect [June 2003 to December 2003] – Part of the design team that handles the architectural concept designs of the projects being handled by AIM-Lagos. Worked alongside the Director of Architecture (DA) and the Manager, Architecture and Urban Planning (MAUP) in the preparation of conceptual and preliminary design schemes. Streamlined the then ineffective condition of the CAD department by implementing new rules and regulations and by training the CAD staff. Conducts drawing production reviews to ensure that the company’s set standards are being met by the staff. In charge of 15 staff members including the CAD Manager. Coordinates with fellow in-house architects and allied engineering services to ensure the proper execution of work.
Notable Projects Undertaken:
Cathedral of the 12 Apostles
Archdiocese of Abuja
Abuja Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Lily of the Valley G+9 Storey Residential Estate
Modupe Alakija - Chairman, Famfa Oil Limited
Kuramo Waters, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
ECOWAS Staff Housing Project
Economic Cooperation of West African States
Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
June 1997 to December 2003
DCCD Engineering Corporation
Makati City, Philippines
Company Description
DCCD is the pioneer in the Philippine engineering consultancy with its roots dating back to 1957. Over the years, it has maintained its leadership position in the engineering consultancy business and is the first consulting firm in the Philippines to have been awarded an ISO 9001:2000 Certification. It caters to both local and offshore clientele and has collaborated with several foreign consultants in some of its projects. Aside from its main market domain, DCCD has also been involved in projects in Qatar, Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
www.dccd.com
Responsibilities
Architect [February 1999 to May 2003]
CAD Architect [December 1997 to February 1999]
Draftsman [June 1997 to December 1997]
Started as a draftsman working in DCCD and became a member of the Environmental Engineering Division (EnE) - Architectural Unit in which functions as the overall body tasked with designing all the architectural related works being handled by the division. Responsible for checking and coordinating the architectural drawings with the Senior Architect and other allied services to avoid discrepancies during construction. Conducts technical reviews to ensure the correct execution of the drawings is based on ISO 9001 Standards and the requirements of the clients. Prepares and assists the Senior Architect in developing alternative schemes that may best apply to the project requirements.
Notable Projects Undertaken:
Pueblo de Oro Township and Golf Course Project
Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation
Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
Villas del Sol Land Development
Arjay Securities & Development Corporation
Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
Fort Bonifacio Land Development
Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation
Fort Bonifacio, Makati City, Philippines
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