NIPPON Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc. recently launched the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) with the goal of finding the brightest and most creative interior designers and architects in the country.
The event, held at the Quezon Hall 1 of Seda Vertis in Diliman, Quezon City, encouraged students of Interior Design and Architecture to use their talents in transforming future environments and creating a significant impact in the succeeding generations through practical design solutions that help address pressing issues of our time.
Chen Lee Siong, general manager of Nippon Paint Philippines, said AYDA started with a simple mission: to inspire students to develop their skills on a competitive platform and connect them to knowledge of successful approaches that are emerging in architecture and interior design.
“After 15 years, AYDA has gone far beyond competition such that it has become a collaborative network of professionals, architects, interior designers, industry associations, schools, and students who work together to raise the next generation of socially conscious designers,” Chen added.
“It has become a platform that challenges young designers to conceptualize designs that go beyond aesthetics and create works that make significant impact in the society and communities,” he added.
Now in its 15th year, this year’s AYDA carries the theme “Converge: Championing Purposeful Design,” which is a fitting reflection of Nippon Paint’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative excellence.
“Today’s theme signals our renewed commitment to further elevating Filipino designs through cross learning opportunities, leadership mentoring, and onboarding experience,” he noted.
He added that it is also about finding one’s core and what they truly believe in before manifesting it into their design. It focuses on a designer’s journey in searching for a cause worth fighting for. What people believe and invest in, may change over a period of time. The use of the word “converge,” on the other hand, refers to that situation when a point or a line meets — leading to a common result.
AYDA aspires to play a pivotal role in shaping a future where designers, irrespective of their diverse backgrounds, cultures, and geographic origins, can engage in mutual learning and collectively address the profound and shared societal challenges, said Giselle Campos, sales and marketing manager of Nippon Paint Philippines.
In today’s landscape, where designers confront the formidable task of striking a harmonious equilibrium between sustainability and urbanization, and amid a digital era that has reshaped interpersonal connections, she further emphasized they firmly assert that the concept of going local merits global recognition and acclaim.
In addition to formally inaugurating this year’s prestigious awards program and elucidating the intricate contest mechanics, the launch event also served as a platform to introduce eminent figures within the industry who have graciously consented to preside as esteemed judges for this distinguished occasion.
At the helm of the distinguished panel of adjudicators this year, AYDA has the eminent Ar. Eduardo Casares, who assumes the distinguished role of head judge for the architecture category. Ar. Casares is the visionary architect responsible for the masterful design of the iconic Tutuban Center in Divisoria, a testament to his architectural prowess and creative acumen. Likewise, IDr. Wilmer Lopez, the venerable president and creative director of Space Encounters, a prominent interior design firm specializing in interior branding and the artistry of mid-century modern furniture, assumes the distinguished position of head judge for the interior design category.
Complementing this august leadership, AYDA is deeply honored to introduce the other distinguished members of its esteemed board of judges. Among them are the renowned Almario sisters, IDr. Cynthia Almario and IDr. Ivy Almario, esteemed co-founders of Atelier Almario, an illustrious and award-winning interior design firm in the Philippines. Furthermore, AYDA welcomes Ar. Cathy Saldaña, the esteemed president of PDP Architects, a leading architectural firm of paramount repute in the nation.
To ensure an equitable and meticulous evaluation process, it has thoughtfully devised a set of comprehensive judging criteria for both the Architectural and Interior Design categories.
In its entirety, AYDA is subjected to the discerning judgment of distinguished and highly accomplished professionals within the industry. Moreover, it garners substantial support from esteemed organizations such as the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), the Philippine Architecture Schools Association (PhilASA), the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), and the Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE).
The prizes for AYDA are both prestigious and rewarding. Winners will receive a substantial cash prize of P50,000 and a coveted internship opportunity at leading design and architectural firms overseen by the esteemed AYDA judges.
What makes this year’s competition particularly remarkable is that the champions will also earn a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to venture abroad and compete against AYDA Gold Awardees from 14 other countries, vying for the coveted title of “Asia Young Designer of the Year.” This distinction comes with an exclusive, all-expense-paid, 3-week immersive learning experience through the Design Discovery Program at Harvard University School of Design in the United States.
For further details and to explore the competition in depth, kindly visit our official website at https://ayda-awards.com/competition-details/.
