Filipino design firm, Chat Fores Design Studio, a Philippine-based design firm, has once again demonstrated Filipino excellence on the international stage by clinching the Best Leisure Interior Philippines award at the prestigious Asia Pacific Property Awards 2024-25. The winning project, Azure North Clubhouse, showcases the firm’s ability to create innovative and functional spaces within constraints.
The Asia Pacific Property Awards
This year, judged by a panel of 50 industry experts, the award-giving body saw nearly 1,000 entries from top firms across the region, including China, Thailand, India, and Singapore. Among the winners was Chat Fores Design Studio, whose recognition places them among the region’s elite. The International Property Awards, renowned globally as a mark of excellence in real estate, celebrate outstanding achievements in architecture, interior design, and property development. Chat Fores Design Studio’s success at this prestigious event not only underscores their capabilities but also highlights Philippine design talent on the global stage.
Award-winning design
The Azure North Clubhouse is a scaled-down version of a previous award-winning project by Chat Fores Design Studio. Despite space limitations, the team managed to incorporate essential amenities to serve the residential development’s tenants effectively. Key features include a lounge, juice bar, gym with lockers, and function rooms. A standout addition is the rooftop lounge, which doubles as a yoga area, function space, and bar, complementing the adjacent man-made beach.
“We highlighted the lounge, gym, and lockers since they had the most coverage and are highly used spaces,” Chat Fores, the design firm’s founder explained. The firm’s approach focused on maximizing functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal in these high-traffic areas.
Challenges and Strategies
Chat Fores Design Studio faced unique challenges while designing the Azure North Clubhouse, especially considering its smaller size compared to a previous successful version in Metro Manila. “Due to the much smaller size and space limitations, we had to reduce the amenities to a sizeable amount but serviceable to all the tenants,” explained Ms. Chat Fores.
The studio chose to focus on specific areas to meet the tenants’ needs. The rooftop lounge, a surprise add-on, was inspired by the need for a multifunctional space for outdoor activities. “These spaces had to go hand in hand with the man-made beach right beside it,” Ms. Fores added.
The clubhouse needed to complement the man-made beach, influencing the design decisions. “We took into consideration the colors of the landscaping and the water and brought it into the interior spaces – the blues and the teals to work with the light neutral colors. We wanted a refreshing space to go with the warm tropical weather,” Ms. Fores elaborated.
Partnership and vision
The long-standing relationship with Century Properties has significantly influenced Chat Fores Design Studio’s design approach and success. “Ambassador Jose Eduardo “Joey” Antonio, Century Properties founder, and his sons have their own artistic visions. We all get along with the same vibe and understand each other due to our long-standing relationship,” Ms. Fores noted. The design and construction team of Century Properties, along with Chat Fores’ own construction team led by her husband, Hugo Lozano, ensure the design intent and details are meticulously followed.
Winning the IPA award gives the team momentum to strive harder. “Any project we take on is a challenge and therefore we treat it as an IPA nominee,” Ms. Fores stated, emphasizing the firm’s commitment to excellence in every project.
Future trends and advice
Chat Fores Design Studio is looking forward to exploring new projects and design trends post-IPA win. Sustainability and innovative design are crucial aspects integrated into their projects. “We think of budgets, maintenance, durability, and safety first before aesthetics,” Ms. Fores emphasized.
The Asia Pacific Property Awards challenge developers to design better, with more winners emerging each year. “For aspiring designers, I advise entering work that you think is unique and workable globally,” Ms. Fores concluded.
As the property industry in Asia Pacific continues to evolve, driven by economic growth and increasing consumer aspirations, firms like Chat Fores Design Studio are at the forefront of creating spaces that balance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Their recognition at the Asia Pacific Property Awards serves as an inspiration for other Filipino design professionals and reinforces the Philippines’ position in the international property and design landscape.
