Building Dreams and Waterways: The Journey of Architect Ric Taytay
In the world of architecture and engineering, few names bridge design and functionality as seamlessly as Ric Taytay, President and CEO of Sea Wave Pools. His professional journey, which began in the mid-1980s, reflects not just a career of technical mastery but also a life dedicated to building—structures, swimming pools, and relationships.
From Architecture to Aquatic Design
Taytay started his career in architecture in 1984, but destiny nudged him toward a different path. By 1987, he found himself working with FNSP (Foremost Name in Swimming Pools Philippines), both locally and internationally. It was there that he realized that swimming pool construction is more than just an extension of architecture—it requires the integration of structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing disciplines. This realization sparked his lifelong passion for becoming not just a contractor, but also a specialist, designer, lecturer, and consultant in the swimming pool industry.
A Foundation in Architecture and Plumbing
A proud graduate of Adamson University with a degree in BS Architecture, Taytay’s career trajectory took another turn in 2002 when he passed the Master Plumber Board Exam. This qualification deepened his expertise, allowing him to merge architectural vision with plumbing precision. For him, building a swimming pool is not so different from constructing a high-rise building—both require a symphony of disciplines working in harmony.
Milestones Beyond Structures
When asked about his most fulfilling moments, Taytay does not point to awards or projects, but to the friendships and connections built along the way. Through conventions, technoforums, and decades of practice, he has accumulated not only knowledge but also a community of peers and colleagues who share his passion for the craft.
Plumbing Through Time
Taytay has also been a keen observer of the evolution of plumbing in the Philippines. From Spanish colonial influences to modern-day sustainable systems, he highlights the industry’s transformation into a highly professionalized and regulated field. With the integration of new materials like UPVC, CPVC, and PPr, and the rise of water-saving technologies, plumbing today is not only about functionality but also about addressing climate change and sustainability.
Professional organizations, such as the Philippine Society of Master Plumbing Engineers (PSMPE), play a key role in keeping Filipino professionals up to date with global standards—something Taytay himself advocates for as both practitioner and mentor.
The Challenges of Progress
Working in a developing country like the Philippines, however, presents its share of challenges. From budgetary constraints and inadequate infrastructure to inconsistent regulation enforcement, professionals like Taytay often find themselves navigating more than just technical hurdles. Still, he sees these challenges as opportunities to elevate the profession and strengthen collaboration among experts.
Defining Achievement
For Taytay, the true measure of achievement lies not in titles or accolades, but in the ability to share knowledge. Helping aspiring architects, engineers, and plumbers find their footing in the industry gives him the most fulfillment. His advice is simple yet profound:
“Always set a goal for yourself and choose a field of expertise where you see you are good at.”
A Legacy in Water and Concrete
From the drawing boards of architecture to the complex piping systems of modern plumbing, Ric Taytay has carved a career that is as fluid as it is solid. His journey reminds us that sometimes the most unexpected turns lead us to our life’s calling—and in his case, it led to creating spaces where people find not just function, but joy.
