Upbeat real estate boosts demand for archi designs

AIS opens second store in Cebu 

CEBU, Philippines - The growing demand for architectural designs from the real estate market prompted Cebuano architect Buck Richnold Sia to open a 500-square meter showroom.

The Architectural and Interior Source (AIS) is the second store opened by Intranet Trade International Inc., (iTrade), the first outlet was opened in Bonifacio Global City in Manila three years ago.

Sia, whose family owns the 40-year-old Cebu Bionic Group of Companies, said that the evolution of social media, the introduction of Pinterest and other internet-based channels have opened the market's eye for sophistication, and uniqueness when it comes to furnishings.

"We are increasing more choices to provide trendy, modern and designer brands for latest and advanced architectural finishes and bathroom fixtures, furnishings," said Sia during the AIS grand launch at the Axis Entertainment Avenue, Vivo Place.

Alongside the upbeat real estate sector in Cebu is also the growing preference for high-end designer brand furnishings, he said.

"I am optimistic for Cebu lifestyle building industry," said Sia who is also the past president of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP-Cebu Chapter).

Sustaining its leadership in innovation, Sia said AIS also carries a variety of products such as tiles, sanitary wares, bathroom fittings and accessories, and architectural finishes, exclusively bearing premium global brands such as Ape and Saloni.

The showroom brings the top of the line designer names from all over the world, such as Italy, Germany, Spain, France, among others. Some displays are handpicked by Sia to satisfy the distinct and sophisticated preference of Cebuano market.

"We also like to focus on few specific brands. There were many opportunities to work with multi brands but we prefer to deal with brands that we have worked with already. We choose the brands not just only for design but, more importantly, we review their competencies," he added.

It was Cebu Bionic Builder Supply Inc., the iTrade mother company that first introduced a finishing showroom in Cebu back in 1991. Ahead of its time, founder Bonifacio Sia already sought the need for design innovation, bringing in European brands that offer a new breed of quality and design that surpassed its local and Asian counterparts.

Apart from iTrade, Cebu Bionic's other affiliates include Build It! Building Material Sales Inc., (Mandaue and Danao cities), Cebu Bionic Hardware Mall, Cebu Bionic South, and Zscape Development Corporation. (FREEMAN)