Juan F. Nakpil

Juan F. Nakpil (1899-1986) was named National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture in 1973 and is widely remembered as the Dean of Filipino Architects. Educated in engineering in the United States and in architecture at Fontainebleau in France, he was among the pioneers who introduced modern design to the Philippines in the 1930s while remaining fluent in classical and traditional forms.

His practice ranged from institutional and commercial buildings to churches and memorials. Nakpil redesigned Quiapo Church, adding its dome and second belfry, and reconstructed the Rizal family house as the Rizal Shrine in Calamba, Laguna. On the University of the Philippines Diliman campus he designed key administration and library buildings that anchored the postwar capital campus.

Beyond his built work, Nakpil helped professionalise Philippine architecture, founding an early school of design and mentoring a generation of practitioners. His blend of technical rigour and national sensibility earned him lasting standing as a founder of the modern Filipino architectural profession.