GFP Architects as a firm began with the vision of institutionalizing and building further on the legacy of Filipino Architect Gabriel Formoso’s successful personal practice, hence his initials that the company bears up to this day.

Architect Formoso started his practice in 1939 as one of the first 100 licensed architects in the Philippines. Among his designs are well-known landmark buildings in the Makati Central Business District with most surviving up to this day. These include the Asian Institute of Management building, the Bank of America–Lepanto building, and the Manila Peninsula Hotel, as well as major structures in Manila such as the Central Bank of the Philippines. 

Architect Formoso's single proprietorship practice evolved to a professional partnership with the formation of Gabriel Formoso and Partners in December 1973. In August 1979, the firm’s name was changed to GF & Partners (GFP). Architect Formoso continued to strengthen his personal career, and together with it the collective reputation of the firm. Among the most important recognition's he received was the 1979 Outstanding Architect of the Year Award from the Professional Regulation Commission, the 1977 Patnubay ng Kalinangan Award from the Commission on Arts and Culture, the 1974 Most Outstanding Alumnus Award from his alma mater University of Santo Tomas, and an Honorary Lifetime Individuals Membership from the Architectural Center Club Inc.