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 […]
The Visionary Design of Piraso Inc.
Joseph Gonzalez Rastrullo is transforming contemporary interiors with his bold and innovative approach to design. As Principal Designer of Piraso Inc., he seamlessly merges artistry with function, crafting pieces that transcend utility and become sculptural expressions. His work is a dialogue between heritage and modernity, deeply rooted in Filipino culture while embracing global influences.
Rastrullo’s design philosophy is shaped by his time in Italy, where he immersed himself in the traditions of fine craftsmanship. Bringing this expertise back to the Philippines, he co-founded Piraso Inc. with Brainard Hao, Luis Angelo Sevilla, Eizelle Yee, and Agnes Boncodin. Together, they create meticulously crafted pieces that elevate spaces and push the boundaries of design.
Honoring Tradition
Among the brand’s notable creations is the Banaue Wall Lighting, which pays homage to the iconic Banaue Rice Terraces. Layered metal panels echo the rhythmic contours of the terraces, capturing the essence of landscape and human ingenuity. This sculptural lighting piece makes for an eye-catching installation. It is an interpretation of history, where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary aesthetics. It transforms light into an evocative element, casting shadows that mimic the natural undulations of the terraces.
With the Nova Lamp, Rastrullo challenges conventional lighting design. Its geometric composition and avant-garde materiality redefine form and function. More than a source of illumination, it is a conversation piece—an interplay of balance and tension that captivates the eye. This dynamic approach to lighting reflects Piraso’s commitment to pushing the limits of what is possible in interior design.
The Dewars Mini Bar reimagines portable furniture as an art form. Inspired by the dodecahedron, its metal wire structure morphs into a striking, faceted silhouette. This piece is a testament to Rastrullo’s exploration of structure and fluidity—an object that is both sculptural and functional. It elevates the experience of entertaining, making a statement in any interior setting.
A Wedding as an Immersive Design Experience
Rastrullo’s design sensibilities extend beyond interiors. His wedding to his wife Hannah was a masterclass in experiential design, transforming the Radisson Hotel’s ballroom in Cebu into a celestial landscape inspired by the northern lights. Suspended lighting installations captured the fluid motion of the aurora borealis, immersing guests in an ethereal environment. Every element, from table settings to ambient lighting, was meticulously curated to evoke wonder. This project showcased his ability to create deeply personal yet universally compelling spaces.
Collaborating with renowned stylist Hans Berdejo, event coordinator Snoogie Reynes-Mata, and lighting designer Karl Lyle Echiverri, Rastrullo orchestrated an event where emotion and design coalesced seamlessly. The stunning documentation by photographer Mico Gonzales and videographers StudioKing and Mad Cap Production immortalized this visionary celebration.
Piraso Inc.: A Collective Vision
Piraso Inc. thrives on collaboration. While Rastrullo’s artistic direction defines the brand, the synergy between its partners—Hao, Sevilla, Yee, and Boncodin—ensures a holistic approach to design. Hao’s precision in detailing, Sevilla’s strategic oversight, Yee’s curatorial expertise, and Boncodin’s project management skills create a dynamic balance that drives Piraso’s success.
Through Piraso, Rastrullo and his team are shaping a new narrative for Philippine interior design. Their work embodies a thoughtful synthesis of innovation and heritage, where cultural identity is seamlessly integrated into contemporary forms. As Piraso continues to grow, it reaffirms its place at the forefront of design—creating timeless pieces that inspire and evolve the way we experience spaces.
Joseph Gonzalez Rastrullo is more than a designer; he is a storyteller who crafts immersive environments and transformative objects. Through his work, he invites us to see design not just as an aesthetic pursuit, but as a profound expression of identity, culture, and vision.
Photos courtesy of Piraso Inc.
Read more: Anik-Anik at Home: Add Flavor to Your Spaces with Charming Little Knickknacks
Frequently Asked Questions
Joseph Rastrullo, Principal Designer of Piraso Inc., creates a new design language by integrating cultural identity into contemporary sculptural forms. A prime example is the Banaue Wall Lighting, which uses layered metal panels to mimic the rhythmic contours of the Banaue Rice Terraces. This approach ensures that traditional Filipino landscapes and craftsmanship are not just preserved but reinterpreted as avant-garde, functional art pieces for modern interiors.
Piraso Inc. treats lighting as a dynamic “conversation piece” rather than a mere utility. Designs like the Nova Lamp utilize geometric compositions and avant-garde materiality to explore the interplay of balance and tension. By focusing on how light casts shadows and interacts with space, Rastrullo transforms these objects into immersive installations that push the boundaries of traditional interior lighting.
The Dewars Mini Bar is a study in the intersection of geometry and portable furniture, featuring a faceted silhouette inspired by the dodecahedron. Rastrullo utilizes a metal wire structure to explore the relationship between structure and fluidity, turning a functional bar into a striking sculptural object. This piece reflects the brand’s commitment to elevating everyday activities—like entertaining—into a high-design experience.
Rastrullo applies his signature “experiential design” to large-scale events, such as his own celestial-themed wedding in Cebu. By using suspended lighting to mimic the aurora borealis, he transforms physical spaces into immersive landscapes that evoke specific emotions. This project demonstrates that the same meticulous curation used for furniture—balancing ambient lighting, table settings, and form—can be scaled to create universally compelling environments.
While Rastrullo provide the artistic direction, Piraso Inc. operates as a collective where different expertise ensures a holistic design process. The team balances Rastrullo’s vision with precision detailing from co-founder Brainard Hao, strategic oversight from Luis Angelo Sevilla, curatorial input from Eizelle Yee, and project management from Agnes Boncodin. This synergy allows the brand to successfully manage complex narratives that blend innovation with heritage.
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