Nippon Paint AYDA PH

14/08/2026

Thinking of taking the leap and entering the AYDA Awards? Let our finalists convince you. 🚀

We sat down with AYDA Awards 2025/2026 finalists Huang Tsz Him, Patty Malijan, Shiu Jerome Millian and Jeeshnu K to get their why on what makes this global platform so life-changing for young designers.

👉 Swipe left to watch the clip and hear their advice! 🎥✨

12/08/2026

Beyond the structures and renders, what does the future of design truly look like? 🏛️✨

We sat down with some of our AYDA Awards 2025/2026 judges – Safeer Shersad, Hirante Welandawe, Saivipa Patpongpibul, and Ivy Almario to uncover the mindsets, resilience, and community-driven perspectives from this year’s finalists that give them profound hope for the industry.

👉 Swipe through to explore their honest reflections and core philosophical takeaways on where design is heading next.

12/08/2026

Still reflecting on the incredible architectural showcases at the AYDA Awards 2025/2026 International Finale this past June... 🏛️

We are stepping inside the mind of our Designer of the Year (Architecture) winner, Ejhey Durias.

Watch as Ejhey shares the cultural legacy at the heart of his project, what made his structural design stand out to the judges, and how the AYDA Awards journey has fundamentally reshaped his approach to architecture today.

01/08/2026

Starting August by looking back on a wonderful victory celebration.

Together, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of Patricia Danielle Malijan (Nippon Paint Colour Award Winner) and Ejhey Durias (Designer of the Year), whose inspiring journey continues to blaze a trail for the next generation of Filipino designers.

Here's to creating more stories worth celebrating.

28/07/2026

21/07/2026

DAVAO CITY — A 23-year-old Mindanaoan architecture student made history as the first Filipino to be named Global Designer of the Year in the architectural category at the AYDA International Awards.

Ejhey L. Durias, a student at the University of Mindanao, earned top honors for his project “Banuas Lawod” (Aquaculture Community Hub).

The design selected from more than 9,000 entries across 17 countries and regions preserves the Bajau community’s cultural identity while providing sustainable livelihoods.

The international finals were held from June 11 to 12 in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Converge: Crafting Cultural Legacies”.

The winning design draws inspiration from scallop shells, traditional lepa houseboats, and the bahay kubo. It features flood-resilient homes, aquaculture facilities, rainwater harvesting, and reef-inspired foundations that restore marine ecosystems while protecting against storm surges.

"To take a Bajau home is to take their life," Durias said during his final presentation. "For them, home was never land. Home was the rhythm of tides beneath their feet."

Durias shaped the project through research and interviews with members of the Sama-Bajau community in Davao who faced displacement due to environmental pressures, armed conflict, and social exclusion.

Chen Lee Siong, general manager of Nippon Paint Philippines Inc., praised the project, noting that Durias successfully communicated both the architectural solution and the human story behind the Sama-Bajau community to an international jury.

With the victory, Durias earned a fully funded fellowship to the Design Discovery Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design in Cambridge, Massachusetts, valued at $10,000.

The Philippines also secured recognition in the interior design category, where Patria Danielle Malijan of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde won the International Nippon Paint Colour Award for "KAMPIHAN," a project reimagining playground as cultural spaces for traditional games.

(Photo courtesy of Chaichana Thongsamrit)

21/07/2026

13/07/2026

Legacy.

The word that shaped the journey of the AYDA Awards 2025-2026.

Hundreds of entries sought to define what it truly meant. Countless ideas explored its depth through different experiences, each offering a unique perspective.

Yet only two rose above the rest—Ejhey and Patricia.

Not because they had all the answers, but because their projects weren't born from imagination alone. They were shaped by lived experiences. And by a genuine desire to understand the communities, the stories, and the cultures that give every space its meaning.

For Patricia, it meant design became a language of inclusion—creating spaces where play fostered meaningful connections.

For Ejhey, it meant reimagining how communities can flourish in harmony with the sea.

Two projects grounded in empathy. Two designers driven by purpose.

Patricia's exceptional mastery of colour in interior design earned international recognition through the Nippon Paint Colour Award. Ejhey's visionary approach to architecture captured the competition's highest honor, making history as the first Filipino to be named AYDA Designer of the Year. Together, they showed the world the brilliance of Filipino design.

It all began with projects that sought to preserve and celebrate a legacy. In the end, they achieved something even greater. They created one of their own. Legacy. One that will inspire other young Filipino designers to dream bigger, create boldly, and leave their own mark on the world.

Way to go, Ejhey and Patty! We're incredibly proud of our Nippon Paint Colour Awardee and AYDA Designer of the Year! 🎉

22/06/2026

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Rooted in local stories. Inspired by culture. Designed for impact. ✨

AYDA 2026 officially opens its doors to the next generation of creatives with this year’s theme — CONVERGE: Embracing Hyperlocal.

Calling all Architecture students (3rd Year to 5th Year) and Interior Design students (3rd Year to 4th Year) — this is your chance to transform local identity, heritage, and community-driven ideas into designs that create meaningful impact beyond borders.

Step forward, share your vision, and begin your AYDA journey. 🏆

Register now to access the competition entry kit. Click the links below or scan the QR code to get started.

ARCHITECTURAL CATEGORY:
https://bit.ly/AYDAPHAR2026_REG

INTERIOR DESIGN CATEGORY:
https://bit.ly/AYDAPHIDR2026_REG

12/06/2026

Congratulations to Ejhey Durias of University of Mindanao for being recognized as the 2025-2026 AYDA Designer of the Year — a first for the Philippines! 🇵🇭🏆

An outstanding achievement that reflects your creativity, vision, and excellence on the international stage. Through your work, you have proudly represented the Philippines and showcased the strength, talent, and potential of Filipino designers to the world.

Your journey is a celebration of passion and dedication — an inspiration to aspiring creatives and the next generation of designers who continue to push boundaries and dream bigger.

Along the way, you faced challenges, overcame obstacles, and defied expectations, emerging as a shining example of what Filipino talent can achieve on the global stage.

This historic milestone — the first for the Philippines, and made even more meaningful as it coincides with Philippine Independence Day — is not only a personal victory, but also a proud moment for your loved ones, your academic institution, the design community, and the entire AYDA PH family.

Your achievement serves as a powerful reminder of what Filipino talent can accomplish on the global stage, inspiring future generations of designers to pursue their ambitions with confidence and creativity.

We celebrate this achievement with you and take pride in all that you have accomplished. Congratulations once again on this well-deserved recognition, Ejhey! 🇵🇭✨