Design Firm Prioritizes Comfort and Sustainability

By Eka Safitri • November 3, 2026
Contemporary living room design with wooden table, sofa, and shelves, perfect for home inspiration.
Contemporary living room design with wooden table, sofa, and shelves, perfect for home inspiration. Photo: Serena Koi/Pexels

Atelier Almario, led by Ivy and Cynthia Almario, is a design firm that aims to bring clients’ dream homes to life. According to Ivy Almario, the Design Director, interior design is “both science and aesthetics.” The sisters believe in creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional, safe, and durable.

Their design process involves a true collaboration between the sisters and their clients, merging professional expertise with personal preference to ensure every design maximizes comfort, functionality, and aesthetics.

Collaboration and Precision

The sisters approach their work with genuine care, prioritizing alignment with their clients’ design ethos before diving into the nuances of their specific needs and lifestyle. They interview clients before taking on a project to understand how they live and what their aspirations are. This careful consideration allows them to bring the family’s unique vision to life.

Ivy Almario emphasized the importance of precision in design, saying, “Everything is calibrated for comfort and also to not waste material.” The sisters’ attention to detail and commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and longevity set them apart in the industry.

Atelier Almario often specifies or recommends Scavolini, an Italian design brand known for its innovative models and cohesive design language. The brand offers a range of materials, including metal, stone, and wood, and a variety of color palettes to create the desired aesthetic.

Read Also: South Africa’s Debt Peaks Amid Economic Slowdown

Scavolini’s Quality and Versatility

Scavolini’s ability to adapt to different design styles and preferences makes it a preferred brand for the Almarios. The brand’s extensive material library and robust construction support customization without compromising the kitchen’s inherent ergonomics.

Cynthia Almario appreciates Scavolini’s attention to detail, saying, “The engineering of the hardware, the modularity, and the richness of finishes that are both luxurious as well as durable.” The sisters value Scavolini’s ability to provide a complete solution, making their job easier and allowing them to focus on the smaller details.

The Almarios believe in the importance of the kitchen in making a house a home, treating its utility with vital importance and crafting spaces that are as efficient as they are inviting. They ask clients about their relationship with the kitchen and design accordingly, ensuring functionality and flow.

Ivy Almario expressed her appreciation for Scavolini’s technology and aesthetics, saying, “Because building a home is one of the most stressful undertakings one can go through. We thank Scavolini for making it very easy for the stakeholders to make informed and intelligent decisions.”

At Yume at Riverpark, an 18-hectare residential development in General Trias, Cavite, the concept of home extends beyond individual homes and lots to the shared environment and environments that support everyday life. The development’s design considers the larger setting, creating a sense of community and connection among residents.

Read Also: South African court rejects estates blanket approval for agent fees

The Almario siblings’ work with Scavolini has resulted in designs that prioritize functionality, sustainability, and longevity. As Cynthia Almario shared, “The result is a space that facilitates genuine connection, where homeowners can focus on the people around them rather than on maintaining their surroundings.” The sisters’ attention to detail and commitment to their clients’ needs have earned them a reputation as one of the most celebrated interior design firms in the country.

In 1961, Scavolini started as an artisan workshop and has since expanded into a furnishings giant, offering a range of designs that cater to different tastes and preferences. The brand’s ability to adapt to changing design trends and technologies has made it a leader in the industry, with a portfolio that includes traditional and modern designs.

The Almarios’ use of Scavolini’s products has enabled them to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable. As Ivy Almario said, “The fundamentals are already addressed, and that’s what’s not negotiable.”

Atelier Almario’s influence has spanned decades, with the firm cultivating a lasting trust among clients. The sisters’ methodology, defined by beauty and precision, has prompted families to rely on their instincts to breathe life into their homes. As Cynthia Almario shared, “What’s beautiful is you think that you’re only a designer for the parents, but we actually broke the generational gap, because we are designing for the daughter and the kids of the daughters.”

Integrated Design Scope and Evolving Brand Aesthetic

The firm’s practice encompasses layout, lighting, materials, finishes, furniture, and color, and it operates under a Philippine license. Ivy Almario describes their work as “design alchemy,” translating client intent into lived reality while emphasizing longevity, durability, and safety.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *