Many join competitions to challenge themselves and prove they have what it takes. By showcasing his creativity and skills, Bonalos is demonstrating that talent and dedication can achieve remarkable results, making his mark in the history books and leaving a meaningful impact on the design community.
Ricardo Noel Bonalos is an undergraduate architecture student at the University of Santo Tomas. His design journey began in high school at La Salle College Antipolo, where he started experimenting with 3D modeling software SketchUp. Like many during the pandemic, Bonalos honed his skill by taking up freelance offers for design rendering projects – enhancing his design sensibilities and adaptability to various spatial requirements.
Initially, Bonalos had no plans to participate in this year’s American Standard Design Awards (ASDA) due to time constraints. However, stars aligned when the deadline was extended, prompting his creative process to commence. Working tirelessly for a month on everything from layout to material choices, Bonalos’ efforts paid off as he was selected as one of the top 10 and eventually chosen to represent the Philippines as its national winner. Ultimately, Bonalos was crowned the Asia-Pacific grand prize winner, receiving a total cash prize of $5,000.
“Winning the grand prize as ASDA 2024's APAC winner exceeded my expectations. I was deeply gratified by the commendations from Antoine Bressyre des Horts during the Q&A, which validated the creativity and effort I had poured into my design,” shared Bonalos. “The awarding dinner was a surreal experience, where I had the privilege of meeting and learning from Lixil's prominent figures. Their insights and suggestions for improvement were invaluable as I reflect on my journey and continue to grow as a designer.”
Your own personal oasis
With the theme “Home Away From Home” in the hospitality bathroom design category, Bonalos designed “SereniScape Retreat: Your Personal Urban Oasis,” aiming to create a “sigh of relief amidst the urban hustle and bustle.”
The bathroom project, measuring 4x2 meters with walls 150 mm thick and an overall space of 4.30x2.30 meters, covers 9.89 square meters. It features a color palette of earthy tones and greens to create a soothing atmosphere, catering to diverse needs – from business travelers, families, or couples. Positioned at the room's side, the bathroom placement enhances the panoramic city view from the bed, balancing urban energy with the room's serene ambiance.
Bonalos focused on sustainability and personalization, areas he found particularly challenging. He chose not to include a bathtub, as it would exceed the competition's 9 to 10 sqm bathroom size limit and to align with water conservation practices. To accommodate frequently changing guests, he incorporated modular design elements, such as adjustable shelving inspired by piano key designs with a 5x5 grid layout, allowing users to customize the space according to their preferences. This approach ensured functionality and a personalized touch for each guest.
“The modular shelving reflects a commitment to thoughtful and user-centric design. By providing adaptable storage solutions, I aimed to meet the diverse needs of guests while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the bathroom. It's a feature that combines functionality with luxury, making the bathroom a place of relaxation and efficiency, tailored to each guest's unique preferences,” Bonalos explained.
What's next for the ASDA 2024 winner?
Bonalos' story is just beginning. With many opportunities ahead, he plans to savor the moment and see what comes next. Whether in sustainable architecture or hospitality design, he is open to exploring projects that showcase his skills and contribute to meaningful work, valuing creativity, sustainability, and user-centric design, allowing him to grow both professionally and personally.
Be creative and innovative, and don’t hesitate to experiment, yet always prioritize safety – these are some of the lessons Bonalos wants to impart to aspiring designers looking to make their mark in the industry. Reflecting on his own experience, he also shares this valuable lesson: “Never doubt yourself; indecision often leads to regret. As we say in Filipino, ‘Nasa huli ang pagsisisi’ (Regret comes at the end). Embrace failure as a catalyst for growth and learning. Dive deep into the design process by envisioning yourself as the end user. If you feel uncomfortable, chances are others will too.”