oung and innovative architect Popi Laudico is one of a growing legion of single, upwardly mobile women who are opting to leave their parents' home and go out and find a place of their own.

It's about time.

Not too long ago, you mother thought your were too young to get married. Now, you're pushing 30, and your mother thinks you're too old to stay single-and perhaps too old to be staying with your parents.

"When you reach a certain age-and a certain financial status-you want to explore that side of yourself," Popi declares. "Of course, there's that comfort zone when you live at home with your mom and dad. That's easy, that's not bad, OK lang, but sometimes, you get to a point where you tell yourself, 'Let's see, what's it gonna be like if I actually go on my own.' Now that you're earning pretty good money-with a pretty good mind of your own-you can afford a certain lifestyle, you want to be on your own."

Popi's on her own, finally, at 29. "But Americans leave home when they're 18," Popi notes. "So you can say that based on American standards, I'm too old to be living with my parents."

Art and home: Young architect Popi Laudico is surrounded by artworks in her nice and cozy new home.