To be born with an eye for good design does not happen often. It happens to a lucky few, to those who naturally zero in on intricate textures, miniscule details, and feel an innate connection toward pieces that hold significant meaning. The wonderful world of architecture and interior design calls upon those with a discerning eye, and a passion for seeking and learning with no definite end.
For Architect Edwin Uy, principal architect of Edwin Uy Design Office (EUDO), his affair with objects and spaces came on as a natural response, as if it was what he was called to do.
Uy sheds a little light on his background with humble beginnings, “In 2000, I had just graduated from my architecture course that ran for five years. I was tired, so I wanted to take a breather after getting my license.” He recalls spending his days unwinding, soon yearning for another project. “I started out in my parent’s hardware store, helping out some friends of my sister. I offered to help them pick out tiles, like a free designer’s consultation.”
It all began there. Soon, Uy’s passion for interior work sparked, drawing him to seek education in Europe, and finding himself attending workshops in Milan, London, and Paris. This European view vastly expanded his design influences, drawing inspiration not from the great architecture of the Western world, but from his experiences of day-to-day living.
“Since I have a strong love for furniture, I take my design cues from there. A few of my architectural elements have even come from lighting fixtures or chairs!”
For Uy, he finds that the narrative of how a designer is able to translate a concept is most important. For him, objects surround us, and they allow us to experience design on a smaller scale as they are more tangible. They are a great source of inspiration. “It’s better to look into that rather than the end product; to understand the history behind the project. That was one thing I had to unlearn. Europe led me to take references from experience and go beyond the typology of a particular project.”
Uy’s projects speak for itself in terms of experimental proclivity. One of the projects he holds close to his heart is the CDO Ice Plant in his hometown. “It was an existing structure that I was hired to renovate. There was a budget in place but I was able to make substantial changes on the facade and its roofing. That was the first time I incorporated craft on a curved facade with intersecting diagonal frames using square panes of glass. This was where I started experimenting. It was challenging, but ultimately rewarding in the end.”
The unorthodox style of Uy is also seen in his project, House 17, located at the foot of the volcano Mount Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin Island. Uy shares animatedly, “This project is a pure example of regionalism, where I kind of took organic architecture to the next level. All the stone materials in this particular house were actually quarried from the site itself. I made use of these volcanic stones that we dug up and we just cut them and used them on the facade, the pool deck, the driveway, and half walks.”
These concepts are also seen in his taste for furniture brands, with choices spanning from pieces of Danish brand HAY. “I really enjoy its affordability in comparison to other noteworthy brands. The design premise has so much value and it really connects with a lot of people,” Uy says.
For more innovative styles and inspiration, Uy exalts the brand Moroso, “It has this edge when it comes to experimental design and that’s how my practice is also. I love to experiment, I love to play. There’s this element of authenticity as well, which I have been pushing for in my work. They push the possibilities of furniture design and uniqueness.”
Another Italian brand that he admires is B&B Italia. He had the chance to tour its factory and saw firsthand how quality furniture is made. That was when he developed a strong affinity for global furniture brands.
For the future of Philippine design and architecture, Uy sees with fresh eyes. His elements of style are ones to take note of, offering budding Filipino designers to draw inspiration not from completed works, but from the human experience, and understanding the significance of even the smallest of objects. Uy teaches us to see the bigger picture by first learning the story behind it, then writing one of your own.
