Filled with youth, fresh ideas, high-end designs, and the future of Philippine interior design ahead of them, the Mod and Noble team is undoubtedly making a significant impact in the design industry.
Mod and Noble started as an internet-based furniture brand, focusing on period-style chairs such as the Louis XVI chair. They utilized modern materials to craft timeless pieces, and infused a contemporary twist into classic designs.
As the business of Mod and Noble continued to expand, clients began seeking their interior design consultancy services. For the team, this moment marked the official establishment of Mod and Noble as an interior design firm. With 20 years of combined experience as licensed interior designers, the founders—IDr. Jullienne Iris Taguinod, IDr. Roy Patrick Javier, and Jamelle Hyacinth Taguinod—realized that it was time to transition into a comprehensive interior design firm.
Eventually, they regarded their company as an educational platform for the next generation of designers, envisioning their design studio as an extension of a design school where emerging designers actively contribute to decision-making. Their design portfolio has strengthened with an expanded clientele.
In an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, we delved into their artistic process and discussed how the younger generation, the future of the industry, could learn from their experiences and eventually benefit from their insights.
1. How does your cultural background influence the designs you create for your spaces?
We draw inspiration from a global tapestry of interior design history that traverses eras and continents. Our furniture shapes echoes from the opulent days of the Egyptian empire, infusing timeless forms into our creations. Venturing further, we find ourselves captivated by the elegance of French design spanning from the baroque to renaissance periods. The intricate details of their interiors, the ingenious space planning of their grand castles, and their discerning eye for colors all deeply influence our work.
While our projects harmonize with diverse influences, it's the allure of the French period that often becomes the cornerstone of our designs. The richness and finesse inherent in their design elements resonate profoundly, guiding the essence of many of our ventures. Moreover, we also draw inspiration from the modern pieces of 20th-century furniture, which seamlessly blend into our contemporary projects. However, it's the essence of the French period design that frequently threads through and shapes the soul of our creations.
2. Can you share specific instances where you've drawn inspiration from cultural elements in your interior designs?
We hold dear the Filipino beliefs encapsulated in 'Oro, Plata, Mata,' especially in home construction, particularly when designing staircases. Alongside this, we deeply value the principles of Chinese Feng Shui, meticulously plotting doors and windows to harmonize energies within spaces.
In our design practice, we honor and incorporate our clients' cultural beliefs and traditions. Embracing the Chinese philosophy of lucky colors, numbers, stones, and symbols, we infuse these elements into our projects. For instance, in our featured project, our client's fortunate symbol is the infinity sign. Drawing inspiration from this, we meticulously crafted an outdoor garden. When viewed from above, the design forms the infinite symbol, symbolizing boundless possibilities and continuity.
3. How do you balance functionality and artistic expression when crafting your designs?
Functionality forms the backbone of our designs. Understanding the practical needs of the space, whether it's optimizing layouts for efficiency, ensuring comfort, or enhancing usability, is paramount. We approach each project by meticulously analyzing the functionality required and integrating it seamlessly into the design narrative. Functionality and Artistic expression is a delicate dance where both elements complement each other, ensuring spaces are not just visually striking but also purposeful and practical -- aligning with our design philosophy of Affordable Luxury.
Simultaneously, artistic expression breathes life into these functional elements. It's about infusing creativity, character, and a unique visual language into the space. It's about finding the sweet spot where form meets function. Iterative brainstorming, thoughtful planning, and continuous refinement enable me to strike that perfect balance. Every decision, from furniture selection to spatial layout, is deliberate, ensuring that artistic expression doesn't compromise functionality and vice versa.
Achieving this equilibrium results in spaces that not only captivate the eye but also cater impeccably to the needs and experiences of those who inhabit them.
4. Are there particular art movements or cultural trends that consistently inspire your work?
Our design ethos is deeply rooted in historical influences, particularly drawing from the French period, Greek architectural elements, and Egyptian furniture styles. These timeless inspirations form the foundation of our design language, reflecting in projects of various scales, from intimate interiors to grand architectural endeavors.
What distinguishes us is our steadfast commitment to incorporating original artworks into our designs. Led by our visionary CEO, IDr. Iris, a prolific artist in visual arts encompassing painting and sculpture, we view interior spaces as blank canvases waiting to be adorned. Her creative ingenuity breathes life into spaces, crafting ideas that resonate with our clients' narratives. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that the end-users, our clients, delight in and resonate with their spaces.
In our pursuit of artistic expression, we draw inspiration from abstract expressionism and expressionist movements. Additionally, for sculptural pieces, we collaborate with acclaimed artists like Richard Buxani, commissioning bespoke metal door handles that add a distinctive touch of artistry to our projects.
5. What can you say to young aspiring designers who want to achieve success in the industry?
Dream big, embrace defeat, and learn from it. Fearlessly explore and seek wisdom from those ahead on the path. Confront setbacks, accept criticism, and grow from these experiences. Exhibit maturity in problem-solving, converting negatives into positive outcomes. Organize thoughts to derive positive insights from negative comments.
Craft a five-year plan for yourself; it fosters organization and fuels passion for your pursuits. Above all, remain passionate about your endeavors.