Panyaden International School, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Event Description
This presentation explores the design philosophy behind Chiangmai Life Architects, where architecture is guided by three core principles: Functionality, Sustainability, and Smiles. Markus Roselieb’s work demonstrates how visually stunning, practical, and eco-friendly designs can evoke an emotional connection between people and their built environments.
At Chiangmai Life Architects, bamboo and clay/earth are the primary materials used to craft bioclimatic spaces with flowing organic lines, ensuring seamless integration with nature. Natural materials inherently foster a deep emotional bond, and incorporating organic curves enhances this connection by mirroring nature’s own forms.
By merging modern engineering and technology with these natural materials, Markus unlocks limitless possibilities for reimagining contemporary architecture. Bamboo, with its higher tensile strength than steel, resistance to rust, and load-bearing properties comparable to hardwood, proves to be an exceptionally functional material. Earth, with its superior insulating capabilities, further enhances the performance of these structures. Beyond their functionality, both materials have little to no carbon footprint—some even boast a negative footprint—placing sustainability at the heart of every project.
However, true sustainability is only achieved when there is a profound connection between a building and its occupants. For Markus, the essence of great architecture is captured in the smiles of those who experience it. A smile signifies an emotional bond between the observer and the structure—one that fosters appreciation, care, and a lasting commitment to preserving and cherishing the space. Through this philosophy, Chiangmai Life Architects continues to redefine architecture as an art form that is not only sustainable but also deeply human.
Speaker
Markus Roselieb, Founder, Chiangmai Life Architects
Moderator
Cathy Saldaña, Intl Assoc AIA, FUAP, Vice President, AIA Southeast Asia; Principal/ CEO of PDP Architects and Projects Design Plus Architecture Management Corp
CES: Estimated 1 LU/HSW for AIA Members
Speaker Bio
Markus Roselieb is the founder of Chiangmai Life Architects and Chiangmai Life Construction, recognized for his award-winning, visually stunning, and sustainable designs. He advocates for architecture that is visually unique, functional, environmentally responsible, and also evokes warmth to people’s hearts and makes them smile. His approach blends modern organic design with natural materials like bamboo, advanced 21st century engineering, and a deep integration of structures within their physical and cultural environments.
He is also the co-founder of Panyaden International School, which promotes a value-based education model that gives children a framework of timeless ethical principles combined with an international curriculum of academic excellence. The school emphasizes creativity, a strong connection to nature, and environmental sciences.
A medical doctor by training from the University of Vienna, Austria, Markus is a self-taught architect who developed his expertise through passion, keen observation, and hands-on experience in designing and building since his student days.
Moderator Bio
Cathy Saldaña is the Principal | CEO of PDP Architects and Projects Design Plus Architecture Management Corporation, based in the CBD Makati City.
A graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Architecture and the Asian Institute of Management (with Honors), Cathy is currently one of the prominent female Architects in the Philippines. She is known for Hospitality Design, Retail Mixed Use, Residential and Commercial High Rises, Industrial Facilities and is one of the pioneers in the Philippines for Sustainable Island Developments.
She is a Trustee on the Board for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Philippines, heads the Women’s Leadership Institute in Real Estate, a Board Trustee for PropTech, an International Associate of the American Institute of Architects and a Fellow of the United Architects of the Philippines. She was selected by the UAP to be the Philippine correspondent to the UIA WIA - Union of International Architects Women in Architecture Committee. She also sits as a Committee Board Member of East Asian Regional Organization for Planning and Human Settlements (EAROPH) and is a Chair for a Technical Working Group under the Professional Regulation Commission for Hospitality and Leisure Architecture. A certified Green Building Professional, she espouses Sustainability in all her projects. She speaks in both local and international conferences and is regularly featured on all media platforms.
