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Constantly reinventing herself to pursue the limitless possibilities in the realm of interior design, Dr. Raquel Baltazar-Florendo has risen through the ranks to become a prominent name in the industry. She is currently the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.
“One’s worth is reflective of one’s body of work,” Dr. Raquel candidly shared. Women empowerment already exists in the interior design profession, she said, and gender equality is a given. “As creative professionals, this perspective is integrated into us.” It’s not so much a fight for women’s seat at the table as it is an individual challenge to adapt to trends while remaining true to one’s design values.
Filipino Culture and Design Remain Intertwined
“The industry is trend-driven. However, we must remember our unique constant framed by culture.” Dr. Raquel has been a registered professional interior designer since 1994. She emphasized the need for a balance between openness to novel design ideas and an unwavering commitment to one’s principles.
“Interior design is a unique niche in empowering people and communities. I choose to be an interior designer due to the personal and intimate opportunity to enhance lived spaces — attuned to the components of authenticity, comfort, functionality, and effective support to both daily life and work.”
Dr. Raquel grew up in a family that engaged in construction and design. Her parents were creative and hands-on in the trade. Having been exposed to interior design since she was young and eventually obtaining her Ph. D. in Philippine Studies, Dr. Raquel developed a Filipino-conscious mindset, shaping her design brand. This mindset is also reflected in her published works — Las Casas Bajo De Las Campanas: A Socio-Cultural Approach to the Study of Interior Spaces of Principal Dwellings in Vigan: Ilocos Sur (2012) and Interior Design in the Philippines: A Retrospect of Spaces and Culture (2014).
“Filipino interior design must be anchored on our culture as the driven maintenance mechanism to preserve it,” she remarked. “We must be introspective to retain our Filipino lens, not only in aesthetic components but significantly in substantive reflection of our Filipino lifeways.”
Good Intentions Require Measurable Initiatives
In 2014, Dr. Raquel was named the Outstanding Professional of the Year for Interior Design by the Philippine Regulation Commission. Last March 2023, she was awarded the Italian Embassy Design Award for Interior Design Education. These reflect her commitment to improving Filipino lives.
Dr. Raquel worked with Dr. Adelaida Mayo, former dean of the UP Diliman College of Home Economics, and some of their students in rehabilitating spaces in financially challenged institutions. The project’s various iterations include Project Akbay, which renovated a center to uplift the lives of street children, and Tinig: Design That Speaks, which renovated My Children’s House of Hope (Bahay Bata 127).
“Interior design must collaborate with other creative disciplines to have common measurable outputs that define and direct initiatives to improve Filipino industries and communities. The most critical components are policy-making and governance, which will set standards of excellence and viability.”
This statement ties together with what Dr. Raquel said at the inaugural Lamudi Roundtable on November 17, 2023, about implementing new practices and supporting new initiatives. She noted the importance of developing an advocacy program that infuses the community and remains aligned with one’s priorities.
In this regard, how does the first Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development of UP Diliman promote responsible design and ensure effective project management?
“My leadership goals are simple. Gear your team for what is essential, immediate, and necessary. Model your work ethic to your team, and the result will qualify itself. What can be measured gets done.”
“My leadership goals are simple. Gear your team for what is essential, immediate, and necessary. Model your work ethic to your team, and the result will qualify itself. What can be measured gets done.”
In Any Scenario, Learn to Go with the Flow
During the 2023 Italian Design Day in the Philippines, Dr. Raquel was recognized by the Italian Embassy for her exceptional service to the interior design education field. The Italian Embassy Design Award for Interior Design Education highlighted her commitment to nurturing student growth and development in preparation for their future in the design world. To students and professionals who wish to follow in her footsteps and make their own mark in the industry, here is a page out of her book:
“Every day, set aside intimate time with yourself. Look in the mirror. You can discern if you are happy and at peace with yourself. Your choices, you live with it.”
“Every day, set aside intimate time with yourself. Look in the mirror. You can discern if you are happy and at peace with yourself. Your choices, you live with it.” And regardless of the path you take, Dr. Raquel would say, “In any endeavor, always have several options and go with the flow.”
Get to know more women leaders. Read Rosemarie Bosch Ong’s take on women in charge here.
