THROUGH AN ARCHITECT'S LENS: SM PRIME'S VISION FOR GREEN AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT

With an average of 20 typhoons entering the country per year, incorporating disaster resilience and sustainability in building designs have become essential to SM's integrated property developer arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

- Jessica Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy of SM Prime and its residential arm SM Development Corporation (SMDC)

The SM group's foresight to incorporate best building practices continues with the next generation of leaders, as Jessica Sy, Vice President and Head of Design, Innovation, and Strategy of SM Prime and its residential arm SM Development Corporation (SMDC) emphasizes respecting the land through the creation of green buildings that protect the community's well-being in the long term.

"From an architectural standpoint, we want to make sure that when we develop a building, it's going to last for a long time," said Ms. Sy.

"We've seen that what's good for our communities is actually good for our company because addressing their needs also strengthens our connection with them as our customers."

Drawing from the earlier lessons of her first year in studying architecture, Ms. Sy noted the role of water in any development. It can be both beautiful—a source of life or unpredictable in nature.

"As architects, this was one of the first few things we were taught," Ms. Sy added. "Water is life-giving but it can also change everything. Floods in properties could heavily impact and uproot the lives of many families."