Cukingnan is a magna cum laude graduate and class valedictorian of batch 2002. She started her two-year training with Architects 61 in Singapore last Sept. 1 and joined Ligaya Maceda and Ingrid Niña Araneta, the previous Philip Recto awardees, at the same firm.
Founded in 1974, Architects 61 has designed many significant buildings in Singapore, among them are the Raffles City Complex, Treasury Bldg., UOB Plaza, Caltex House and UE Square. Their current projects include the Singapore Exchange Center, Fullerton Square and Tuas Technology Park. The firm maintain branch offices in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, too.
The Philip Recto Award program started in 2000. It gives recognition to top design theses and also assists awardees to obtain oversea employment with renowned architectural firms abroad for a two-year period with attractive remuneration and return air ticket.