The Practice
TSG Asia traces its roots back to the year 2000 when Ar. Duke Sage, Jr. founded the architectural firm as Sage Architects and later incorporated as The Sage Group Asia Pacific Region Corp. Over the past two decades, our architectural journey has been marked by a diverse portfolio, ranging from simple houses, to mid-size buildings and boutique hotels and expansive educational campuses and health facilities. With each project completed, our designs aim to continually improve, evolving and refining themselves, showcasing our dedication to excellence, creativity and innovation. As we celebrate 24 years of practice, TSG Asia continues to push boundaries, designing spaces that inspire and endure the test of time.
Design Philosophy For Educational Design
With a practice spanning over 25 years, our expertise in Educational and Research Design is not just rooted in knowledge but experience. TSG Asia has shared their design expertise to both established institutions and pioneer campuses. Our design strategies are built on the following:
1. Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement
Every campus is distinct and influenced by the leaders and administrators at its helm. We believe in an intensive collaboration with the different sectors of the school — from maintenance teams, faculty, administrative personnel, to the highest echelons of leadership like Chancellors or Presidents. This holistic engagement ensures that our designs and planning captures the collective aspirations of all stakeholders.
2. Cost Efficient & Functional Design
We strive to balance aesthetics and economics by prioritizing both functionality and cost efficiency. Through value-engineered architectural and interior choices, we uphold building codes & design guidelines, ensure durability & ease of maintenance, and prioritize safety, all while respecting the budgetary constraints of our clients.
3. Sustainability at the Forefront
Our designs focus on climate-conscious strategies that include building position & orientations that optimize passive cooling and daylight utilization. Beyond design, we encourage the use of energy and water-efficient fixtures to ensure long-term operational savings. Testament to our commitment, we have school projects that have and aim to achieve BERDE and LEED certifications.
4. Cultural Tapestry & Community Integration (Academia-Community-Industry)
Schools are more than just buildings; they are the embodiment of history, values, and culture. Our designs interweave elements like traditional motifs, religious symbols, and distinct branding to instill a profound sense of identity. Furthermore, our recent designs bridge academia, community, and industry, fostering symbiotic relationships.
5. Modern, Technologically-driven, Flexible, & Student-centric Spaces
Moving beyond the conventional classroom, we leverage the latest in lighting, acoustics, and IT design to enhance the student’s learning environment. Our student-centric designs, ranging from student hubs and vibrant academic streets, are marked by their inherent flexibility, catering as an area for collaboration, learning and relaxation. Innovative areas, such as Maker Spaces, Digital Learning Commons, Online Training Labs, and Collaborative Media Rooms, underscore our commitment to progressive education.
At the core, our design philosophy is not just about designing educational spaces; it's about shaping memorable experiences, fostering growth, and championing innovation.