Creating meaningful spaces takes more than just an eye for beauty. It requires balancing practicality and aesthetic, one that Farina Jayne Yaoto of Yaoto Architects + Partners has mastered over the years of practicing her passion.
Growing up, Farina had always been naturally drawn to crafting and finding ways to make spaces more beautiful. This creative instinct led her to pursue architecture, finishing her degree at the University of San Carlos. As a creative, Farina takes inspiration from the world around her, believing that everyday experiences shape one’s craft if you just let your surroundings be your canvas.
Leading a private architectural firm with her husband Eugene Yaoto called Yaoto Architects + Partners, Farina expressed that she had always wanted the opportunity to practice independently and build something that fostered collaboration. As Yaoto Architects + Partners grew into a trusted practice, Farina shared that her philosophy is built on trust and communication when it comes to her team.
“Good architecture is rarely the result of one person’s ideas alone; it requires people who respect each other’s contributions and work toward a shared goal,” the architect shared.
When asked who her primary inspirations are, Farina named architect Frank Gehry to be one of her idols, claiming that she admires his courage to challenge convention and explore forms that are expressive, unexpected, and deeply connected to the experience of a space. According to Farina, his work is a statement that architecture can be both technically rigorous and emotionally powerful, and that innovation often begins with the willingness to see possibilities beyond the familiar.
Apart from being inspired by architectural icons, Farina’s creative process is also influenced by her and her husband’s travels. Their sojourns around the globe has made an indelible mark on the way their practice handles projects both commercial and residential. What she has learned in her travels, particularly in their trips to South Korea and Bangkok had emboldened her approach in design concepts, taking into account the importance of functionality but at same time being compelled to innovate and explore form, texture and spatial experience.
Yaoto Architects + Partners works with a diverse clientele, from commercial to residential. Farina noted that their approach relies on making sure that the design must respond to its purpose. The architect stressed that she first wants to tackle the story behind the client; from needs to intentions.
Farina believes that there’s more to good architecture than mere aesthetics. She shared, “I believe good architecture should connect with people on more than a visual level. A space can photograph beautifully, but the real test is how it feels to inhabit it.”
Envisioning a fruitful next chapter, Farina, along with her firm, hopes to create more iconic spaces, designs that stand out, leave a lasting impression, and become meaningful landmarks for the communities they belong to.
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