JJ Calma’s sculptural architecture

How JJ has grown to be a tall good-looking man! This was my thought when I saw Jose Calma Jr. after not seeing him for a number of years. His quiet presence away from the crowd during an opening at his uncle’s gallery makes for one not wanting attention but draws more of it anyway.

I was eyeing one of the wall relief sculptures in the exhibit and was surprised to discover that it was his work. Proud father Joe Calma said, "He’s an architect who also wants to be sculptor." Well, one can be anything he wants, I said – let him be! Then I proceeded to reserve the piece.

That seemed just like yesterday but actually, two years have gone by. Now JJ has built a beautiful house – for your bride? I asked half in jest. He chuckled a big NO – "I am not a build-and-sell venture and I design and build the houses myself."

The house is clearly my type: modern, clean lines and white. The structure is so multi-functional in its simplicity, allowing ample space for many possibilities. There are four rooms which can be converted into either bedrooms, music or receiving rooms...whatever. The lay-out is open and does not constrict one to a specific purpose.

The living area boasts a high ceiling peripherally mounted with glass windows down to the floor. These glass panels consequently bring in nature to be a part of the interior. The sky provides abundant natural light and the view of the garden lends its serene greenery to the elegant structure effecting a gentle mood to the place.

Talk about durability, the flooring is done in speckled gray granite all throughout while the second floor is in warm-colored wood. This color scheme can only mean that almost all or any color of furniture and accessories would be visually fit.

Then we went to the most important place in every house for me – the kitchen. I was in a way telling myself that if JJ passes this one, then I would really be impressed. And the kitchen was awesome. About 70 square meters in space with an elongated island where one can do everything. The walls were lined with pantry cabinets in mahogany playing a stark contrast to the canary yellow color accents. It simply is a cook’s dream.

Certainly something like this does not happen spontaneously. Rather, it is cultivated by way of careful planning of design, material and the environment. I therefore concluded that the young man has innate talent so I asked him to meet with me one afternoon to answer some questions. The following was our conversation:

PHILIPPINE STAR: JJ, you are suddenly this grown young man (he is a six-footer) and I never knew where you went to school.

JJ CALMA: I attended a number of schools: Nottingham University in England for Architecture, College of St. Benilde for Industrial Design, Lorenzo de Medici in Florence where I took a certificate course in architectural and furniture design and the last of which was Boston Architectural Center where I took specialty subjects.

Certainly all your studies have paid off as you are building a business of your own. What is your preference when it comes to design – like what would you call your specialty aside from modern?

Aside from modern, I also want my work to have a sculptural effect – something that people would also see as an artpiece and not just a modern house.

Who are your influences, if any?

The designs of Tadao Ando, Stark and artworks of Miro and Mondrian, to name a few, have inspired me in different aspects of my art and design. Also, having been brought up in houses designed and furnished by the Calmas...I guess that having uncles like Lor and Pabling, a cousin like Ed and a nagging father like Joe have a big influence in what I do today.

How does it feel to belong to the family of the famous Calma brothers?

I feel proud to belong to the Calma family, but then I also want to contribute in my own way to what they have started and make them also feel proud of the new breed of Calmas.

Are you serious about going into the build-and-sell business and would this mean that the houses would all be your design?

On the business side, I hope to be lucky and as far as the design is concerned, yup, my designs are my pride and joy and I get a high when I see them manifesting into structures.

What are the primary considerations in your design?

The thing that I consider most important in design is the form and balance like to get people’s attention through my work even if they don’t approve of the design which simply means it is not to their taste. My concern, to show them something not just modern but something new to their eyes which in a way becomes a learning experience for them. That is how I would like to measure the weight of my design to society.

Can you discuss a bit about functionality?

Functionality will almost always be a part of the arts and design or else it would be useless to design or create. Just as long as the function and design are fun and fresh, they are fine by me.

Who is your target market?

The market for modern art and design is getting bigger and bigger in Manila. Just look around and the malls, boutiques, restaurants and bars, even clothing and furniture, not to mention the new high-rise buildings, are almost all modern.The new generation of Filipinos are learning how to appreciate modern things to match with their own lifestyle.

How do you relate your business with the economic situation of the country?

We all know that our economy is very bad, so business is at present very frustrating for most of us. But I am confident that we will have our day.

Well, I think I have learned a lot about your work – on a more personal note, what do you do when you are not working and what is your sport?

I am not a very sports-minded person but as much as possible I try to make it a point to break a sweat at least three times a week by playing basketball just to keep my heart pumping.

When I am not working I go around Makati with friends at night and see what’s happening. Otherwise, I am actually always productive and spend more time doing my relief sculptures in my shop.

Ok, JJ, as my last question, aside from basketball, what kind of a girl would make your heart pump?

Pretty and someone with nice legs will do, ha ha!

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Indeed, words from a young man and one making a fresh start in the world of architecture and construction. The possibilities are immense for this bright architect and certainly his potentials speak of another plus to the famous Calma clan.