MANILA, Philippines — Architects, interior designers, creatives and cultural practitioners are preparing to gather for three major design events in Manila this September and October, with discussions set to focus on Filipino identity, Southeast Asian cities, sustainability, technology and the future of design.
The three events — the International Design Conference, Manila Interior Design Summit and Anthology Festival 2026 — will bring together leading Filipino and international designers to explore how architecture and design can respond to rapidly changing communities and urban environments.
International Design Conference Opens on September 18
The International Design Conference 2026 will take place on September 18 at Foro de Intramuros in Manila under the theme “Designing for the Pluriverse.”
The conference marks the tenth edition of the gathering and will explore the intersection of design, business, technology and public policy.
A key focus will be the challenge posed by what organisers describe as a growing global monoculture — where standardised approaches to development and production can overlook local histories, cultures and environmental conditions.
Instead, the conference will examine how communities can develop multiple approaches to the future based on their own identities and experiences.
For the Philippines, an archipelago with hundreds of islands and diverse cultural traditions, the idea of many different but connected stories is expected to play a central role in the discussions.
The message is that the future of design does not have to follow one global formula.
Manila Interior Design Summit Explores Southeast Asia’s Future
From September 30 to October 2, the Manila Interior Design Summit will bring designers and creatives together across Bonifacio Global City and Makati City.
The event comes as the Philippine Institute for Interior Designers celebrates its 62nd anniversary.
This year’s theme is “Designing New Worlds: Culture, Cities, and the Future of Southeast Asia.”
The summit will examine the role of interior design in shaping how people experience modern spaces and cities.
Discussions will explore themes including:
- Climate-responsive design
- Filipino craftsmanship
- Cultural identity
- Hospitality
- Urban development
- Human-centred spaces
- The future of Southeast Asian cities
PIID President Cecil Ravelas described Filipino interior design as being rooted in warmth, hospitality and humanity — qualities the summit aims to explore further.
Leading Filipino Designers Set to Take Part
The Manila Interior Design Summit will feature a number of prominent Filipino architects and designers.
Participants are expected to include:
- Ed Calma
- Tina Periquet
- Anthony Nazareno
- Anton Mendoza
- Carlo Calma
- Ramon Antonio
- Chat Fores
- Alex Co
- Edwin Uy
Furniture designers will also showcase their work, including Vito Selma, Leeroy New, Iñigo Elizalde, Jed Yabut, Rita Nazareno, Gabby Lichauco and Milo Naval.
A special exhibition marking the PIID’s 62nd anniversary is also planned.
Anthology Festival Returns to Intramuros
The third major event, Anthology Festival 2026, will take place from October 2 to 4 in the historic district of Intramuros, Manila.
This year’s theme is:
“Shared Ground: Architecture of Care, Culture, and Collective Futures”
The festival will bring together architects, designers and cultural practitioners to discuss the changing landscape of design across Southeast Asia.
Its tenth anniversary edition is expected to feature 128 speakers from the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, alongside three international keynote speakers.
The programme will also include:
- Cross-sector discussions
- Regional installations
- Open presentations
- Evening forums
- Roundtable conversations
The festival will explore how architecture and design are shaped by heritage, public life, governance and the rapidly changing nature of Southeast Asian cities.
International Architecture Stars Also Heading to Manila
The festival’s programme is expected to feature major voices from the international architecture community, including Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, Chinese architect Wang Shu and Indonesian architect Andra Matin.
The event is designed to connect professional architecture with the public and encourage wider conversations about how cities should develop in the future.
The focus is not simply on buildings.
It is also about how architecture can influence:
- Communities
- Public spaces
- Culture
- Daily life
- Sustainability
- The future of cities
The three-day festival positions Manila as a major meeting point for architecture and design discussions across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Filipino Design Takes Centre Stage
Together, the three events highlight a growing confidence in Filipino design.
Rather than simply following international trends, many of the discussions will focus on what makes Philippine and Southeast Asian design unique.
That includes the region’s:
- Diverse cultural traditions
- Local craftsmanship
- Tropical climate
- Indigenous materials
- Community-centred values
- Complex urban environments
- Strong connection between heritage and modern life
The events will also examine how designers can use technology and innovation without losing these important cultural foundations.
The future of Philippine design may be global — but organisers believe it should remain deeply connected to its local roots.
A Busy Season for Manila’s Creative Industry
The events arrive during a major period for the country’s wider architecture and design sector.
Manila has continued to host major exhibitions, awards and industry gatherings that bring together architects, developers, furniture makers, interior designers and creative entrepreneurs.
The growing number of events reflects increasing interest in Philippine design and its ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with contemporary ideas.
For emerging designers, the gatherings could also provide valuable opportunities to meet industry leaders, present ideas and take part in conversations shaping the future of the profession.
The Bottom Line
Manila’s architecture and design community is preparing for three major events this season, bringing together leading Filipino and international voices to discuss the future of cities, culture and creativity.
The International Design Conference begins on September 18, followed by the Manila Interior Design Summit from September 30 to October 2 and the Anthology Festival from October 2 to 4.
From Filipino craftsmanship and climate-responsive spaces to technology, heritage and the future of Southeast Asian cities, the events share one major goal:
To show that the future of design should not be built around a single global idea — but around the diverse communities, cultures and stories that make each place unique.
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