The newly elected Philippine Institute of Interior Designers Board outlines its direction for strengthening programs, expanding access to learning, and reinforcing ethical practice.
The Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) begins a fresh chapter with its newly elected Board of Trustees, positioning Filipino interior designers as cultural innovators, environmental stewards, and “healers of space.” Its newly elected Board of Trustees was sworn in at an oath-taking ceremony on February 20, 2026 at the Goldenberg Mansion.
“Ultimately, we are a service organization that exists to support Philippine interior designers, elevate the professions, and shape an ecosystem,” the Board states, emphasizing a commitment to continuity and growth. Building on programs introduced in previous years, the Board aims to strengthen and expand these initiatives while integrating wellness and inner work into professional development.
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PIID President IDr. Cecil Ravelas frames this direction through conscious leadership. “Conscious leadership is the integration of mind and heart in order to drive higher purpose, foster healing, and nurture a strong sense of service for others,” she says. “Stepping into this role, I envision a design community that regards itself as cultural innovators, environmental stewards, and healers of space. Innerwork is the first step to fulfilling these roles and navigating the profession in a healthy way.” She notes that younger designers frequently ask about managing difficult clients and stress, signaling a need for deeper support systems. “Every space that we co-create with our client holds the potential to heal.”
For 2026, PIID’s roadmap reflects this dual focus on professional rigor and holistic growth. Tiered Training Modules will introduce progressive tracks for emerging professionals, senior practitioners, and masterclass levels to ensure members are “supported, empowered, and future-ready at every stage of their design journey.” Hybrid learning formats will expand access nationwide, complemented by the recently launched Design Stories platform, which invites on-site and online participants into conversations about ideas, values, and the narratives behind design.
Education remains central. The Board plans closer collaboration with academic institutions to strengthen review programs, mentorship, and apprenticeships. “We look to give graduating students access to practicing professionals, and real-world experiences, which bridges education and industry,” the group adds in a statement.
Wellness By Design initiatives will foreground conscious leadership, wellbeing, and mental health, safeguarding “the welfare, resilience, and holistic health” of PIID’s members. Engagement with provincial chapters in Cebu, Iloilo, and Mindanao seeks to deepen connections to local heritage and artisan industries.
Professionalization efforts continue, with emphasis on licensure, stronger practice standards, and public awareness of the Interior Design Code. “More importantly, we will continue to educate the public on the vital role of licensed interior designers as designer leaders who build spaces that improve the quality of life, support wellbeing, and shape healthier and more sustainable environments.”
The Manila Interior Design Summit will expand its multidisciplinary reach, fostering dialogue across design, architecture, industry, and technology. The Board also plans to engage Filipino designers practicing abroad through collaborative projects and knowledge exchange, strengthening a global design community.
PIID Vice President Dr. Lorenzo Valencia III stresses that “our core platform should be centered on the members,” with priorities that include education, accreditation, legal recognition, and accessible hybrid programming. PIID Treasurer IDr. Honey Mutia-Cervantes views her role as aligning resources with PIID’s mission in order to protect and promote the growth of the organization. Meanwhile, Director for Professional Practice and Ethics IDr. Maryann Venturina-Bulanadi, Ph.D., emphasizes that standards must reflect “not only global excellence but also our distinct Filipino identity.”
Across portfolios, from professional development and finance to public relations and events, the message is consistent: continuity with momentum. As Director for Public Relations IDr. Ivy Almario puts it: “We simply cannot go back or do a rest. Our job now is to sustain this and take it to an even higher level.”
Photos courtesy of Before Deadlines
