Alignment in the Boardroom: The Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) Introduces Its New Board of Trustees

The BluPrint team was in the office of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) in Ortigas just in time for the first convening of its newly-elected trustees. Some members were meeting face-to-face for the first time. But at certain crossroads in their respective design careers, each one’s paths have intersected either through projects, in design school, or common acquaintances in the field. Their chemistry and camaraderie are undeniable. There was a palpable synergy between them that suggests they were brought together not just by vote or fate, but by natural alignment. 

As if finishing each other’s sentences, they collectively agreed that the past board’s initiatives brought the PIID to great heights. And although their first workshop and planning wouldn’t be until January 2026, they all shared the same vision for continuity and elevating the initiatives that would set the bar even higher for Philippine interior design. 

Continuity and Conscious Leadership: IDr. Cecil Ravelas, National President 

Cecil, who had been elected as National President, observes, “We immediately found ourselves on the same page. Collectively, our immediate goal is to continue and strengthen the existing programs. We endeavor to bring this to the next level while integrating wellness and innerwork.” 

Drawing from her own healing journey, Cecil brings a unique brand of conscious leadership to the table, honing in on the integration of the mind and heart to drive higher purpose, foster healing, and nurture a strong sense of service for others. She also envisions a design community that identifies as cultural innovators, environmental stewards, and healers of spaces–not just locally but also on the global stage. 

Empowering The Design Community: IDr. Lorenzo Valencia, National Vice President 

Lorenzo Valencia shares in this quest as he takes on the role as National Vice President. During the last term, he served as the Treasurer, allowing him to navigate the differing functions of the board with ease and greater understanding. He adds, “I will focus on internal organizational matters such as membership concerns, activity sponsorships, and strengthening communication between chapters.”

Lorenzo articulates the board’s overall vision of sustaining momentum and continuity in saying: “Our core platform should be member-centric, building on the work that the previous board accomplished. Our goal is to empower every designer to grow and succeed by providing accessible learning opportunities, training programs, and effective digital tools. We also want to foster strong relationships rooted in trust, empathy, and collaboration across all members and chapters.” 

At The Forefront of Change and Innovation: IDr. Iris Ocampo, Corporate Secretary 

For the newly elected Corporate Secretary, Iris Ocampo, a seat at the board is an invitation to be at the forefront of positive change and innovation. She elaborates, “Being the Corporate Secretary allows for impactful contributions towards the growth and enhancement of the interior design community.” She recognizes and honors her new role as one that can “significantly influence the direction and success of the organization while supporting its member’s professional development.” 

Like her colleagues, Iris is enthusiastic about the possibilities that lie ahead. “Various initiatives are to be considered to help advance the profession, support fellow designers, and elevate the standards of interior design in the Philippines. These include: continuous educational workshops, certification programs, networking and collaborations, sustainability and innovations, legislative advocacy as well as market research initiatives.” 

A Guardian of Trust: IDr. Honey Mutia, Treasurer 

According to the board’s new Treasurer, Honey Mutia, wellness is a top priority that drives personal and professional growth. She adds, “We also want to delve further into mentorship, focusing on more interpersonal connections among members and industry partners.” Honey recognizes her role in “protecting, growing and aligning the organization’s resources with the mission.” Her mandate goes beyond management and tracking of finances. 

With over 20 years of experience as a licensed interior designer, Honey’s thought process is a seamless melding of ideas and building systems. She is inclined to balance concept, function, and budget, which now relates to how she hopes to shape direction and standards for the organization. She details, “I’ve been entrusted to help evaluate the feasibility of projects, events or programs by providing insights that will guide board decisions. I will also be working with our officers and committees on fundraising initiatives, events, sponsorships, and helping to set financial targets. As a BOT, I will weigh creativity against feasibility, supporting  plans that are both inspiring and realistic.”

Create. Connect. Continue: IDr. Doris Dy, Director for Conventions And Events

For Doris Dy, PIID’s new Director for Conventions and Events, one of the most exciting things about being part of the board is working closely with fellow trustees towards a shared mission. “There is an abundance of energy and positive intentions, and I’m eager to channel these collectivity to uplift and support the community,” she muses. 

The role she takes on aligns seamlessly with her platform: Create. Connect. Continuity. Doris elaborates, “I am tasked to anticipate GMMSs and events that are significant and impactful, focused on members’ growth and consistent with the board’s mission.” Passion for interior design, extensive experience as a design director, and sincere desire to serve the PIID community make her a valuable addition to the team. 

A Steward of Integrity, Professionalism, and Purpose: IDr. Maryann Venturina Bulanadi, PhD., Director for Professional Practice and Ethics

Maryann’s experience across her professional practice, the academe, research, curatorial work, and cultural heritage conservation shapes how she approaches her role as the Director for Professional Practice and Ethics. Her journey in design, spanning over three decades, has sharpened a sense for professional ethics, accountability, and respect for cultural context. She shares, “I bring a perspective that is both grounded in practice and informed by scholarship. My early training in architecture and interior design provided me with a strong foundation in professional standards, technical rigor, and collaborative practice. Engagement with heritage projects, adaptive reuse, and curatorial work has heightened my awareness of the ethical responsibilities designers carry—toward clients, communities, cultural resources, and the public.”

Maryanne embraces her role as steward of integrity, professionalism and purpose. She is anchored by a platform dedicated to “strengthening our roots as we reach for the future.” For her, professional standards, best practices and ethical guidelines are not only indicators of excellence. They are lived principles that echo  a Filipino identity that helps inform the design practice in the country. “Professional practice and ethics form the foundation of a credible and respected profession, and it is through these that we express our values as designers and as Filipinos….I am equally excited about the chance to bridge heritage and innovation—to honor our Filipino identity in design while equipping our professionals to respond to contemporary challenges and global trends. Seeing designers embrace purpose-driven, culturally grounded, and research-informed practice is truly inspiring.”

Turning Vision Into Impact: IDr. Joy Ejercito, Director for Finance

Through the lens of Director for Finance, Joy Ejercito, the success of design is anchored on structure, accountability, ethics, and collaboration. “It’s about shaping systems that allow people to thrive,” she relates. “Over the years, working across different scales of practice, I’ve learned that strong ideas need equally strong frameworks to turn vision into impact.” Joy endeavors to lend a systems-oriented mindset to governance and policy-making, as the new board works towards stronger mentorships and professional development programs that pave the way for the next generation of interior designers.  

As she joins the board in turning a new page for the PIID, Joy shares, “I am also energized by the opportunity to help strengthen PIID’s long-term vision by adding sustainable programs, improving access to education and resources, and creating platforms that encourage collaboration and engagement. 

Shaping A New Generation of Interior Designers: IDr. Nina Santamaria, Director for Professional Development 

The concept of conscious leadership proved most resonant with Nina Santamaria, PIID’s new Executive Director for Professional Development. She ponders, “This is a guiding theme for me at the moment. Leading and designing with intention and purpose is so timely for a world that’s fast-changing. Having been in the industry for 22 years, Nina has always found deep joy in sharing her experiences and learning with members of the organization. “I am blessed to handle the role of Director for Professional Development. Years of design thinking, professional practice, and mentoring can contribute to the vision and mission of the PIID.”

For Nina, the greatest blessing lies in being able to help shape and develop younger interior designers. “ As a new graduate before, I didn’t know where to ask for guidance, mentorship, or learn about contracts and business models in design firms. Imagine if we could come up with programs that could give IDr’s the confidence to design excellently, coupled with knowledge on legal protection. and the business skills to uphold the integrity of their practice? That would be my dream.”

Setting the Tone and Moving the Needle Forward: IDr. Ivy Almario, Executive Director for Public Relations 

As she steps down as the National President of the PIID, Ivy Almario gladly fills the role of Director for Public Relations for this new board. It is a post that calls her to set the tone of the organization’s communication, connection, and continued momentum.  She describes the new leadership as a “healing board,” one that is necessary in a world that is volatile, fragmented, and filled with uncertainty. 

“There is a holistic approach to how we want to continue what was started. At the same time, we are united on our goal of strengthening the programs and initiatives of the organization,” Ivy shares. “Naturally, we want to ensure that we level up the professional standards and skills of our interior designers by immersing them in best practices. We are looking at mentorship as a tool for supporting our designers when they need to navigate servicing clients or setting healthy boundaries.”

As the Director for Public Relations, Ivy describes her communication style as empathetic. “It is important that everyone is heard, felt, and seen,” she opines. “As a seasoned designer and member of the past board, I am able to connect the dots between stakeholders. It is easy for me to approach and connect with industry partners, institutions as well as associations. In that sense, I am very nimble.” Ivy’s gaze is also fixed on moving the needle forward, a vision that is shaped by her past and current roles. “At the end of the day, it’s all about taking all of our members forward and upward. We simply cannot go back or do a rest. The last two boards were successful in establishing these programs and creating momentum for the organization. Our job now is to sustain this and take it to an even higher level.” 

Read More: PIID Celebrates 60th Anniversary, Shares Milestones, Insights, and Future Plans

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