Our September 2026 cover personality expands on ideas we explored in her cover story, sharing how the people of Kalye Artisano helped shape her approach to design.
For Paloma Urquijo Zobel de Ayala, creative director of Ayala Land and Lifestyle Asia’s September cover personality, community helps guide the creative process. It’s an idea we explored in her cover story, and one she expanded on at Design Week Philippines through her experience co-founding Kalye Artisano in El Nido.
Organized by the Design Center of the Philippines, the national festival gathers creative communities through talks, workshops, exhibitions, and other activities. Its 15th year carried the theme “Sama All,” inviting people to consider how collaboration can create better ways of living. At the “Neighbors by Design” panel, moderated by Dan Matutina at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls in Pasay City, Paloma shared a lesson with relevance that went beyond the design profession: creating a shared space also means being open to what others bring to it.
READ ALSO: Cover Story: Paloma Urquijo Zobel De Ayala On Creating Places People Return To
Lessons In Community From Kalye Artisano
Established in 2015, Kalye Artisano brought Filipino artists, artisans, and local businesses together to showcase their work. Its purpose grew as people found new ways to use it.
During the pandemic, David Esteban established The Earth School on the grounds, offering project-based learning in nature with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With space and support from Kalye Artisano, the school grew from 20 students to more than 80, with a waiting list.
“What Kalye Artisano taught me is that creating a place is only the beginning. You can set the vision and create the conditions for a community to thrive, but its real character comes from the people who make it their own,” Paloma shared in the panel discussion.
“The important lesson is knowing when to lead, when to listen, and being agile enough to evolve alongside them.”
It’s a useful consideration for anyone building something people will share: leave room for their ideas, pay attention to their needs, and allow the original plan to develop. Paloma is exploring how to apply those lessons at a larger scale in her work at Ayala Land, while recognizing that each community requires its own approach.
“Every place has its own context, and we can learn so much from the communities around us,” she said. “We should always be learning from the people who give a place its life.”
All photos courtesy of Ayala Land
