Local designers welcome entry of other ASEAN professionals

CEBU, Philippines - Instead of looking at it as a threat, Cebuano interior designers welcome the free-flow of practitioners within the ASEAN region, saying collaboration could improve each other’s competencies.

Paula Cañete of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designer (PIID-Cebu Chapter) said it is good for them for work with other "creative minds" to sharpen each other's talents, using different perspectives and cultural backgrounds.

From largely classical interior design trend, the market now, not only in the Philippines, but globally is shifting back to basics, called as "minimal modernist."

With this trend, and the strong awareness of using sustainable materials provided local designers the edge over foreign practitioners, as they have the aptness in creating designs out of what is organically available as materials.

Cebuano interior designers are not only in demand in big projects, and residential developments, or individual residential contracts, but also in furniture and home furnishing plants.

Although there is no significant number of interior designers noted to have entered the Philippines' lucrative construction market, Cañete said local practitioners are already prepared of the possible blending of local and foreign creative works in the local interior design industry.

Under the integration of Asean economies, foreign businesses are expected to enter the Philippine market, each bringing their own flavor and spice. From a manageable pool of local competitors, designers are expecting the influx of foreign competitors coming in from all corners of Southeast Asia.

At present though, Cañete said Cebu in particular is still a fertile ground for interior designers, although some clients have also commissioned designers from other countries.

Fortunately, the trend now dictates largely in the incorporation of local culture to the interior designing preferences, which would need a touch from local practitioner who knows the culture.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) executive director Manolito P. Madrasto, he said the industry in general has been prepared to face the opportunities and challenges that the integrated ASEAN brings,

Madrasto said that the industry is prepared "on its own", even without the help from the government.

According to Madrasto the free-flow of professionals within the ASEAN region is a "given" effect, and that contractors, developers, architects, interior designers, and other players in the booming construction and real estate industry in Philippines have been preparing for.  (FREEMAN)