The Manila Interior Design Summit 2026 gathered over 300 delegates for a four-day exploration of Southeast Asian design, focusing on the Filipino voice in the region’s creative environment. This edition, themed “Designing New Worlds: Culture, Cities, and the Future of Southeast Asia”, looked into how design shapes cultural infrastructure and human experiences.
Organized by the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), the summit kicked off at The Fifth at Rockwell with the Collective 8 exhibition, showcasing works by eight Filipino designers. The opening set the stage for a journey through Makati’s design landmarks, including the SOFA Sandbox, which presented three innovative interpretations of familiar spaces.
Exploring Materiality, Technology, and Human Experience
The program explored how spaces receive, hold, carry forward, and ultimately make us feel. The first day’s itinerary included Scavolini and Valcucine showrooms, offering delegates insights into contemporary design trends. At Poliform, the Design in Motion panel featured Carlo Calma, J. Anton Mendoza, Jason Buensalido, Alex Co, and Ed Calma, discussing the dynamic nature of design.
The first day concluded with the PIID Gala Dinner back at The Fifth, celebrating the summit’s opening and the collective efforts of Filipino designers.
Crafted Interiors and the Human Environment
The second day shifted focus to contemporary interiors, with sessions on AI in architecture and the evolving language of design. At the Kuysen Design + Experience Center, Alex Josephson discussed The Future of AI in Architecture, while Ramon Antonio presented Design Unbound at Casa Bella, exploring how design influences human experiences.
At Oppein, Chat Fores led a discussion on materiality and craft, emphasizing sensory experiences. Meanwhile, Rossy Rojales presented The Human Landscape at Design Story, looking into the inspiration and details behind space design. The day included visits to Abitare, Fashion Interiors, Tamarind Place, and showrooms like Monarc, Venetian, and Elementi at the Levanto Building.
The third day moved to Bonifacio Global City, exploring how design can respond to contemporary life while preserving cultural narratives. At Focus Global, The Art of the Pause offered a unique experience combining Filipino brunch, live music, and moodboard building, encouraging delegates to slow down and engage creatively.
At Dexterton, Anthony Nazareno presented Weaving Stories into Spaces, highlighting the role of storytelling in design. The day continued with showroom visits to Hooga and SMEG, before concluding at CWC in Makati.
The summit’s final day featured a Design Symposium at the Proscenium Theater, bringing together Filipino practitioners and international speakers from Tokyo, Toronto, Beijing, Brooklyn, and Bali. The symposium supported dialogues on culture, cities, and Southeast Asia’s future.
The international roster included Takae Ito of SALT International, Alex Josephson of PARTISANS Architecture Studio, Carlos Arnaiz of CAZA, Defit Wijaya of IBUKU Studio, and Satoshi Ohashi of Zaha Hadid Architects. These speakers joined Filipino architects and designers such as Edwin Uy, Ed Calma, and Tina Periquet in conversations about culture, cities, and the future of Southeast Asia.
Design Symposium and International Perspectives
The event paired Filipino designers with international counterparts, such as Takae Ito with Edwin Uy, Satoshi Ohashi with Ed Calma, and Carlos Arnaiz with Defit Wijaya alongside Tina Periquet.
PIID’s Role and Future Initiatives
As the summit concluded, PIID reaffirmed its commitment to exploring the intersection of culture, technology, and human experience in design. The final event was held at the Meralco Building, a 1969 modernist landmark on Ortigas Avenue, highlighting the connection between corporate architecture, performing arts, and personal memories.
