The CWC Design Center just hit its one-year mark as a go-to spot for Philippine design. What started out as a dream for a creative hangout in Manila has really turned into a lively hub for our local builders and designers to connect.
The anniversary celebration was not just a look back at a successful debut year, but a forward-looking commitment to sustainability and the evolving workplace.
“Designing for Tomorrow”: The MillerKnoll Conversations
The highlight of the evening was a deep-dive panel titled “Conversations with MillerKnoll: Designing for Tomorrow.” Moderated by Issa Litton, the forum featured prominent designers on their respective fields to give their insights about the talk. Present during the event was Kartik Shethia, Managing Director, MillerKnoll APMEA; Cathy Saldaña. Founder & Managing Director, pdp + Architecture; Edwin Gumila, Co-Founding Partner, Group 3 Design Studio; Karen Calalec, COO, Paperspace Asia.
The discussion focused on how workplace culture is shifting in 2026, moving away from rigid cubicles toward adaptable, purposeful environments that prioritize employee well-being and flexibility. A key takeaway was the strategy of maximizing real estate through hybrid work setups, allowing companies to do more with less space while keeping teams engaged.
The panel also touched on the intimate nature of design, noting that furniture is the most interactive component of any building, it’s the touchpoint that connects people to their environment, from the chairs we work in to the beds and hospitality pieces that define our comfort.
A Global Powerhouse of Brands
One of the reasons the Design Center has become such a staple in its first year is the incredible lineup of world-renowned brands under the CWC umbrella. The center serves as a showcase for industry icons including:
Artek, Gufram, Hay, Herman Miller, Lasvit, Magis, Vitra, Walter Knoll, USM, Dauphin, Knoll, and Cappellini.
For any designer or contractor, having access to this level of variety, from the experimental “Radical Design” of Gufram to the modular precision of USM, right here in Manila is a huge advantage for 2026 projects.
A New Standard: The CWC Sustainability Program & Nextgen Iconics
A major part of the event was the official launch of the CWC Sustainability Program and the introduction of Nextgen Iconics, presented by Shaun Yuson (AVP for Products, CWC Interiors).
The message was clear: Sustainability means choosing better. CWC is championing brands that think long-term. The logic is simple but powerful, more durable products lead to less waste, which is the core value behind every piece CWC offers. The program also highlights a crucial part of the product lifecycle: proper furniture disposal and the idea that furniture that can be repaired is the ultimate form of sustainability.
Leadership Perspectives
Frederick Yuson, President & CEO of CWC Interiors, led the ceremonial toast, honoring the community that has grown around the Design Center. Opening remarks by Managing Director Calum Swinnerton underscored the center’s mission to remain a “platform for dialogue” rather than just a showroom.
The CWC Design Center’s first year represents the growing maturity of the Philippine design ecosystem. With its focus on MillerKnoll’s world-class ergonomic research and its new sustainability mandate, the center is an essential resource for any contractor or designer working on the next generation of office hubs and premium residential developments.
As CWC enters its second year, it remains the go-to destination for those looking to bridge the gap between high-end aesthetics and functional, sustainable engineering.
