Audrey Letada: Interior designer uplifts way of life
The spark that began in her childhood suddenly burst into flame. No longer content to simply decorate, she earnestly hoped of designing spaces that uplifted lives.
Daily TribuneThe spark that began in her childhood suddenly burst into flame. No longer content to simply decorate, she earnestly hoped of designing spaces that uplifted lives.
At the Phil International Furniture Show (PIFS)
The trusty armchair-sofa bed.
In Auckland, New Zealand’s Toi o Tāmaki, Auckland Art Gallery.
The expert selects area rugs.
A peacock painting by the designer.
A 3D render of an Audrey Letada-renovated living area.
As the eldest child, Audrey Letada grew up in a home not only filled with warmth, but more so with subtle artistry. Her mother, a graceful homemaker with gifted hands, was her earliest muse. “She was a quiet artist, and our home was her canvas,” Audrey recalled. “I watched her bring beauty to life through crochet, baking, and countless DIY crafts.”
What others might have seen as simple domestic moments, the daughter quickly recognized as an unfolding talent. Her mother’s ability to transform old items into new treasures became the young girl’s first lessons in design. It was, as Audrey fondly says, the beginning of her lifelong understanding that with “a little creativity and a lot of heart, anything can be made beautiful again.”
From a tender young age, while other children played outdoors, Audrey sketched on scraps of paper, got lost in a kaleidoscope of colors, and built worlds from her imagination — one handmade craft at a time. These brief solitary moments would one day lead her to a profession rooted in creating beauty and purpose.
Then came high school, and with it, a turning point. Audrey was introduced to cable TV makeover shows, those captivating half-hours where designers, architects and contractors converted the ordinary into the extraordinary.
“It felt like magic,” she recalled. “I remember thinking, ‘One day, I’m going to create something beautiful — something that radiates purpose.’”
The spark that began in her childhood suddenly burst into flame. No longer content to simply decorate, she earnestly hoped of designing spaces that uplifted lives.
Her pursuit led her to the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID), where she immersed herself fully in her studies. To obtain her desired degree, she transferred to the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, an endeavor which came with a hefty tuition fee.
“My dream felt just out of reach,” she admitted. In faith, she turned to prayer, and soon after discovered the college’s Student Assistance Scholarship. She applied, and with grace and perseverance, was accepted. “The scholarship was my lifeline – but it came with a challenge: I had to maintain high grades to keep it. Failure was not an option.”
Audrey’s aesthetic journey was nurtured by humble beginnings, but inspired by the world beyond her doorstep. Without easy access to the internet, she frugally saved up for design publications — precious finds that opened her eyes to the possibilities of form and function. “The magazines were more than just pages; they were windows into a world of endless possibilities,” she said.
Her inspirations — Martha Stewart for her graceful practicality and Rachel Ashwell for her romantic, shabby-chic sensibility — became touchstones for her growing passion.
With the Lord’s guidance and steadfast resolve, she graduated with her scholarship intact and earned her license as a professional Interior Designer in 2015.
Today, as the head of Audrey Letada Interiors, she continues to create spaces which reflect both heart and harmony. “Design is a reflection of the soul,” she declared, “and a mission to transform spaces and uplift lives. A well-designed home is not just for the wealthy, but for everyone.”
Her approach to every project is deeply personal. “Each one carries its own story, memories, and challenges,” she shared. “No two spaces are ever the same, because no two clients are alike.” What drives her is not just the satisfaction of seeing a completed project, but the journey of discovery — the collaboration, the problem-solving, and the fulfillment of translating someone’s dream into reality.
Audrey discloses the living area to be the heart of every home. “It’s where laughter is shared with guests and where everyday happenings become meaningful memories.” As for her favorite piece of furniture, it is one that embodies both function and comfort. “The sofa or armchair is one of the most useful, suitable for any part of the house,” she explained. “We can customize the fabric, size, and overall appearance to match the desired style for a specific space.”
Of course, no design journey is without hurdles. The most common one, she admits, arises during renovations. “Unlike new builds, renovations often come with existing structures or elements that are outdated or not aligned with the new design vision.” But instead of treating these as limitations, she sees them as opportunities. “We evaluate what can be modified, repurposed, or even integrated into the new design in a way that feels intentional and functional. Sometimes, what initially seems like a flaw becomes a unique feature of the space.”
When not sketching new layouts or overseeing projects, Audrey finds solace in stillness. “I find peace in quiet, intentional instants – whether it’s sipping a cup of coffee, taking a slow walk, or listening to music that soothes or inspires me.”
Her favorite tools are basic ones — her sketchbook and notebook —companions of creativity which never fail her.
If given the chance to travel, she would explore Italy, Switzerland, the United States, and China — each destination rich in design philosophies which inspire her craft. “Every destination and culture offers something distinct,” she muses, “a reminder that beauty is universal, yet always deeply personal.”
At present, she is busy on a mix of residential and modest commercial areas, each with its own unique story. Let’s listen to more of Audrey’s thoughts:
On personal style
“People often ask me about my personal design style, but the truth is, I don’t have a single one. My style is versatile and adaptive because I believe every project is a unique story waiting to be told… The spaces I create are deeply personal — a mirror of the client’s personality, lifestyle and dreams.”
On design process
“My process is a collaborative partnership that unfolds in careful, intentional steps. It all starts with a simple inquiry form, where a client shares the first glimpses of their world through plans, photos and videos… The real magic happens during the design development phase, as we collaborate on presentations and refine the concept until it feels just right… The final stage is a bittersweet moment of truth: verifying all the details, styling the space with thoughtful touches, and capturing photographs that highlight the incredible transformation.”
On design suggestions
“A great design starts with an understanding of what a space needs to be for the people who live in it. Avoid the impulse to overdecorate… The result is a serene, uncluttered home that allows you to breathe, think and live more freely.”
On compromises
“I would never compromise on design integrity and the quality of execution. While collaboration and flexibility are key in any project, certain core elements — such as spatial functionality, material standards and the overall design vision — must be preserved.”
On professional gatherings
“My journey as a designer is a continuous pursuit of inspirations. I make it a point to attend events such as the Philippine International Furniture Show and Worldbex. These gatherings are treasure troves of innovation —places where I discover new materials, furniture, and design trends that help me stay creative and adaptable. For me, a designer who stops learning is a designer who stops growing.”
On advice to aspiring interior designers
“Challenges will come. There are no shortcuts in this field. But don’t be discouraged — each obstacle is a chance to evolve, to get stronger, and to stay deeply rooted in your calling.”
