BRINGING together Filipino craft, artistry, architecture, technology, and industry, the Manila Interior Design Summit 2026 brings the conversation of Southeast Asian design to the Philippines. Opening the doors to dialogue on what the Filipino design voice can offer to the continent’s ongoing discourse of identity.

On the 30th of September, the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) hosted the summit’s fourth edition across a four-day itinerary until October 3rd. This also marks the institute’s 62nd anniversary with the theme “Designing New Worlds: Cultures, Cities, and Future of Southeast Asia.”

The first day of the summit welcomed the masses with intriguing exhibitions and structured tours across showrooms along Makati city. Showcasing innovations that integrate design and technology whilst channeling the Filipino voice of warmth, hospitality, and humanity.

The Collective8 exhibition

The summit opens at The Fifth at Rockwell, Makati where PIID featured a special exhibition special for the institute’s anniversary. The Collective8 exhibition spotlighted eight Filipino designers and their respective design voices that are shaping the future of the nation in design through their craft.

The collection included Cebuano designer Vito Selma, Leslie Bituin-Mendiola of JB Woodcraft, Contemporary artist-designer Leeroy New, the dynamic duo of Rita Nazareno and Gabby Lichauco, Furniture designer Milo Naval, Contemporary designer Jed Yabut, JJ Acuna in collaboration with Venzon, and Rug designer Inigo Elizalde.

In an opportunity to talk with Mr. Inigo Elizalde, he shared his inspirations that fueled the distinctive patterns featured in his rugs.

“These are from the natural patterns found in Barongs, this one below is inspired by the ripples of the seascape, and the one draped here came from computer glitches when a power outage glitched our monitors. I draw inspiration from the natural beauty of the environment that surrounds us and transform them into the patterns you see.”

The first lap around Makati’s showrooms

Through a shuttle bus provided by the summit, the attendees were toured around various showrooms across the city. Guided by ushers and coordinated through color-coding and buddy systems, attendees were able to relish on the innovative designs presented each stop..

Flexform and Poliform presented a variety of furniture collections fit for both outdoor and indoor use. Evoking the spirit of warmth and hospitality of Filipino homes. Poliform also hosted discussions on a sit down with Ed Calma, Carlo Calma, Alex Co, Anton Mendoza, and Alfred Wieneke.

“We want to explore different perspectives on creating a home and how global design can fit into

the Filipino home,” PIID National President IDr. Cecil Ravelas explains.

After Poliform came Metrotiles and their curated display bathroom essentials that fit the modern Filipino home. From the creative interpretations of classic brass faucets to smart toilets that could be operated via bluetooth, Metrotiles showcased how innovation could take place in humble bathrooms.

The second lap

The afternoon half of the tour took the attendees to the SoFA Design Institute where Studio Grijalba presented an installation named  “The Living Room.” It reimagines the incorporation of gardens and green spaces through Hydroponic technology, a way to reintroduce plant life in vertical spaces of highly-urbanized cities.

“Vertical gardens, from the beginning, has been something that I’ve been very passionate about. And now, since we have started to implement this hydroponic vertical garden, it’s like all the benefits. So much potential for it,” Principal Designer and Owner Mr. Alvaro Grijalba of Studio Grijalba shares.

The last stop was at Scavolini and Valcucine right next door. The former prepared an interactive experience for the guests as they made their own spreads and drinks whilst simultaneously exploring Scavolini kitchens and bathrooms.

Exciting prospects for the next few days

The next few days of the event takes the discussion further across Makati and into BGC. Day 2 and 3 prepares more showroom tours from Makati all the way to BGC whilst Day 4 closes the event with a Design Symposium and a closing dinner party.

The symposium will include a diverse lineup of international speakers such as Takae Ito, Alex Josephson, Carlos Arnaiz, Defit Wijaya, and Satoshi Ohashi. This is just some among the many other delegates from the nation’s own local design scene.

The Manila Interior Design Summit 2026 aims to help the nation stake its claim in the design conversation. Instead of building anew, PIID aims to deepen what already exists and make it its core identity and voice. Filipino warmth, hospitality, and humanity.