‘Icons of Interior Design’ at Worldbex 2019

It’s not every day that the most prominent interior designers convene under one event with a goal of imparting their expertise to the public.

Good thing for enthusiasts and those whose spaces are up for some serious design reconfigurations, as the highly-anticipated Philippine World Building and Construction Expo (Worldbex) is slated to return this March with another exciting edition of the Interior Designers’ Gallery.

The Interior Designers’ Gallery turns the spotlight on practitioners who have been revolutionizing the industry with their artistry and expertise. It also serves as a platform for interior designers who uphold the same principles of innovative excellence.

Featuring an esteemed crop of design figures, the Worldbex 2019 Icons of Interior Design welcomes back Michael Pizarro, Chat Fores, Johnny Hubilla, Ivy Almario, Cynthia Almario, Rogelio Caringal, Lilia de Jesus, Leo Almeria and myself. We will be presenting our unique take on the latest trends. As a teaser for what’s in store at the show, some of the Worldbex 2019 icons shared their insights about their practice.

Johnny Hubilla

Hubilla believes that trends must only be adopted sparingly as it is more important for interior design to transcend the test of time. An interior designer’s work, he added, should be reflective of one’s culture.

Lilia De Jesus

Given the intensity of shifts and changes that are currently happening around the world, De Jesus believes that an interior designer must be attuned to the various factors that affect the way we live including cultural, social and economic changes. She stressed the importance of constantly exploring new materials and technologies apart from developing concepts and ideas, as well as the value of discovering local materials and innovations that advocate Filipino skill and talent.

Michael Pizarro

Pizarro values attitude more than trends. For him, motivation for design is more central to his process rather than what’s popular. As expressed by Pizzaro, “I believe in identity, integrity and character. Filipinos have a lot of this… finding our identity, our character, and embracing it, that for me is the very soul of interior design. If Filipino designers will find their way around these things, surely we won’t just be following the trends—we will be the trend.”

Leo Almeria

Moved by his deep love for the heritage of Philippine design, Almeria is an advocate of looking back to the past in pursuit of the future. Believing that the key to attain the real potential of Filipino design lies in understanding its legacy, Almeria urges young designers to travel frequently, read more and incorporate products and materials we have in the Philippines.

Chat Fores

When it comes to the future of Philippine interior design, Fores ensures that she doesn’t lose touch of her roots as she sets her sights on the global trends and influences. Whether one’s design seeks to embody Spanish, Japanese, or American influences, Fores stressed the importance of incorporating Filipino elements. It is in this way, she claimed, that the future of Filipino design can become truly unique and eclectic.

Organized by Worldbex Services International, the 24th Worldbex is happening on March 13 to 17, from 10  a.m. to 8  p.m. at the World Trade Center and the SMX Convention Center Manila.

For more information, visit www.worldbex.com, call (02) 656-92-39, or email [email protected]. You may follow @Worldbex on Facebook and Instagram.