Top Designers Reveal Today’s Filipino Design Trends: Discover What’s Defining the Look Now!

As we wrap up Filipino Heritage Month, my thoughts gravitate towards the enigmatic nation of the Philippines. Reflecting on the two-year anniversary of my book, Architectural Guide Manila, I am reminded of the astonishment experienced by foreign readers when they encountered an unexpectedly curvy Brutalist church nestled in lush tropics, or a massive museum adorned with Corinthian columns from the American colonial period. Against all odds, the design landscape in the Philippines is flourishing, with leading designers breaking conventional bounds and promoting cultural heritage locally and internationally.

To honor this cultural richness, I reached out to three Filipino colleagues—Patrick Kasingsing (Editor at Kanto), Adela Locsin (Project Architect at Leandro V. Locsin Partners), and Jon Medalla (Founder of Prototecture)—to provide their expert perspectives on the vibrant realm of modern Filipino design.

Patrick Kasingsing, Editor at Kanto, praises Brian Ver and Tahanan Furniture

“The Philippines has always been a stronghold in the furniture industry, home to talents such as Kenneth Cobonpue, the Cebuano rattan expert, and multifaceted pioneers like Lor Calma.

Among the many recent product launches, one particularly noteworthy event was the comeback collection of Tahanan Furniture. After a two-year hiatus, they unveiled designs that seamlessly blend traditional Filipino craftsmanship with modern styles, achieving a perfect balance between the two.

The aspect of this release that captivates me the most is the chosen designer. Architect Brian Ver is celebrated for his minimalist approach and his adeptness in designing streamlined food and beverage venues, with a particular talent for working with wood. (His collaborative chair design with Lamana was even shortlisted for a Golden Pin last year). Tahanan tasked him with a maximalist brief, challenging him with an array of materials including textiles, leather, marble, and wood.

The result is a tactile, cohesive collection that has already garnered attention at the recent Maison&Objet, proving that it’s more than just a visual mix but a thoughtfully curated series that even someone with minimalist tastes, like myself, can appreciate.”

Adela Locsin, Project Architect at Leandro V. Locsin Partners, is inspired by Julia Villamonte

“Returning to the Philippines after many years abroad, I find great inspiration in designers who strive to keep a connection with Filipino materials and aesthetics, despite being overseas. Distance often reshapes our perspective on familiar sights, which is why I was thrilled by the creations of Julia Villamonte, originally from Bicol, now making waves in Milan.

Trained as an architect, Julia is committed to using only locally available resources—be they objects she finds in Italy, materials brought by family and friends, or the knowledge passed down from her mentors. Her sculptural lamps, vessels, and mobiles are collaborative efforts that embody the wisdom, knowledge, and essence of her homeland.”

Jon Medalla, Architect and Founder at Prototecture, discusses the Bambutaka Chair and its reimagining of colonial-era furniture

“What excites me about Filipino design today is the chance to reinterpret our ancestral, vernacular traditions in a modern context. Through my initiatives at Prototecture and Grasscraft, I explore these concepts on various scales. For instance, the Bambutaka Chair is a modern take on the traditional colonial-era butaka (Filipino lounge chair), integrating various types of Philippine bamboo with modern shapes and meticulous craftsmanship. On a larger scale, projects like Trademark Bar and Lounge and House of Lechon showcase how native materials can be incorporated into contemporary urban settings, introducing bamboo to modern nightlife and urban environments.

I am fascinated by the intersection of heritage and innovation—where ancient wisdom lays the groundwork for sustainable, people-focused, and forward-thinking lifestyles. This approach is about more than functionality; it’s about creating spaces that foster connection, belonging, and a profound engagement with nature, heritage, and place.”

The collective efforts of these designers and their projects demonstrate that contemporary Filipino design is not confined to a specific style or easily exported category. It represents a dynamic, living dialogue between memory and material, local expertise and global influence, traditional forms and innovative practices.

Photos of Tahanan Furniture and Brian Ver by Carlo and Thea Yu of Tahanan. All other images courtesy of the designers.