WE MAKE TIME FOR SITE VISITS AND INSPECTIONS OF ALL OUR EXISTING PROJECTS AND PERSONALLY MEET UP WITH OUR PARTNERS TO ENSURE THAT WE HAVE A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF HOW OUR DESIGNS ARE IMPLEMENTED AND PUT INTO PRACTICE. COMMUNITY AND CREATION TRANSFORMATION TO COINCIDE WITH ONGOING DEVELOPMENTS OF A PROJECT IS THE INTENDED OUTCOME OF OUR DESIGNS WHENEVER WE COLLABORATE WITH THE OWNERS, CLIENTS AND DESIGN TEAM.

WE BELIEVE THAT IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE DESIGNS PER SE: AS LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS WE HAVE TO GO BEYOND TECHNICAL DRAWINGS AND INTENTIONALLY DELVE INTO THE LIVES OF PEOPLE AND THE IMPACTS OF OUR DEVELOPMENTS ON CREATION.

One of our projects is rising

Things are looking up, and it is amazing to see that the landscape amenities will soon be built. what really excites us is to see how the designs transform people’s minds, and how change can happen from within.

We have to go beyond our designs and focus on the impact on people and on creation. It is not just about aesthetics, but about something deeper and higher that can arise from our output.

DRIVE FROM A PROJECT SITE VISIT IN BATANGAS

Flowering shrubs beautifully growing on a very steep slope – We learn what we can and explore the hidden wonders of nature around us. We respect project sites and never introduce changes that would destroy the balance that existed way before we even came in.

We seek to restore creation beautifully and allow it to recover and develop much better than before.

JOYFUL WORKERS ON SITE

Building riprap walls is never easy. The stone has to be carefully selected, cut with an axe, and set meticulously for balance and stability. A worker’s smile radiates even behind his mask. We celebrate the men and women behind the landscape designs and appreciate the hard work they do.

Behind every Eden are calloused hands and sun-kissed skins. And we salute those who labor joyfully for us to enjoy our green environments.

HANDS ON – Site visits, design intents, & of being a sponge

“It’s a tough job…but someone has to do it,” I was once told by one of the premier landscape architects in the Philippines during my earlier years in the profession. This resonates with me up to this day and I continue to apply what I have learned from those who have much wisdom in the field of landscape architecture. Standing on a roof deck looking down on the project site and exploring possibilities from this vantage point, I would put myself in all sorts of situations because of a desire to finish the job well and strong. And in the process learn a thing or two.

This is a collaborative project with an architect who is accomplished in his own right. The beauty in collaborative work is the self-realization that I still have much to learn, and that is perfectly fine. Having a know-it-all mentality will stunt a person’s learning process and growth. “Be a sponge” a former member of my staff at one point told me. He is exactly right. We need to be tirelessly driven, highly curious and continue to absorb new knowledge whenever and wherever we can.

I learn a great deal from being hands on. During one of my recent site visit, I helped set the cobblestone on a driveway, figured out the dry pack process, all from the guidance and supervision of a highly-respected tile installer. It doesn’t matter where or from whom, we all must learn. And never stop doing so with humility and respect.
– Landscape Architect AJ Moldez

Measuring road right of way to determine planting strip and carriageway widths and confirm if they are within landscape architectural standards.

Breaking ground on one of our new high end residential projects

2021 is a year of innovation and lessons for AJM Planning and Design. As we approach a new year, we continue to evolve and grow, to build a strong flourishing team and company that can withstand the challenges of the rapidly changing times.

The excitement is building. An inspection of an ongoing project encourages us to continue to push for more lush landscapes in the city. An old development is getting a fresh new look soon. Coming (very) soon.

ENSURING SUCCESSFUL PLANT ESTABLISHMENT

PROJECT: Azure North, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines

First impressions count. And on top of the list of a well-planned and executed outdoor space are well established plants that always look their best. This will definitely help optimize the value of properties and make every buyer happy. When we invest in a green environment we reap nature’s gifts tenfold.

SOMETHING EXCITING IS COMING TO GREENHILLS!

BUT BEFORE WE CAN PUT THOUGHTS INTO MOTION, WE CONDUCT A SITE INSPECTION AND WALKTHROUGH WITH OUR PARTNER AND CLIENT, TO DETERMINE DESIGN PARAMETERS AND INTENDED OUTCOMES.

IT’S A HOT DAY UNDER THE SUN, BUT IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT SOON! EXCITED FOR THIS PROJECT’S BIG REVEAL!

project: calatagan south beach, calatagan, batangas, philippines

JOY AT WORK. During site visits it is always exciting to see the remarkable progress of projects that we are involved in. The link between our work and the goals and vision of our clients can be clearly seen in the beautiful surroundings. And at the end of the day this we believe in: happy clients, happy us!

project:PUNTA FUEGO, NASUGBU, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

Discussions on implementing our designs in challenging project sites.

PROJECT: TALI, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

The landscape architect draws, and the landscape contractor executes

A great relationship between the two is very important in making sure that projects look beautiful, finish on schedule and within budget, and therefore achieving client satisfaction and happiness.

Here is LAr. AJ learning a thing or two about carabao grass planting with the help of our longtime landscape contractor partners/friends. From making sure that enough grass square tiles are covering the space to avoid gaps that invite the invasion of weeds, to leveling the area as much as possible by pushing the sod roots and flattening the edges with the use of special tamping tools, to making sure that the planted area is watered generously for a certain period of time, it is clear that there is so much science and hard work involved in planting this evergreen grass.

The designer and contractor share the common goal of completing projects successfully. And it all starts with a healthy working relationship based on respect and understanding of one another’s ideas and perspectives.

PROJECT: KALAIYAAN COAST NATURE AND CAMPING RESORT, LAIYA, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

Essential to all successful construction projects are precise and accurate drawings. As we journey with our clients through the continuous development of a design, our commitment is that when we reach the finish line, all their requirements are taken into account and everything that are in their “wish List” are met and are reflected in the drawings. Careful attention to details is a great way of letting our clients know that we value them and we care.

project: AZURE NORTH, CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES

punch walk – IT IS IMPORTANT TO OVERSEE HOW WELL DESIGN INTENT IS MET IN ANY PROJECT. A FINAL WALKTHROUGH WITH THE DESIGNER, OTHER CONSULTANTS, AND CONTRACTORS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE TEAM TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE SUCCESSFUL PROJECT COMPLETION.

PROJECT: TALI, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

Tree Staking: It is important to support a recently planted tree. Staking can help it stand straight and establish its roots during its initial growing years until the right time when it no longer needs to depend on the stakes and ties. A new environment might also be windy, or exposed to a lot of foot traffic, and staking the tree can prevent it from being uprooted and damaged.

PROJECT: KALAIYAAN COAST NATURE AND CAMPING RESORT, LAIYA, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

A bright, sunny morning that turned into a cloudy, rainy afternoon did not stop the backhoe excavator from roaring and digging away. Come rain or shine, this is still our favorite kind of work day — a site visit! We get excited watching our projects take shape and we find joy in teaming up with the contractors as we provide them with important details that make sure that long before the project reaches its final form, we are there to carefully guide them in maintaining the design intent.

PROJECT: KALAIYAAN COAST NATURE AND CAMPING RESORT, LAIYA, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

We carry out visits of construction projects and site analysis to expose our design team to the actual conditions on site and help them develop a deeper understanding of how our designs are put into practice. After all, landscape architecture is more than just sitting at an office desk designing.

It is a great compliment when clients say that they can sense our warmth and listening hearts during our personal meet ups with them. We also make sure that we constantly back this up with competence and reliability.

The way we interact with our clients and commit to their very satisfactory experience is our most valuable asset. We hold in high regard their trust in us and it is our genuine intention to always achieve their desired outcome for the project.

PROJECT: KALAIYAAN COAST NATURE AND CAMPING RESORT, LAIYA, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

WE JOURNEY TOGETHER. we Assisted our client by conducting a site inspection with bidders for a project down south.It is important to match landscape designs to the right contractors. The landscape Vision will emerge only when a skilled, competent and responsive construction team executes the construction drawings on site.
We work best when teamed up with the right landscape contractors. And so we continue to build not just transformative landscapes but lasting relationships as well.

PROJECT: CLUB LAIYA,SAN JUAN BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

BLUE SKIES AND BLUE STREETS. Today was an inspection day at the beach. To get the drawings from paper to reality requires constant attention. From meetings to site inspections, we make it a point to be present and available. Soon this project will be built for everyone to enjoy. Exciting to see the transformation unfold before our very eyes. This in itself is the blessing that comes with the job.

Team AJM together with our clients and partners are in the habit of converting every team member’s bright ideas into a reality. By listening, asking questions, and genuinely hearing out one another’s responses, we come up with the best decisions for our projects

Meet BEEBOI – Team AJM’s eye in the sky.

With its ability to get a large amount of aerial information, drone technology helps us understand sites and structures better and ensures that our designs are accurate from concept to project completion. Thank you BEEBOI, for doing your part in making sure we are doing things right!

PROJECT: CLUB LAIYA, LAIYA, SAN JUAN, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

EVERY PROJECT HAS A COLLECTION OF STORIES BEHIND IT. THIS ONE AT CLUB LAIYA HAS A MULTITUDE OF THESE.

PROJECT: KALAIYAAN COAST Nature and Camping Resort, Laiya, Batangas, PHILIPPINES

We are proud to be a part of this project that promotes nature tourism in a sustainable manner and offers their valued guests a place in the great outdoors that gives them the freedom to get away from it all.

Landscape architects are designers of beautiful green spaces that create harmony between humans and nature and highlights the joy and many health benefits that the natural environment brings. We are glad for the opportunity to design ways for the end users to have a holistic experience and in doing so to hopefully influence them during their stay to be more aware of the regenerative impact they may have on the environment. If anything, we want them to experience living a slower life, simply enjoying time with the earth even for just a little while.

As one famous saying goes, “you are the captain of your ship”. And venturing to places where you can feel free to be your best self is one of the greatest conscious decision you can make to help develop a healthier and happier version of yourself.

Cheers to the amazing team behind Kalaiyaan Coast. Working alongside individuals who, like Team AJM, value Creation’s contributions to people and our moral obligation to protect it, is truly a worthwhile and honorable undertaking.

project: The Spinnaker at CLUB LAIYA, SAN JUAn, laiya, batangas, philippines

Sailing forward. The foundations are laid and we celebrate this milestone of our partners and friends. We are proud to be part of the stories behind this landmark in Batangas, Philippines. Thank you.

Team AJM will continue to sail with you and see this project through to completion. Salamat, mga Kaibigan.

PROJECT: LINGID KALIKASAN, LIMAY, BATAAN, PHILIPPINES

We are proud and excited to be part of this incredible project that will offer a secluded and exclusive escape for nature enthusiasts looking for a place to call paradise. The aim is to design for experience rather than merely for appearance. #TeamAJM pairs up extremely well with one of our partners Arch. Glenn Valencia in realizing our client’s goals of responsible tourism. The structures and landscapes are sustainably designed to enhance life, keeping in mind our client’s strong desire to respect and preserve the area’s natural environment, community and culture.

Preliminary site inspection of a new project in Batangas.

The team of consultants’ and the client’s first visit to the site is extremely important. Collectively, we get a better perspective of the environment and we are able to understand site conditions, topography, obstacles, ground conditions, orientation and vegetation that will all have a great impact on our proposed design.

We love designing for rare and one-of-a-kind spaces like this – a natural outlet of our creativity.

PROJECT: Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines

IT’S COMING ALONG WELL. The Greenhills Shopping Center is getting a green facelift, and construction is in full SWING. This is one of our estate projects that excite us. The process is tedious because everything is existing and we have had to investigate, redraw, realign and redo what is already in place. It is much easier to build from scratch, and it sure is a big challenge to design and upgrade the current estate but Team AJM with our partners at Ortigas Land will make it happen. We are opening up a new inclusive and environment friendly estate. Looking forward to its full build very soon.

L.ARCH. AJ AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR MS WILMA BATAC

Achieving our goals for the Team, through the good and not so good, living in faith one day at a time.

Workshops and site inspections are important aspects of every design process from inception to fruition. And when projects are located in places unfamiliar to the Team, site visits also allow us to extensively research the local way of life, understand better the unique culture of the place and therefore focus on people-centered designs that enhance lives and protect, preserve and restore the surrounding natural spaces.

PROJECT: Lancaster New City, Cavite, PHILIPPINES

When social responsibility and community empowerment are passions shared with clients and partners, projects become even more special and exciting!

PROJECT: KALAIYAAN COAST Nature and Camping Resort, Laiya, Batangas, PHILIPPINES

PLANT TAGGING. Inspecting our shrub palette selections to make sure that they are thriving in the micro-climate and environment of the project site.

We also make sure that we work well with our contractors and clients for the collaborations do not stop with our drawings. It is this continuous learning mindset that pushes us forward.

PROJECT: SALCEDO, ILOCOS SUR, PHILIPPINES

A behind-the-scenes look at our site investigation and project workshop with a local government unit that is very close to our hearts.Things are starting to take shape and we are looking forward to this different kind of challenge: to put the spotlight on a resilient rural community whose time to shine has finally come.

PROJECT: LINGID KALIKASAN, LIMAY, BATAAN, PHILIPPINES

Regular Site Visits: Overseeing construction work and checking the progress of projects are very important aspects of our work as landscape architects. From start to finish, exceptional client care is never compromised.

PROJECT: Azure North, City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines

Attention to detail IS key to success IN ALL OF OUR PROJECTS. WE INVESTIGATE ALL THE CHALLENGES AND CONCERNS ON SITE AND ASSURE OUR VALUED CLIENTS THAT WE ARE HERE FOR THEM FROM START TO FINISH.

PROJECT: BALETE, BATANGAS

Rain or Shine.

PROJECT: KALAIYAAN COAST Nature and Camping Resort, Laiya, Batangas, PHILIPPINES

Witnessing the culmination of a collaborative design endeavor is like composing a symphony and hearing it played back to you. Beautiful, simply beautiful.

Collaboration is a valuable tool in our practice. Listening to suggestions can enhance designs and surprise us along the way.

Working on Kalaiyaan Coast this time, a nature resort in Laiya, Batangas. We maintained the trees and proposed a man-made lagoon that will be used both as an amenity and an engineering solution to captured stormwater runoff and use it for irrigation. Coupled with carefully selected and planted softscapes this project is turning out very well. And because the beautiful landscape is made possible by collaborative minds we are very excited for everyone involved and we look forward even more for the opening of this development.

Coming soon, kaibigan.

PROJECT: CLUB LAIYA PREMIER DISTRICT, SAN JUAN, BATANGAS, PHILIPPINES

A DAY ON SITE. Inspecting a new phase in our project down south.

THE AJM COMMUNITY HAS been working with Landco Pacific since 2009 and HAS seen the developments of its landmark projects over the years. The same zeal WE had back then still drives US forward and energizes US to this day. Excited for our partners for this project as we are determined to see the construction of the landscape through to completion.

Recently, we inspected the preparations on site and identified trees to be retained and protected. It was a full day but we are sure when the project is completed all the collective effort would be well worth it.

PROJECT: BAGUIO CITY, philippines

EMBRACING LOCAL CULTURE THROUGH LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: As a landscape architect it is of utmost importance to understand the cultural context of a community. With this project, it is the strong desire of our client for Baguio’s rich tapestry of traditions and stories to be alive and present in the landscape design. As we inject creatives in every stage of the design process, we also ask them to participate through ideas and feedback so that we can serve as the vehicle in preserving their traditional spirit through our design.

project: boracay, aklan, philippines

SAVING TREES AT THE SITE: Working with nature is the mindset in building a new development. We save as much trees and vegetation as possible and work with the design team to create a cohesive and integrated design that is sensitive to the site and environment.

project: TAGAYTAY CITY, CAVITE, philippines

Tile laying is a very technical aspect of creating new landscape spaces. A good tile setter will always make sure that the gaps in between tiles are perfectly measured, the tiles are set on the right amount of concrete mix and the slopes are aimed towards the right direction for positive drainage to happen.

project: WESTERN VISAYAS, philippines

Thick brush and sandy beaches.

TOPPING OFF ANOTHER PROJECT WITH ORTIGAS LAND (OLC)

The Offices at the Galleon is a platinum product by one of our long time partners in building new landscapes in the urban setting. Topping off is such a joyous moment for it took hard work and dedication to get to this point. Volumes of stories are behind each project that we do. And it is good to celebrate wins with people who have journeyed with you through countless adventures.

Cheers, Kaibigan! We pray for your continued success.

Project: Kalaiyaan Coast – a Nature and Camping Resort (located at Laiya Aplaya, San Juan Batangas, Philippines)

CELEBRATING WITH OUR CLIENT-FRIENDS | Thank you for having us! A toast and cheers to the grand opening of KALAIYAAN COAST!

PROJECT: AEON BLEU RESIDENCES, TOWERS ONE & TWO
LOCATION: Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines

Aeon Bleu Davao boasts of contemporary landscapes highlighted by an impressive swimming pool amenity. Resort living is experienced through generous pools and water features that play a big role in sales velocity selling out both residential towers in record time.
Aeon Luxe Properties believes in investing in the landscape not just as outdoor amenities but as a symbol of excellence and attention to the needs of its clients.

Project: Tagaytay Fontaine Villas
Location: City of Tagaytay, Cavite, Philippines
Site inspection prior to landscape turnover of open space upgrades

Project: B
Location: Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines
Inspection of ongoing landscape works to ensure that the installed hardscapes and softscapes are consistent with plans and specifications

Project: Westwind at Lancaster New City (General Trias, Cavite, Philippines) WE ARE VERY Proud of this project for the owners’ vision is to provide better homes and communities for the common man.

From treetops to ocean views, the Hardinerong Lagalag, principal landscape architect aj moldez, continues to reenvision and transform landscapes

PROJECT: Club Laiya-San Juan, Batangas, Philippines | We are happy to see how the parks at Club Laiya are taking shape. The design of this award winning estate was developed during the pandemic lockdowns.
Through creative collaboration with our long time partner, Landco Pacific Corporation, we have translated their vision and guided it into reality even through challenging circumstances.
We believe that landscape architecture can make a tremendous impact not just on the environmental transformation of a project but also on the return of investment of developers and their clients.
As proof of our concept, the lots have sold out as the interlinking parks, open spaces and outdoor amenities attracted investors and buyers to the shores of this prime development in the south of Luzon.

PROJECT: Bani Public Market- Bani, Pangasinan, Philippines | Construction is well on the way for the Bani Public Market in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. We look forward to the project’s completion as it will create limitless opportunities for the people for this second class municipality in northern Philippines.
Spearheaded by Mayor Facundo “Boying” Palafox Jr., the vision is to build a commercial hub that will attract investors, create jobs and jumpstart tourism. Our dream is to create a lifestyle center for the people that will bring the community together while breathing new life to the economy of Bani.
Once constructed the Bani Public Market will change the landscape in this rising municipality. The transformation we hope to catalyze will elevate the lives of the citizens of Bani through a thriving local economy. On a deeper level we pray that the community will develop a pride of place that would ensure the development of a livable city for generations to enjoy.

Construction is in full blast | Ongoing landscape construction works at the Galleon Residences AND Galleon Offices . The award winning towers are steadily being readied for their maiden voyage as the landscape team picks up the pace on the implementation of the landscape design. Full steam ahead!

As landscape architects, we conduct site visits to verify that construction aligns with our drawings. This proactive approach enables us to identify discrepancies early, ensuring that the design intent is accurately implemented. By taking a hands-on approach, we minimize rework, maintain schedule adherence, and uphold design quality. This demonstrates our commitment to delivering accurate and high-quality results that effectively realize our clients’ visions.

Given the limited space we had for open areas in this project, we had to think outside the box to reclaim valuable square meters and create Town Villas parks that could comfortably host the number of park users in this tight-knit development.
With space being a challenge, the solution was to incorporate the interior road as part of the park’s amenities. Streets are often underutilized during the day, and by designing them as open spaces for people to enjoy, we have added a significant benefit for our client. By not adding extra space, we have increased the areas where people can gather for various activities. The park also features borrowed views of the surrounding buildings and structures, which makes it appear larger than it actually is, enhancing the roadside appeal and property values.

Investigating existing conditions and validating our design on site | In principle it is easier to design and build landscapes from a clean slate. Where there are existing structures and developments the task of transformation becomes more challenging.
Immediately after the as-found drawings were available, our team commenced work, taking into account all the existing conditions on the site, before outlining the initial lines of the new design.
When proposing and introducing new landscape elements into a project site, existing vegetation, planter boxes, ramps, and other landscape features must be carefully considered. The historical context, current usage, and overall state of the site are all crucial factors that must be studied and accounted for, as the current state significantly influences the new proposed design.

Taking a look at the indoor landscapes at Alino Hotel in Quezon City.
We’re making sure the landscapes are doing great with the current setting and suggesting some ideas to make them even more beautiful.
AJM Planning and Design shared the design plan with the landscape contractor, and it’s a team effort to make this beautiful hotel in the heart of Quezon City even more special for their valued guests.
The Alino Hotel is strategically situated in close proximity to a renowned hospital, providing an ideal environment for guests seeking a tranquil retreat to unwind and recuperate. The hotel’s indoor landscapes offer significant advantages for healing, fostering a sense of rejuvenation and well-being.