Inside iPAMANA: A Recap of SoFA's Furniture Design Exhibition

July 21, 2026

Celebrating Furniture Design Through Research, Craft, and Innovation

On July 6, 2026, Furniture Design students from the B.S. Interior Design program at SoFA Design Institute unveiled iPAMANA, a culminating exhibition celebrating original furniture collections inspired by Filipino craftsmanship, contemporary living, and material exploration.

Developed under the guidance of IDr. Khae Manansala, the exhibition brought together the creative work of 13 Furniture Design students, each presenting an original collection developed through months of studio-based learning, design research, conceptual development, prototyping, and fabrication.

More than a showcase of completed furniture, iPAMANA highlighted the role of furniture design within interior design education. The exhibition demonstrated how thoughtful design responds to culture, craftsmanship, functionality, and the evolving needs of everyday living while reflecting the creativity and innovation of emerging Filipino designers.

A Collective Exploration of Furniture Design

Transforming the studio into a curated exhibition space, the students presented a diverse range of furniture collections featuring chairs, lounge seating, benches, coffee tables, side tables, cabinets, vanities, and multifunctional furniture pieces.

Each project reflected an individual design philosophy while addressing key principles of interior design, including ergonomics, materiality, craftsmanship, sustainability, construction techniques, spatial experience, and user-centered design. Visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with the student designers, gaining insight into the concepts, inspirations, and creative process behind every collection.

Together, the exhibition celebrated the collective creativity of SoFA's Furniture Design students while demonstrating how furniture contributes to meaningful spatial experiences and contemporary interior environments.

Learning Through Furniture Design

Furniture design is an integral component of the B.S. Interior Design curriculum at SoFA Design Institute. Through studio-based learning, students explore how furniture shapes the way people experience space while balancing aesthetics, function, craftsmanship, technical precision, and material innovation.

iPAMANA marked the culmination of this academic journey, providing students with the opportunity to present their work in a professional exhibition setting while strengthening their ability to communicate design concepts, technical knowledge, and creative intent.

Under the mentorship of IDr. Khae Manansala, the Furniture Design class explored furniture not simply as functional objects, but as carefully considered design solutions that contribute to the built environment and the future of Philippine interior design.

Featured Student Designers

The exhibition featured original furniture collections created by 13 Furniture Design students from the B.S. Interior Design program, each reflecting a distinct design perspective shaped by research, craftsmanship, material exploration, and contemporary design practice. Together, these works demonstrated the diversity of ideas and creative approaches cultivated through SoFA's studio-based learning environment.

The featured furniture collections include:

Each collection explored different aspects of furniture design, from craftsmanship and materiality to functionality, sustainability, and spatial experience. Collectively, the exhibition reflected the students' ability to transform research and creative concepts into thoughtfully designed furniture pieces that contribute to the evolving landscape of Furniture Design and Interior Design in the Philippines.

Looking Ahead

Several of the featured furniture collections may continue beyond the exhibition through further refinement, production, or future commercial opportunities, as shared by the student designers. While developed as academic projects, these collections demonstrate the potential of student-led design to contribute to the continued growth of the Philippine furniture industry, interior design practice, and the country's expanding creative economy.

iPAMANA reflects SoFA Design Institute's commitment to nurturing designers who combine research, technical expertise, creativity, and cultural awareness. Through exhibitions such as this, students are encouraged to engage with design beyond the classroom, presenting work that contributes to ongoing conversations about furniture, interiors, and contemporary Filipino design. As these emerging designers continue their academic and professional journeys, their collections offer a promising glimpse into the future of Furniture Design and Interior Design in the Philippines.

Continue Exploring iPAMANA

Interested in learning more about the exhibition and the stories behind each furniture collection?

Explore the students' creative process, exhibition catalogues, and behind-the-scenes documentation through the official iPAMANA collective Instagram account.

Follow the iPAMANA Collective on Instagram: @ipamana___

Discover the inspirations, material explorations, and design narratives behind each collection, and stay connected with the work of SoFA's emerging Furniture Design and Interior Design students as they continue to shape the future of Philippine design.

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