Now Accepting Applications for AY 2027–2028 (February 2027 & August 2027 Intakes)

Healing by Design: CURA Design Collective & IWTS Transform PGH's Adult Leukemia Ward

Last September 25, 2026, the Adult Leukemia Ward at the Cancer Institute of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) celebrated a transformative milestone: the inauguration of a newly redesigned space built around human dignity, patient well-being, and healing-centered design. Titled Healing by Design, the project demonstrates how interior design extends beyond visual appeal to respond directly to the emotional and physical needs of people navigating life’s most vulnerable moments.

The redesign was brought to life by CURA Design Collective, a group formed by graduates of SoFA Design Institute’s Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program. Working in close collaboration with Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the I Want To Share (IWTS) Foundation, the collective applied rigorous spatial planning and evidence-based design to support patients undergoing intensive leukemia treatments.

For SoFA Design Institute, this inauguration represents a powerful milestone: seeing design education, empathy, and technical expertise translate into tangible social impact with a direct human touch.

Designing Spaces That Care

Healthcare environments demand a precise balance of clinical efficiency, accessibility, emotional comfort, and safety. For patients undergoing extended cancer treatment, the environment becomes an integral part of their daily care directly influencing stress levels, rest quality, and interactions with loved ones and care teams.

Through CURA Design Collective approached the ward with an acute understanding of these requirements. The design team prioritized the human experience, examining how spatial layout, lighting, acoustic control, and soothing color palettes could make a high-stress environment feel calm, organized, and reassuring.

“We’re Cura Design Collective — a group of interior design students from SoFA Design Institute designing spaces that care".

We focus on healing-centered interiors for healthcare environments and underserved communities, guided by the belief that design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how people feel.

For us, interior design is a form of empathy, advocacy, and giving back. One thoughtful space at a time.” — CURA Design Collective

While interior design cannot replace medical treatment, a carefully considered environment restores dignity, reduces anxiety, and creates an atmosphere where healing can take root.

A Collaboration Rooted in Care

The realization of CURA Design Collective illustrates the extraordinary impact of cross-sector partnership:

  • Philippine General Hospital & Cancer Institute: Provided clinical expertise, contextual feedback, and dedicated facilities to ensure the space meets strict healthcare standards.

  • I Want To Share (IWTS) Foundation: Facilitated essential funding, coordination, and community support to bring the vision to life.

  • CURA Design Collective & SoFA Design Institute: Contributed spatial strategy, design research, interior design layout, and material selection tailored to therapeutic settings.

SoFA Design Institute extends its deep gratitude to the I Want To Share Foundation for its steadfast advocacy for Filipino cancer patients, and to PGH for trusting our alumni with this vital space.

The Minds Behind CURA Design Collective

Behind this initiative is a dedicated team of SoFA Interior Design graduates who donated their skill, time, and creative vision to transform public healthcare:

  • Jackie Mae Anicoche

  • Ritz Charles Beltran

  • Denise Caramoan

  • Kimberline Jean Co

  • Karina Antonette Constantino

  • Maria Michaela Ferrer

  • Jorgette Flores

  • Kathleen Medina

  • Charmaine Danielle Mercado

  • Minh Phuong Nguyen

  • Aldous Gabriel Pelobello

  • Samantha Marie Reyes

  • Ma. Pauline Sac

Their collective effort reflects the true nature of meaningful design: great spaces are never built in isolation, but through shared vision, rigorous iteration, and genuine care for the end-user.

Design as Purpose

The inauguration of the Adult Leukemia Ward is more than the opening of a renewed facility; it serves as a model for how design can serve public institutions and underserved communities.

At SoFA Design Institute, we prepare designers to look beyond aesthetics. Through technical training, material exploration, and human-centered research, our programs empower students to address real-world challenges with intention and compassion.

Because interior design is not merely about the spaces we create it is about the lives those spaces uplift.

Shape the Future of Interior Design

Are you ready to create spaces that make a difference? Explore the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design program at SoFA Design Institute and discover how a foundation in design education can turn your creative vision into meaningful impact.

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS

🎨 BA Fashion Design and Marketing
🏠 BS Interior Design
🛋️ BS Interior Design-Professional
📖 Specialized Programs
📒 Pre-College Programs
✂️ Short Courses
🖌️ Workshops

Enroll today!
📲 Contact our Admissions Office:
📧 admissions@sofa.edu.ph
📞 0917 539 7574 / 0917 501 8136 

📍 2nd Level, The Proscenium Retail Row at Rockwell, Makati City, Metro Manila

Back to SoFA Bulletin Board