Riza Villarosa is among the successful examinees of the January 2026 Architect Licensure Examination, as officially released by the Professional Regulation Commission. The achievement marks a major milestone in her professional journey following years of academic training, apprenticeship, and career transition.

Riza’s path to architecture began in a different field. She graduated from De La Salle University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Management of Financial Institutions and spent five years working in the corporate financial sector for a multinational company. The experience strengthened her professional discipline and business understanding which she now brings into her architectural career.

In 2018, Villarosa made the decision to transition careers and pursue her long standing interest in design. She enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Architecture program at the University of the Philippines Diliman, completing the full five-year academic program before undertaking the required two-year apprenticeship. The experience immersed her in both the creative and technical aspects of the profession while preparing her for the demands of architectural practice.

Today, Riza is part of R. Villarosa Architects (RVA), a firm established in 1972 by her grandfather, Architect Rogelio Villarosa. She is a 3rd generation family member to become a partner in RVA under the direct tutelage of her father and mentor Architect Roy Villarosa. The firm has contributed to numerous landmark projects for institutions such as Filinvest, Century Properties, Shangri-La, SM, Philippine Realty & Holdings Corp., National Bookstore, and King’s Development.

While she acknowledges the influence of her family’s professional legacy, Riza brings a perspective shaped by both corporate and architectural experience, positioning her to contribute thoughtfully to the evolving practice of architecture.