The Tile Gallery Opens Its New Showroom with a Celebration of Design Excellence
The grand opening of The Tile Gallery showroom in San Juan marked an exciting milestone for the local design community. Hosted by Issa Litton, the event brought together industry professionals, celebrating the theme “Completare,” meaning “complete.” Located on 191 A. Mabini St., Addition Hills, in San Juan, the new showroom spans seven floors showcasing world-class brands and design innovations. It offers tiles, furniture, and fixtures—everything needed to complete exceptional spaces.
House of Design
H1 Architects designed the new Gallery 7 building with a clear vision in mind: to reflect the dynamic personality of its owners and to create a unique space that would complement the bustling, narrow streets of Mabini in San Juan. The client envisioned the building as a design center that would house diverse luxury architectural brands, offering a comfortable and conducive environment for designers and home builders alike.
According to H1 Principal Architect Raymond Hernandez, the building drew inspiration from two key elements: the ambition of the owners, Kenneth and Raymund, and the site itself.
“We wanted the form and feel of the building to express their dynamic, progressive, and ambitious nature by meticulously introducing patterns, forms, and details that create a sense of movement, energy, and dynamism,” Hernandez explained. This intention is evident throughout the building’s sleek modern-industrial design, which utilizes glass, metal, and concrete to create a bold and contemporary atmosphere.
The second inspiration was the challenging site. Hernandez saw the tight, low-rise environment of Mabini Street as an opportunity to decompress the space. “Our approach for the building design is to introduce a wonderful open space at the street level to decompress the site and enhance its site condition,” Hernandez noted. This concept led to the creation of a sculpted void that stretches across three levels, which serves as a central design feature. The void is accentuated by a diagrid tiled ceiling and sculpted bridges that connect the retail spaces to the elevator core, serving as transitional foyers that invite visitors to explore.
Spanning seven floors, Hernandez emphasized that the building was not only designed to showcase luxury brands but also to contribute meaningfully to its surroundings. “Similar to the mission of Tile Gallery, the building design is crafted to introduce an elevated experience,” he said.
On the top level is Tile Gallery’s Sevenscape, an events venue offering panoramic views of the Makati, Pasig, and Quezon City skylines. With open spaces, thoughtfully sculpted details, and flexibility for events, the new Tile Gallery showroom sets a high standard in both design and function.
From Manila to Milan: Michael Uy’s Journey in Architecture and Design
Celebrated Milan-based designer, Architect Michael Vincent Uy, opened the program. He presented insights on the future of design and contemporary architecture. His presentation added depth to the theme of completing spaces with thoughtful, cutting-edge design.
Uy shared his incredible journey from studying at the Politecnico di Milano to working with leading international architecture and design studios. His experience with Dolce & Gabbana and designing for iconic Italian brands like Olivari cemented his place as a major talent in the global design world.
Uy discussed one of his first major projects—Il Foyer at Teatro Alla Scala, a defining moment in his career that set the tone for his future work. He then spoke about his collaborations with Dolce & Gabbana, which ultimately led to his discovery by other luxury brands and his growing influence in the design scene. He also shared updates on his current project, a prestigious two-tower development for the Mandarin Oriental in Tel Aviv.
Uy also touched on his long-standing connection with BluPrint and the shared vision he has with Editor-in-Chief, Geewel Fuster. He praised the platform for consistently pushing the boundaries of architecture and design in the Philippines. Speaking passionately about the fusion of Italian and Filipino design, he emphasized that the two do not need to be mutually exclusive. He explained that his work often incorporates elements from both, reflecting the complexity and diversity of his influences.
Uy concluded his talk with a nod to his product collaborations, particularly with Olivari, a leading Italian brand known for its innovative hardware designs. In closing, he encouraged the audience to explore how design can transcend borders and create spaces that tell a unique story.
Transforming Spaces with World-Class Brands
Geewel Fuster, BluPrint’s Editor-in-Chief, then welcomed attendees with a message of gratitude. She highlighted the importance of community in driving design innovation and craftsmanship, emphasizing that completing a space goes beyond aesthetics. According to Fuster, it’s about creating environments that reflect personality and meet functional needs, a vision aligned with BluPrint’s mission.
Tile Gallery President Kenneth Hing followed with an inspiring speech, reflecting on the journey to create this unique space. He acknowledged the partnerships with renowned brands like Olivari, Meridiani, and Atlas Concorde, all committed to craftsmanship and design innovation. Hing emphasized that The Tile Gallery offers the essential elements to transform spaces into personalized stories.
Heralding a New Era in Design
The highlight of the evening arrived with the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was symbolic moment carried out by San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora, Tessa Prieto-Valdez, Architect Michael Uy, Daniela Modolo of Idea Group, along with Kenneth, Raymund, and Manuel Hing. This officially inaugurated The Tile Gallery, marking the start of a new era in design excellence.
After the ribbon-cutting, Kenneth Hing led the audience in a celebratory toast. He stated: “To the beginning of many creative journeys that will unfold within these walls!” Glasses were raised in celebration of The Tile Gallery’s promise to redefine and transform spaces through its world-class offerings and partnerships.
After the toast, Tile Gallery Vice President Raymund Hing expressed his gratitude and excitement during the opening of The Tile Gallery Showroom, emphasizing that the event marks the start of a new journey where innovative design and superior craftsmanship come together. He highlighted the showroom’s commitment to offering more than just products, aiming to create purposeful and complete environments. Hing thanked the guests, partner brands, and BluPrint for their support and invited everyone to explore the showroom’s transformative offerings.
Partner Brands: Elevating Design Through Craftsmanship
The event continued with presentations from The Tile Gallery’s prestigious partner brands. These offered attendees a deeper understanding of their exceptional products.
Zucchetti: Transforming Bathrooms into Serene Sanctuaries
Liz Yang, General Manager for Zucchetti, introduced Kos’ approach to bringing well-being and pleasure into daily life through innovative washbasins, bathtubs, and furnishing accessories.
Described as “domestic micro-architectures,” Zucchetti.Kos products transform bathrooms into serene, luxurious environments. Yang emphasized that each piece is designed with the intent to create intimate sanctuaries where users can relax and unwind.
Meridiani: Timeless Elegance in Home Furniture
Meridiani’s Export Area Manager, Cristian Lapolla, followed with a presentation on the brand’s timeless and versatile furniture collections. Lapolla explained how Meridiani interprets the home as a “dress to wear.”
The brand combines neat, pure shapes with a constant exploration of new materials and textures. He highlighted the craftsmanship behind their living, dining, and outdoor collections. Precise proportions and meticulous details allow for personal interpretation and sophisticated living.
Lapolla noted that Meridiani’s approach blends contemporary elegance with artisanal skill, ensuring each piece reflects the highest quality of Italian design.
Idea Group: Crafting Well-Being Through Bathroom Design
Idea Group represented by Daniela Modolo, shared the brand’s vision for creating multi-sensory, well-being-centered bathroom spaces. For nearly four decades, Idea Group has crafted ‘total bathroom’ solutions that integrate industrial expertise with craftsmanship.
Modolo emphasized that Idea Group’s designs aim to nurture both physical and mental balance, transforming bathrooms into spaces of relaxation and restoration. Each design is a reflection of the brand’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Atlas Concorde: A Legacy of Italian Elegance and Innovation
Finally, Atlas Concorde, represented by Massimo Musola, Sales Director for the Asia Pacific region, was the first to take the stage. Musola highlighted Atlas Concorde’s legacy as a global leader in surfaces since 1969. Known for its elegant and timeless style, Atlas Concorde offers a wide array of surfaces that go beyond trends.
Collections such as Marvel, Boost, and 3D have gained popularity for their innovation and collaboration with top international designers. Musola emphasized that Atlas Concorde’s products are a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and cutting-edge design. This makes them a go-to choice for those seeking to elevate their spaces.
The partner brand presentations underscored the theme of “Completare.” Each showcased how their products contribute to creating and completing spaces. With an impressive lineup of world-class brands, The Tile Gallery solidified its position as a premier destination for design. It offers solutions that embody craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless elegance.
A Conversation on Material Craftsmanship
The program continued with BluPrint Circles, an exclusive roundtable discussion. Bringing together some of the most brilliant talents in design, they explored the theme, “A Journey Through Material Craftsmanship.” The discussion focused on the intricate relationship between materials and design, topics essential in reshaping modern architecture.
Comprising the panel were Michael Vincent Uy, Charisse Ong, Principal Architect of Studio Ong, Nikki Escalona-Tayag, Design Principal at 33rd & 3rd Architectural Lighting Design and Dean of Enderun’s College of Architecture and Design, and Chad Rialp, Digital Editor of BluPrint and MyHome.
The panelists shared their thoughts on how material choices contribute to the overall narrative of a space. Uy emphasized the importance of thoughtful design that blends tradition with innovation. Charisse Ong provided examples of how materials can be used sustainably without compromising aesthetics. Nikki Escalona-Tayag highlighted the role of lighting in enhancing the material qualities of a space, making it both functional and beautiful.
Discovering Design Across Multiple Floors
With the conclusion of BluPrint Circles, guests were invited to freely explore The Tile Gallery showroom. The host invited guests to explore the beautifully designed spaces across multiple floors. Each showcases an array of exceptional brands that bring the theme of Completare—completing spaces—to life.
With tote bags in hand and maps to guide them, guests fully experienced The Tile Gallery’s comprehensive offerings. Starting on the 2nd floor, stunning decorative lights from Lodes greeted visitors, along with Tile Gallery’s offerings of elegant slabs. Moving up to the 3rd floor, guests could explore a range of bathroom design innovations, featuring a spotlight on Idea Group’s stunning products.
The 5th floor was home to a striking array of designer tiles, particularly from Atlas Concorde, the Tile Gallery’s main partner brand. This floor offered a wide array of textures, finishes, and colors that can add the perfect finishing touch to any space.
Up on the 6th floor are Tile Gallery’s collections of contemporary indoor and outdoor furniture. Meridiani, a standout in the Italian indoor furniture scene, showcased a versatile yet contemporary collection that exuded sophistication. For outdoor spaces, Talenti offered pieces that breathed life into charming, personalized environments. The floor also featured Olivari, known for their expertise in design-driven hardware, adding a subtle yet impactful touch to interiors.
Each floor was thoughtfully curated to showcase how different elements. From lighting and tiles to furniture, all come together to transform and complete any interior. Throughout the exploration, Tile Gallery treated guests to delightful surprises. This included exclusive freebies from partner brands and captivating vignettes on the upper floors, rounding out the evening’s festivities.
As the evening drew to a close, The Tile Gallery’s grand launch left a lasting impression on all who attended. With its expertly curated collections and world-class brands, the showroom sets a new standard for design excellence in the country. The celebration underscored The Tile Gallery’s commitment to offering unparalleled solutions for completing any space. This is only the beginning of countless creative possibilities and transformative designs that will emerge from this premier destination.
Photographed by Ed Simon.
