In 1983, Jose Siao Ling and his wife, Ana Mangalino, moved to the Philippines to establish their architectural firm, Jose Siao Ling & Associates (JSLA Architects). Using savings from Siao Ling’s time as an Overseas Filipino Worker in Hong Kong, they launched their practice during a period of political and social unrest.
Just one month after founding the firm, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. was assassinated. “We started in July; he was killed in August,” Siao Ling recalls. “Our budget was depleted. The money Ana and I had earned was exhausted.”
A Turning Point and a Lifelong Partnership
The firm’s fortunes changed after completing a project for a client who became a multigenerational partner. This relationship led to JSLA designing 40 of the client’s 85 malls.
At the time, the architectural environment in the Philippines was marked by unethical practices. “Many practiced without a contract,” Siao Ling explains. “It was difficult to break these practices.”
From the start, Siao Ling insisted on ethical channels for every project. This approach, now known as the “Siao Ling Way,” earned him credibility in the field.
The Siao Ling Way: A Philosophy of Integrity
Siao Ling’s architectural philosophy, the “JSL Way,” is founded on honesty and integrity. Drawing from Senator Richard Gordon’s 5Fs, he adapted the principles to architecture: focus, flexible, firm, fast, and friendly.
Today, JSLA has over 150 staff members, whom Siao Ling views as his “children.” He trains them in honesty, efficiency, and professionalism.
Siao Ling requires his architects to work on a minimum of eight to fourteen projects each. “The architect should be versatile,” he says. This approach has helped JSLA become a corporate family practice with an ISO 9001:2015 certification in Quality Management Systems.
The certification ensures standardized procedures, so every project meets the highest standards, even in his absence. “We see to it that the building will be sustainable,” Siao Ling says.
The LHK South project in Nuvali exemplifies this standard. It features double-glazed windows, bicycle parking with showers, and a sewage treatment plant that recycles water. A green rooftop mitigates heat gain and pollution.
Siao Ling’s legacy extends beyond buildings. JSLA maintains a strict no-discrimination policy, supporting a safe space for diverse talent.
Many former employees have started their own firms, but the mentor-mentee bond remains. “If they have a problem, they call me,” Siao Ling says. “I teach them.”
Siao Ling believes in the world-class versatility of Filipino architects but acknowledges systemic issues like inconsistent fee structures and corruption. “I always teach my staff to not do that,” he says.
Sustainable Design and Diversity in Architecture
JSLA’s projects incorporate sustainable features like green rooftops to reduce heat and pollution, ensuring buildings are suited to the local tropical climate. A procedure manual guides these practices, allowing continuity beyond the principal architects’ tenure.
Siao Ling’s firm promotes diversity, with a strict no-discrimination policy regarding ethnicity and academic background. This approach has supported the growth of many Filipino-Chinese architects within the firm.
Siao Ling’s influence extends beyond JSLA. “If they have a problem, they call me,” he says. “I teach them.”
A Lasting Impact on Philippine Architecture
As JSLA moves forward, its procedure manuals and ISO certification ensure that its legacy will continue, even in the absence of its founder. The firm remains a safe space for diverse talent, free from discrimination, and a symbol of ethical practice in the industry.
