In interior design, imagination fuels value — and collaboration turns vision into impact. Leading this creative movement in the Philippines is the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), the official home of the country’s licensed interior designers. 

On a recent episode of DAILY TRIBUNE’s Pairfect, host Dinah Ventura sat down with PIID national president Cecil Ravelas, secretary Iris Ann Ocampo and treasurer Honey Mutia Cervantes for an inspiring conversation on leadership, innovation and the shared vision shaping the future of the design profession.

Unexpected turns led them to the same destination

From the outset, their camaraderie was evident — a harmony forged by shared values, divine timing and a deep-seated passion for interior design. For these leaders, their paths to PIID were neither linear nor predictable. Each encountered unexpected turns, but they all arrived at the same destination: leadership with purpose.

For Ravelas, membership in PIID began the moment she earned her license, as mandated for every practicing interior designer in the Philippines. But her journey from being a self-described “delinquent member” to president of the prestigious organization highlights her growth and dedication. Ocampo’s path included a detour into the fashion and modeling industry before returning to interior design, guided by prayer and a belief in divine intervention. Cervantes, meanwhile, described the serendipity of stepping into leadership alongside her colleagues, emphasizing that their collaboration felt “meant to be” from the very first board meeting.

This sense of destiny underscores their collective philosophy: leadership is not just about titles, but about purpose and service. Ravelas envisions elevating the profession both locally and globally, building on the foundations laid by previous PIID boards. “After the pandemic, the organization had to sustain itself. The previous board made a turnaround and our current board elevated it further,” she explains. “Now our challenge is to deepen and expand, bringing Filipino interior designers to the global stage.”

As the bridge stretches across…

With nearly 2,000 members across the Philippines, PIID is not only a professional body but also a support system for interior designers at every stage of their careers. “We want to engage all members, from young designers to our senior practitioners,” says Ocampo. Cervantes adds that part of their role is ensuring financial transparency and equitable distribution of resources, so every member benefits from the organization’s initiatives.

This approach extends to the institute’s programs, including the FIDE platform — Filipino Interior Design Excellence — which seeks to cultivate skills, foster mentorship and provide guidance for both aspiring and established designers. “Interior design is not glamorous in the way people think,” Ravelas notes. “It requires constant learning, communication and emotional intelligence. FIDE supports our members in navigating these challenges gracefully.”

All in one power

The trio is candid about the realities of the profession. Interior designers are often expected to balance multiple stakeholders, from clients to construction teams  and manage emotionally charged situations. “Sometimes we’re counselors, mediators, and problem-solvers all at once,” Cervantes admits. Ravelas agrees, emphasizing that creativity comes with responsibility. Despite these pressures, their shared passion for design transforms challenges into opportunities for growth.

Their leadership style is deeply human. They prioritize wellness, mental health, and mentorship, recognizing that many interior designers — particularly freelancers — face isolation and stress. Programs that include meditation, wellness workshops, and peer support are on the agenda, reflecting a commitment to holistic professional development. “It’s about more than earning continuing professional development points,” Ocampo explains. “It’s about gaining competency and connecting purposefully with our work and our peers.”

Beyond aesthetics

Equally important is the philosophy that design is not only aesthetic but also functional and healing. The leaders emphasize that spaces should reflect the people who inhabit them, nurturing their well-being. “We are catalysts for change,” Ravelas explains. “What people see first thing in the morning affects their mindset. A thoughtfully designed space can transform everyday life.”

This dedication to purpose extends to mentorship and intergenerational learning. Ravelas encourages young designers to actively engage with PIID, attend events, and interact with peers and seniors alike. Cervantes stresses the value of listening and learning from each other, noting that guidance flows both ways between experienced and younger designers.

Even their leadership preparation involves deliberate reflection and discipline. Ravelas, who typically spends holidays abroad, intentionally unplugged from social media to prepare for the demanding responsibilities of the year ahead. “I wanted to condition my mind and heart to be fully present for this role,” she shares. It’s this blend of preparation, spiritual alignment, and strategic vision that enables them to manage the organization’s growth, foster collaboration, and elevate the profession.

Spaces with purpose — to live and to stay

As the conversation winds down, the leaders share a simple yet powerful message: purpose, passion, and connection are central to both design and leadership. Whether shaping interiors, mentoring peers, or expanding the reach of PIID, their commitment is unwavering. “We don’t just design beautiful spaces,” Ravelas concludes. “We create spaces with purpose  and that purpose is for the people who inhabit them.”

In an era where interior design increasingly intersects with wellness, sustainability and global standards, the vision and leadership of PIID’s trailblazers illuminate a path forward. They demonstrate that excellence is not merely technical, but also relational, ethical and transformative — a philosophy that will continue to elevate Filipino interior design for years to come.