Lamina: A Curated Lifestyle Fair was a three-day event held at City of Dreams Manila from May 2 to 4, spotlighting the latest trends in art, fashion, and design. A collaboration between ManilArt Foundation and the Bayo Atelier Foundation, the event features modern contemporary designs and art couture rooted in sustainability and heritage—offering functional, stylish […]
Rossy Yabut Rojales: The Alchemy of Space
Design is more than just a profession for Hurray Design‘s co-founder IDr. Rossy Yabut-Rojales. It’s an intrinsic part of who she is. Not confined to a single discipline, her approach is a fluid exploration of form, function, and emotion. This deep-rooted connection to design shaped her perspective, allowing her to move seamlessly across different creative fields.
She grew up in Pampanga, surrounded by exceptional Filipino craftsmanship. Her parents’ love for interiors further nurtured her passion. “Design was always part of my world as a young girl,” she shares.
Her journey began with a deep appreciation for furniture, eventually leading her to interiors. But she also dabbled in jewelry, graphic arts, and photography, all of which inform her holistic approach to design. “I’ve never seen design as just one thing. It all overlaps. Whether it’s a space, a chair, or even a piece of jewelry, it’s always about balance, materials, and how it makes you feel.”
A Holistic Perspective
Viewing design as an interconnected discipline, she applies the same principles across different forms. Every space or object she designs is both visually and experientially harmonious. This deep understanding of materials and craftsmanship further refines her approach. It allows her to design with a keen awareness of how elements interact and resonate with people.
In 2009, she co-founded Heima, a creative hub that blended interiors, art, and product design. Over time, this vision evolved into Heim Interiors. She later co-founded Hurray Design with her partner and spouse, Bong Rojales.
The design firm celebrated its 15-year journey in the interior design industry in 2024, marking their evolution from a furniture shop to a premium atelier. This foundation continues to shape Hurray’s extraordinary spaces, evident in their diverse portfolio.
“Hurray has grown into a multidisciplinary studio that’s allowed me to evolve my passion into something bigger: building a practice that’s bold, dynamic, and rooted in a Filipino-global perspective,” Rojales shares. “Beyond just designing spaces, I’ve found fulfillment in fostering collaboration, mentoring emerging creatives, and pushing the boundaries of what interior design can be.”
Philosophy and Practice
At the core of IDr. Rossy Yabut-Rojales’ methodology is a process-driven approach that prioritizes both creativity and functionality. “For me, designing a space isn’t just about making it beautiful,” the designer asserts. “It has to work, feel right, and evolve with the people who live in it.”
Central to this is understanding the client’s lifestyle and movement within a space. “At Hurray, we always start with our clients,” she notes. “How they live, what they love… It’s a dynamic, human-centered approach that balances creativity with practicality, allowing for bold ideas while staying meticulous with execution.”
“It’s about balance: between form and function, past and present, intuition and strategy,” Rojales posits. “I’ve always been drawn to transitional design, where different eras, influences, and textures come together to create something deeply personal yet timeless.”
This fluid interplay of contrasts—melding history with modernity, instinct with precision—extends beyond concept and into practice. For Rojales, design begins long before execution, taking shape through an essential, almost meditative process: sketching.
“Sketching is also a huge part of how I think,” she shares. “It’s where ideas start to take shape before all the details come in. There’s something about putting pen to paper that makes the design more intuitive. It’s my way of problem-solving before we bring the projects to life.”
The Alchemy of Space
Navigating the balance between aesthetics and functionality is an inherent challenge in interior design. But for Rojales, they are inseparable, stating, “I never really separate beauty and function. They have to be in synergy. A space should make life easier and feel good to be in. That’s why my approach is always human-centered.”
She adds, “It’s all about knowing when to go bold and when to keep things subtle, when a material should stand out and when it should just quietly do its job. It’s not just about making something look good on paper, it’s about making sure it works in real life. When you get that balance right, everything just clicks.”
For the designer, a space becomes truly “human” when it tells a story. “There’s a difference between a styled space and a lived-in one,” she emphasizes. “A space feels human when it’s lived in, when it tells a story. It’s not just about styling, it’s about layers of intention, memory, and personal history coming together.”
Many assume that interior design is purely about aesthetics, overlooking the intricate layers that shape a space’s functionality and longevity. Thoughtful design integrates elements like flow, lighting, ventilation, and the natural aging of materials—all while navigating technical and structural constraints that influence the final outcome. Lighting is also a key component of her design philosophy. She approaches it with the same level of meticulousness as any other element.
“Lighting is one of the most powerful tools in design,” she notes. “It sets the tone, brings out the richness of materials, and completely transforms how a space feels. I always say that good lighting doesn’t just illuminate, it creates an experience. It can make a room feel expansive or intimate, energizing or calming.”
Equally crucial is the element of time, a factor often underestimated in the pursuit of efficiency. “Quality design takes careful planning, and while Hurray is known for efficiency, good design still requires space to evolve,” Rojales emphasizes. “The smoother the process, the better the outcome.”
Collaboration and Craft
According to Rojales, the most rewarding design experiences stem from a true partnership between client and designer. When clients embrace collaboration, they allow designers the freedom to refine and elevate their vision, leading to spaces that feel deeply personal and intentional.
As she puts it, “A great client is someone who’s open to ideas, to the process, to trusting the designers. The best projects happen when there’s a full collaboration with trust as the foundation, when clients bring their vision but also give us the space to push it further.”
And the measure of success is far more than just aesthetic appeal. Well-designed spaces must evoke a sense of belonging. It should support a client’s daily life and aspirations, making them feel truly at home.
“For me, a successful project is one where the client walks in and feels like the space was made just for them. It’s not just about creating something beautiful, it’s about crafting a tailor-fit space that supports their lifestyle, work, or even how they celebrate life.”
An Advocate for Filipino Design
Alongside her work at Hurray, she actively shapes the local interior design industry as a Board of Trustees member at the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID). As Executive Director for Professional Development, she drives change by championing initiatives that bridge academic insights with real-world applications. She advocates for innovative educational programs and policies, ensuring the local design community remains competitive while staying deeply connected to its cultural roots.
“I’ve always believed that design is about evolution,” she expresses, “both in the work we do and in the way we shape the industry. With PIID, my goal is to help build a future where Filipino interior designers are more empowered, better equipped, and globally recognized.”
The challenges facing interior designers today are multifaceted, but Rojales sees them as opportunities for innovation. Her efforts center on bridging the gap between theory and practice while advocating for policies that uplift the profession. “Professional development is a huge part of that, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of innovation, craftsmanship, and human-centered design.”
“One of the biggest hurdles is balancing creativity with the realities of timelines, budgets, and evolving client expectations,” she points out. “At Hurray, we navigate this by being solutions-driven, finding ways to merge bold, visionary ideas with practical luxury, making sure every decision adds both beauty and value.”
Going Global
Design is never static—it thrives on exploration, adaptation, and the exchange of ideas. For Rossy Yabut-Rojales, this philosophy extends beyond her own work, influencing how she engages with the global design community. Affiliations with international organizations like the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) further broaden her perspective. Her exposure to diverse design philosophies reinforces her belief in the strength of Filipino creativity on the global stage.
“Filipino design has always been rooted in a deep understanding of materiality, craftsmanship, and storytelling,” she observes. “There’s an honesty to our work, whether it’s in the way we use natural materials, celebrate local artistry, or create spaces that feel warm and inviting.”
Looking ahead, she remains excited about the evolving nature of design. “Right now, I’m fascinated by the intersection of technology and craftsmanship, how we can use innovation to enhance traditional techniques rather than replace them,” she shares. “Materials are also becoming more experimental, and I love the idea of working with unexpected textures and finishes to add layers of depth to a space.” For Rojales, design is a continuous journey—one that is deeply personal, ever-evolving, and always pushing boundaries.
IDr. Rossy Yabut-Rojales’ journey reminds us that interior design transcends mere aesthetics—it’s about crafting environments that resonate with the human experience. Her path, marked by a deep connection to craftsmanship, collaboration, and continuous evolution, illustrates how a holistic, process-driven approach can transform spaces into living narratives.
By merging creativity with functionality, she hones her own definition of design and inspires a future where it is a dynamic dialogue between innovation, culture, and the people it serves.
Read more: R House: Professional Expertise Meets Personal Narrative
Photographer: Dix Perez
Stylist: Geno Espidol
Hair and Make Up: Hanna Pechon
Sittings Editor: Geewel Fuster
Managing Editor: Katherine Lopez
Shoot Coordinator: Mae Talaid
Shot on location at the Mobler Showroom.
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