Organized biennially by the Design Center of the Philippines, the Good Design Award Philippines (GDA) champions a distinctly Filipino approach to design rooted in malasakit (caring). It posits that good design goes beyond balancing form, function, and innovation—it creates meaningful solutions that respond to society’s most pressing challenges. The awards also advances the United Nations […]
Genteelhome x Royal Pineda+: Championing Modern Filipino Craftsmanship
Genteelhome’s collaboration with renowned architect Royal Pineda is reshaping Filipino design. Known for its bespoke artistry, genteelhome, led by Founder and Principal Designer Katrina Blanca De Leon, perfectly complements Pineda’s innovative approach to Modern Filipino architecture.
De Leon is a self-professed admirer of Pineda’s commitment to advancing a better Filipino identity. And this aligns beautifully with her own brand’s mission to showcase the world-class talent of local artisans. Together, they are creating a new era of design that celebrates authenticity, elevates craftsmanship, and pushes the boundaries of contemporary Filipino elegance. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in homegrown creativity, fueled by the fusion of bold modernity and heritage.
A Shared Vision: Redefining Filipino Design
The collaboration between genteelhome and Royal Pineda + (Pineda’s firm, where he is the principal architect) converges architecture and furniture design. More than that, it represents a movement that aims to position Filipino craftsmanship at the forefront of the global stage. Both creators focus on celebrating the Filipino identity in everything they create.
“I wanted to create a platform for Filipino artisans to show the world how good our Filipino artisans are,” De Leon says, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to local artistry. This resonates deeply with Pineda, whose philosophy of Modern Filipino architecture champions simplicity, sustainability, and excellence.
Pineda’s work has long been about “bringing out the best of Filipino culture in a modern context.” His philosophy, which he describes as “the pursuit of a better Filipino,” aligns perfectly with genteelhome’s goal. Both seek to elevate traditional craftsmanship into globally appealing, modern designs. Together, the two design powerhouses crafted an installation that presents Filipino culture in a bold, contemporary light.
The Evolution of the genteelhome Aesthetic
Known for its timeless, sometimes ornate designs, genteelhome is synonymous with elegant, bespoke furniture. Traditionally, the brand leaned toward detailed, art deco-inspired pieces, showcasing intricate craftsmanship. However, their collaboration with Royal Pineda sparked a creative shift in how they approach design.
“We were known for our bulky, detailed furniture pieces,” De Leon admits. “But working with Royal and seeing his style—the rawness, the authenticity of the shape, the sleekness with massive scale—challenged us.”
This new collection, set to be unveiled in Manila FAME, represents a merging of these two identities. genteelhome’s signature use of malleable materials and soft, flowing forms blends with Pineda’s architectural precision. It’s a unique harmony between structure and artistry.
Designing Spaces, Designing Lives
For Pineda, the concept of Modern Filipino extends beyond architecture and into lifestyle. “It cannot just be the architecture,” he explains. “It needs to have the interiors, the furniture, the landscape, and everything that goes into the lifestyle of what the Modern Filipino is all about.”
Genteelhome’s new collection mirrors this holistic approach. While each piece can stand alone as a work of art, it is also part of a greater, cohesive narrative. Pineda and Blanca’s designs create intimate, communal spaces—a hallmark of Filipino culture.
“I was inspired by the craftsmanship of Kapampangan artisans,” says Pineda, referring to the region where genteelhome is based. Both he and Blanca have roots in the region. “I wanted something that’s natural, something that’s communal, something that expresses the Filipino concept of togetherness.”
Pineda emphasizes how De Leon and genteelhome’s design philosophy focuses on creating furniture that fosters intimacy and connection. He highlights how this sense of togetherness and communal spirit defines the collaboration between the brand and his own architectural vision. Each furniture piece, while unique, complements others to form a harmonious collection, much like how individuals come together to create a strong, unified community.
This concept relates to the Filipino word ugnayan, meaning connection or relationship. In the context of this collaboration, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of design elements, the people involved, and the cultural values they represent. Through their designs, they manifest the importance of unity, shared experiences, and the bond between craftsmanship and Filipino identity.
The pieces in the collection reflect this ethos. They work as individual elements, but when brought together, they form a spectacular vignette that showcases the power of collective artistry. The collection becomes an “orchestra of furniture pieces,” each contributing its own identity while enhancing the whole.
Raw and Refined: The Materials of Choice
In keeping with their focus on authenticity, the materials used in genteelhome’s new collection emphasize natural beauty. From locally sourced wood to indigenous textiles, the design team is deliberate in choosing materials that represent Filipino craftsmanship and also aligns with their vision for the future.
These new pieces stand out not just because of their visual appeal but because of the stories they tell—stories of Filipino craftsmanship and the beauty within their imperfections. “We were challenged by Royal to reveal the natural finish of each material,” says De Leon. “He wanted us to show the flaws, the authenticity. Because the more raw the material, the more beautiful it is.”
The collection makes use of 100% authentic materials, many of which are manually finished to bring out their unique characteristics. The grain in the wood, the nature of the fabric—these elements are not hidden but celebrated, allowing the materials to speak for themselves.
Nature as a Muse
Pineda, known for his nature-inspired designs, views this as a crucial aspect of their collaboration. “There’s a truthfulness in using these materials,” he says. “It’s about bringing out the natural beauty, not forcing it to be something it’s not.”
While Manila FAME will debut genteelhome’s latest collection, it will also offer a glimpse into the heart of Modern Filipino design through the booth designed by Pineda. Inspired by the Pampanga River, one of the most significant rivers in the Philippines, the booth reflects the natural flow and movement of water.
“We used raw, natural materials like mesh and aluminum screens, which provide a neutral backdrop for the vibrant pieces,” Pineda explains. “It’s all about balance, allowing the furniture to stand out while creating a space that feels connected to its environment.”
In many ways, the booth is a metaphor for the collaboration itself. It’s a blend of natural elements, modernist sensibilities, and a deep respect for Filipino culture.
The Future of Filipino Design
Beyond just being a collaboration, genteelhome’s partnership with Royal Pineda is really a statement about the future of Filipino design. As the world becomes more interconnected, design trends are also becoming increasingly global. This collection serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural identity. It highlights the value of authenticity in our designs.
In a world of mass production and machine-made furniture, Pineda and De Leon believe that people will return to what is handmade, original, and authentic. “Machine precision is important,” Pineda says, “but intuition is humanity.” It’s this human touch that gives life to furniture pieces and spaces alike, making them feel warm, inviting, and real.
De Leon echoes this sentiment. “Sustainability isn’t just about using eco-friendly materials,” she says. “It’s about creating jobs for Filipino artisans, preserving our craftsmanship, and making sure that these skills are passed down to the next generation.”
A Bold New Chapter for Genteelhome
As genteelhome prepares to unveil its latest collection, the excitement surrounding the collaboration of Royal Pineda and Katrina Blanca De Leon is palpable. This partnership marks a new chapter for Filipino design—a chapter that celebrates the past while looking boldly toward the future. Together, they are showing the world what it means to be Modern Filipino: creative, authentic, and undeniably extraordinary.
Photographed by Excel Panlaque.
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