Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, a subsidiary of Osaka, Japan-based Nippon Paint, recently launched the 2024 AYDA Awards aiming to find potential talents from Architectural and Interior Design students in the Philippines who could later represent the country on the global stage.
With the theme “Converge: Glocal Design Solutions,” the prestigious competition is now accepting entries from Architectural and Interior Design students in the Philippines who could later represent the country on a global stage. The organizers expressed optimism that the talents could also be honed further through cross-learning opportunities and networking with leading industry figures and peers from across the region.
In the recent launching held in Makati City, Chen Lee Siong, general manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, said he believes in the potential of the Filipino students. “It’s thrilling to see how these young designers will once again try to push the envelope in their designs. Their work will not only advance the field but also help address pressing societal needs, reflecting a truly transformative approach,” he said.
Chen said the theme for this year’s competition is aimed to challenge the current group of designers to address emerging trends and global issues with humility and “groundedness” while encouraging the creation of sustainable and resilient designs across three key segments:
- Social — How can our spaces play a role in bringing people together; for safer and more efficient use of spaces?
- Urban Development — How can our spaces contribute to the holistic growth of society without compromising the well-being of its communities?
- Environment — How can we invite nature into our spaces and have direct or indirect positive impacts on its surroundings?
He said a Filipino-led implementing team will soon be conducting a school caravan to formally invite design schools throughout the country and explain to them the mechanics of the contest.
Chen said the team will stress the key role of the mentors as they willnot only guide the students in creating competitive design projects for the awards program but help them to attend a three-week, all-expenses-paid Design Discovery Program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design in the US worth at least $ 10,000 in the program’s June 2026 cohort. This forms part of the package for The Harvard Design Discovery Program to be given to the gold winner/s.
Nurturing the next generation of design talents
Now in its 16th year, Chen said the AYDA Awards embody Nippon Paint’s commitment to develop the next generation of design talents. Over the years, AYDA has solidified its status as one of Asia’s premier design awards, garnering over 50,000 entries from more than 1,300 tertiary education institutions spanning 19 geographical locations globally.
The award’s extensive reach has profoundly impacted the careers of countless young designers, offering participants first-hand industry knowledge, personalized coaching, and mentorship through workshops led by experienced professionals.
Spotlight on recent winners
National winners Bnn Anjelo Tadeja and Maureen Abegail Mendoza recently demonstrated their exceptional talents in a face-to-face competition in Chennai, India, where they competed against top national winners from around the world.
Tadeja, an architecture student from the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, and Mendoza, an interior design student from University of San Carlos in Cebu City, both gained recognition at the AYDA Awards 2023/2024 for their creative and innovative solutions in addressing real-world challenges.
Their groundbreaking projects, “BILAG: From Scattered to Gathered Space for Sunbathed Grains” and “KITA-KITA: A Resilient Community Center,” stood out among the competition. “BILAG” reimagines the use of space through technological solutions that enhance agricultural environments, while “KITA-KITA” introduces smart infrastructure to build resilient community spaces.
Awards and prizes
The AYDA Awards offer a range attractive rewards:
1) AYDA Designer of the Year: One winner per category (Architectural & Interior Design)
2) National Awards: Prize values determined by national teams
3) Immersive Learning Experience: A three-week, all-expenses-paid Design Discovery Program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, worth up to USD 10,000 (June 2026 cohort)
4) Silver Award: Cash prize + Internship opportunities
5) Gold Award: Cash prize + Internship opportunities
6) Honorary Mention (x2): Cash prize
7) Nippon Paint Colour Award: Cash prize of $1,000
8) Best Sustainable Design: Cash prize of $1,000
9) Best Design Impact: Cash prize of $1,000 The National Gold Winners will represent their countries at the AYDA International Awards in June or July next year.
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