Calma’s construction kingdom: From playground to powerhouse
As a child, Carlo Calma’s playground was a construction site. His father, Pablito, kept projects running smoothly, instilling in his son a keen eye for deadlines and budgets.Today, Calma is renowned for his unconventional yet expressive architectural designs, crafted through his company, Carlo Calma Consultancy. However, the creative visionary also possesses a practical side, spending considerable time on construction sites with the family-owned Multi-Development and Construction Corp. (MDCC).
MDCC is one of the few top-tier contractors capable of handling complex developments in the Philippines. Established in 1975 as the luxury hotel industry was taking off, MDCC built a portfolio that includes the Peninsula Manila and Shangri-La Mactan and Boracay. The company later expanded into government projects, resorts, and casinos, including Okada Manila.
Man of many hats
Calma–who is fortunate to serve as assistant to his 94-year-old father cum chairman emeritus–actively participates in the company’s business development initiatives by visiting project sites with the MDCC team.
“I’ve become a man of many hats—designer, contractor, restaurateur,” said Calma, who has also partnered with Spanish chef Chele Gonzalez on Asador Alfonso and Gallery by Chele. “Despite my avant-garde designs, I’ve learned the importance of pragmatism, working within a system that prioritizes solutions, deadlines, and value. We understand the need for efficiency and avoid delays. Our team is dedicated to exploring options that accelerate project timelines.”
According to Calma, his father, who was his mentor, had an innate understanding of construction as he’d inspect materials, tap walls to assess their soundness. His efficiency, he further shared, was remarkable.
“I grew up appreciating the craftsmanship in construction. Skilled contractors build more than just walls; they create acoustics and implement cost-effective solutions without compromising quality through data-driven analysis. Contractors are invaluable partners to designers, offering practical alternatives that enhance the final product. I learned these principles from my father,” Calma explained.
He echoed his father’s mantra: “Quality is never an accident.”
Carpentry and craftsmanship
Calma’s role extended to overseeing the construction of the family’s getaway and restaurant, Asador Alfonso, in Cavite. Starting with an undeveloped plot, the place had nature as the inspiration for the design.
“The Philippines is a treasure trove of stories that can inspire unique developments,” Calma said. “By analyzing a site’s potential, considering demographics, and understanding the local narrative, we can create something truly special. Our goal is to showcase Filipino identity and craftsmanship through thoughtful design and execution.”
MDCC’s expertise lies in carpentry and craftsmanship, complemented by advanced technology. Investments in CNC and laser-cutting machinery enable precise woodworking and metal detailing.
“By handling everything in-house, we’ve created a one-stop shop for design and production,” he explained.
One of the company’s recent projects, the OFW Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3, showcased MDCC’s prowess. The lounge’s ceiling features a striking pattern of abaca leaves, prefabricated for efficient installation. The space itself, along with the chairs, evokes the image of open balikbayan boxes, a design concept by Calma, produced by Archipelago Furniture.
“Our strong fabrication team and commitment to quality enabled us to complete the lounge within a demanding 30-day deadline,” Calma noted. “This project exemplifies our family’s dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail. By blending traditional techniques with digital technology, we achieve faster and more sustainable construction methods.”
Rising in Nuvali
Given his family’s background in design and construction, venturing into real estate was a natural progression.
Founded in 2017, Calma Properties, where he serves as president, focuses on building high quality developments from the ground up.
“Titles are less important than delivering exceptional projects,” Calma emphasized.
The company’s first project, Pablo Plus Living, a townhouse development in Parañaque, was a resounding success, with all units sold out. The company’s ambitious Museum for Architecture + Design (MAD), a 20-story collaboration with Japanese architect Sou Fujitomo, is currently under construction in Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The pair reunited to design the Philippine Pavilion for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, drawing inspiration from the nation’s weaving traditions. Construction is underway and prefabrication is taking place in Cebu.
MAD’s terraced exterior pays homage to the region’s once-thriving rice paddies. This innovative terraced silhouette, which seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, earned a prestigious World Architecture Festival award for construction technology in 2021.
“Building this unconventional rice terraces structure with its intricate grid pattern and cantilevers has been a complex engineering feat,” Calma explained. Envisioned as a mixed-use development incorporating commercial, residential, and museum spaces, the project will be completed by the end of 2025, before the 96th birthday of Calma’s father.
“My father has witnessed the fruits of our labor. I’m committed to bringing his dreams to life through our construction projects,” he added.
