Manila Interior Design Summit: A true celebration of creative collaboration

For designers, the key to a successful project lies in collaborative work among industry professionals, suppliers, and creative artists.

The recently concluded 2nd edition of the Manila Interior Design Summit, produced by the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), embodied the spirit of collaboration with its theme, “A Festival of Collaboration.”

This remarkable event, held over three days in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), was a true celebration of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. It united interior designers, architects, allied professionals, industry partners, and international speakers—a rare sight in recent years. It was exciting to witness how the events unfolded throughout the city.

Event highlights

One of the highlights included a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the MIDS marker area on 9th Street. Attendees eagerly explored the design library opened by PIID, offering access to a rich collection of design books for the general public to enjoy. 

The day continued with showroom tours and events across BGC, including visits to Focus Global, Abenson’s, Lazuli, and Dexterton. This had set a positive tone within the interior design community and among all PIID members.

The second day featured more showroom tours, allowing participants to delve into innovative designs at Rimadesio, Porcelanosa, Furnitalia, and Dimensione. Each showroom visit sparked inspiration and conversation, reinforcing the importance of exploring diverse design perspectives. 

The day concluded with a welcome dinner for the speakers at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila attended by the design community, personalities and international designers.

Esteemed int’l guests

The final day was undoubtedly the main event, with an overwhelming turnout of 550 participants at the Bench Tower, exceeding expectations by over 150. Six esteemed international speakers captivated the audience with their insights and experiences.

Lyndon Neri–an acclaimed Filipino-Chinese award-winning architect based in Shanghai, and who is also known for his interdisciplinary approach–delivered a masterclass in blending various design disciplines. His presentation, infused with video films of his work, captured the audience’s attention and offered profound wisdom. 

Neri emphasized the reality of design expectations versus reality, urging designers to create their dreams when project briefs do not align with site conditions. His diverse portfolio and call for meaningful, purposeful design left a lasting impression.

Jonathan Matti–an interior designer celebrated for his sophisticated style and deep passion for Filipino culture–delved into his collaborations on local heritage projects. He posed critical questions about adapting versus preserving historical significance, emphasizing the need for designers to balance romance and nostalgia with contemporary necessities.

Matti’s work on projects like the restoration of Malacañang, Laperal Mansion, and Goldenberg Mansion showcased the power of collaboration among local designers.

Benjamin Stevenson, a distinguished partner and senior interior designer at Foster + Partners, shared insights from notable projects including the Bloomberg office in the UK, the Murray Hotel, and BWDC Residential Tower in Manila. His presentation highlighted the firm’s research-based design approach and the importance of adapting cultural elements within contemporary frameworks.

Alvin Tjitrowirjo, Indonesia’s leading furniture designer, focused on the beauty of rattan and the cultural significance of craft in design. He emphasized the designer’s responsibility to bridge culture and space, illustrating how cultural roots provide purpose and context to design concepts. His work, featured in prestigious exhibitions like Maison et Objet in Paris and Salone Del Mobile in Milan, exemplifies this blend of tradition and modernity.

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Kezia Karin, the founder of Kezia Karin Studio, brought a refreshing perspective on the importance of collaboration in design through her Rose Church and Maru Resorts in Indonesia. She highlighted the importance of fostering respect, innovation, and community. Karin’s breathtaking projects demonstrated how effective collaboration breaks down barriers and enhances design solutions.

Vignesh Kaushik, Gensler’s Design Technology director, explored the transformative role of AI in today’s design landscape. His presentation showcased advanced technologies used at Gensler, from running analyses to conducting probability and schematic comparisons. Kaushik assured the audience that technology is an ally, enhancing design capabilities and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Industry pillars

The summit also attracted seasoned interior designers and industry pillars, including Ivy Almario, Ar. Ed Calma, Ar. Anthony Nazareno, Anton Mendoza, Tessa Alindogan, Kenneth Cobonpue, Sonia Olivares, Wilmer Lopez, and Mike Pizzaro. 

Personalities in attendance included Daphne Paez, who served as the host, Ben Chan, Migz Pastor, and Bryan Lim. Additionally, an international delegation from Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA), headed by Keat Ong, participated in the event.

The Manila Interior Design Summit bridged gaps by uniting local designers, event delegates from Visayas and Mindanao, hibernating members, and top industry players. The summit facilitated a vibrant exchange of ideas and pushed the boundaries of interior design through meaningful collaboration.

With anticipation for an even bigger and more impactful Manila Interior Design Summit next year, the PIID looks forward to continued innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of design excellence.

The author is the national vice president of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) and principal designer of Moss Design House