Enderun CAD Fiesta 2026 Explores Collaboration Across Architecture and Design

Enderun Colleges, in partnership with BluPrint, brought together architects, interior designers, and multimedia artists for its annual College of ArchitectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary and Design (CAD) Fiesta, held on April 23, 2026. The theme for this year’s event was “Collab: Where Big Ideas Come Together.”

To underscore the theme, the symposium featured five speakers: IDr. Nina Santamaria, Russel Molina of Seven A.D., Architects Rebecca Ti and William Ti of WTA Architecture and Design Studio, and visual artist Jomike Tejido. 

Related Reading: 8 Steps to Creating Compelling Design Narratives from Enderun CAD Fiesta 

What Happened at the Enderun CAD Fiesta 2026 Symposium?

Architect Nikki Escalona-Tayag, Dean of the College of Architecture and Design at Enderun Colleges, highlighted the importance of collaboration in a post-COVID society. Tayag stated, “The truth is, whether you’re an architect, an interior designer, or a multimedia artist, you’re going to have to work alongside other people from different backgrounds [and cultures]. And that’s often where difficulties and challenges can arise.”

Why Collaboration Matters in Design Education

The symposium frames collaboration as a critical skill for navigating challenges early in a designer’s career is for students to learn how to combat these challenges early on in their careers. It highlights how shared perspectives can shape more forward-thinking design outcomes.

The panelists offered students diverse perspectives from seasoned professionals. Jomike Tejido shared insights as an architect-turned-visual artist. Tayag stated, “It would be nice to see how he has jumped from the realm of architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary and now into [the] visual arts, and how collaboration differs from what it was used and what he is facing at the present.”

Ar. Rebecca Ti took up her undergraduate degree abroad. She recounts how professors, students, and onlookers alike offered critiques of her work as a student. Gaining insights from people of diverse backgrounds helped her hone her craft as an architect. This emphasizes the role of collaboration in growth and learning.

Tayag shared: “For Architect William and Architect Rebecca, they definitely wear multiple hats. Apart from having to collaborate on a professional level, they also have to figure out how to navigate the personal level that’s involved in their practice because they are husband and wife […] They’ve had multiple instances, opportunities, and projects that are of different scales and that I think will be able to showcase the power of collaboration.”

The speakers also emphasized the ability to know how to sell one’s ideas. IDr. Nina Sta. Maria, who began her undergraduate studies majoring in communications, noted that this background informed her approach to interior designInterior DesignThe discipline of planning and shaping interior spaces for function, comfort, safety, and beauty. It covers layout, lighting, materials, finishes, furniture, and color, and in the Philippines is a licensedGo to Interior Design Glossary. She was able to utilize her former path to navigate her career in interior design by understanding the importance of building client relationships. 

Students also participated in an engaging dialogue with the speakers, gaining insights from industry professionals and advice on starting their careers in the design industry.

“CAD Fiesta has primarily been about the students. It’s really about showcasing who they are as emerging talents in the creative field in the design industry,” Tayag shared, “CAD Fiesta is all about celebrating them, celebrating their work, their talents, their skills, and celebrating the future that belongs to them as creatives.”

How did Students Shape CAD Fiesta 2026? 

After the symposium, attendees were given the chance to explore the installations and student-led presentations that occupied the Enderun Tent. Different architectural and interior designInterior DesignThe discipline of planning and shaping interior spaces for function, comfort, safety, and beauty. It covers layout, lighting, materials, finishes, furniture, and color, and in the Philippines is a licensedGo to Interior Design Glossary renderings across residential, commercial, and conceptual projects were also on display. The space also featured posters, short films, and other media.

Tayag emphasized the shift toward a more student-led event: “This is the first time, or the first year, in our history that CAD Fiesta is student-led. The past few years, it’s actually been driven by the faculty and staff of the College of ArchitectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary and Design, but we gave them this new challenge this year. The students are the ones who have led this event from the very beginning. We are just really there to support them. In terms of ownership, it’s theirs.” 

Beyond the educational activities, Tayag encourages students to view the event as a form of community building. Outside of celebrating their work, this is a way for students to gather in a social setting outside of their academic responsibilities.

_{Photographed by Gabriel Ramos}

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