Shortage of skilled furniture artisans flagged
An industry group of interior designers has raised concerns over the declining number of furniture makers in the country, attributing the trend to waning interest among younger generations, who are pursuing other career paths and opportunities.
The decline in furniture makers in the country can be attributed to shifting interests among younger generations, who are drawn to digital technology and more convenient career paths, according to the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID).
“I think they don’t find it fun now because everything is digital, everything is easy. Young generations, like Gen Zs, they’re more into phones. They want things easy. So, they don’t find (the craft) fun,” PIID President Paolo Castro told reporters last week on the sidelines of the 2025 Philippine International Furniture Show at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay.
“But I think if we show them that we can do more things in doing crafts, I think they’ll be interested again,” he said further.
The shortage of skilled furniture makers has become a growing concern for the industry, with companies struggling to find experienced artisans to meet demand.
“It’s a huge decline. Every time I interview companies, for example, in Pampanga, they say it’s hard to find real artisans,” said Castro.
“Even in interior design, we typically rely on artisans for special designs in our projects, but finding skilled craftsmen has become increasingly difficult.”
The dwindling number of artisans skilled in woodcraft, leatherwork, and weaving has also driven up costs in the industry, he said.
