Daikin Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), recently launched the Daikin Designer Awards (DDA) Asean 2026 in the Philippines.

As a regional initiative, DDA was first conceived for Indonesian architects and interior designers in 2020. “Since then, it has evolved into a platform for highlighting young, upcoming talents in interior design and architecture,” says Arianne Lamug, Daikin Airconditioning Philippines Inc.’s general manager. The DDA also created opportunities for both the brand and the design community to come together with a shared goal of seamlessly integrating indoor quality air into contemporary living spaces.

In 2025, designers from Malaysia were also invited to participate. “This is the first time that the Philippines will be joining the Design Awards as the competition continues to expand its reach across the ASEAN region,” adds Lamug.

“The competition is open to all professionals and students,” Lamug explains. “Participants can send finished projects or conceptual designs for residences or commercial spaces.” She further states that through this design initiative, the depth, range, and character of Filipino talent are expected to shine through. “As Filipinos, we are known for our creativity, resourcefulness, and spirit of innovation. The DDA is the perfect stage to showcase local talent, especially our young, emerging designers.”

For the execution of the competition, Daikin Philippines partnered with PIID, underscoring a long-standing commitment to elevating design standards and promoting smarter, sustainable environments. “Even before the DAIKIN Designer Awards, we have been working closely with the PIID to push forward our mission of improving air quality through design,” Lamug clarifies.

Cecil Ravelas, PIID president, will join this year’s panel of judges, the lone Filipino jury, composed of esteemed interior designers and architects from the region.

“It is a call for the design community to find solutions and push the boundaries, especially at a time when quality of air is becoming more and more of a concern,” says Ravelas. “The DAIKIN Design Awards emphasize how the quality of air is an important factor in good design. Most importantly, it is a chance for us to bring out the voice of the region, share our local narratives, and become a part of this important conversation around designing for quality air.”

For the Daikin Designer Awards, architects, interior designers, and students from the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia may register at https://daikindesignerawards.daikin.co.id/pre-register until August 31, 2026. Conceptual and completed projects across residential and commercial spaces are welcome.

The partnership between Daikin Philippines and PIID also delivered the recently concluded edition of Designing Cool Spaces, a lively talk on how design helps shape and experience spaces.

The gathering brought together designers, architects, and even homeowners to discuss topics such as AC Fundamentals for Better Spatial Planning, Integrating Airconditioning into Interior Spaces, and Outdoor Unit Planning Strategies, just to name a few. “The series of talks explores how design and smart cooling can work hand-in-hand,” Lamug explains.

Following the brand’s philosophy of “Perfecting the Air” through environments that feel balanced, comfortable, and soothing to the senses and through events like these, Daikin goes beyond its role as a provider of cooling systems, establishing itself as a partner of the design community.