Meet Gin Panlilio—interior designer and mother of four—who has discovered her voice by transforming spaces with care and creativity. Growing up surrounded by home improvement projects led by her mother, Gin’s fascination with design began early. But it wasn’t until after college, while navigating early motherhood, that she decided to pursue it seriously.
A BA Humanities graduate, Gin enrolled at the Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) shortly after giving birth to her first child. Immersing herself in the creative process and school community reignited her childhood memories and sparked a newfound passion.
Determined to stay present for her children while nurturing her own growth, Gin chose the freelance route. She got her start working part-time with respected interior designer Rene Orosa. “It allowed me to take on small projects while learning from Rene’s approach,” she shares. “The flexibility and creative freedom helped build my confidence.”
This early experience opened more doors, and over time, Gin’s confidence grew. “Experience was my answer to imposter syndrome,” she says, affirming that hands-on learning was key to developing both skill and self-belief.
Problem-solving remains her favorite part of the job. Over the years, she has mastered balancing client needs with her own boundaries, a lesson drawn from both her work and motherhood. “As a mother, I’ve learned to understand people’s needs—both physical and emotional. Children are the best teachers when it comes to human connection,” she reflects.
Gin’s design aesthetic favors neutral palettes—black, white, gray—punctuated by bold accent pieces like colorful chairs or artwork. Recently, her style has shifted toward more streamlined and masculine details, a change she’s embracing while renovating her own home. She’s now drawn to linear, angular designs over soft, curvy silhouettes.
Though some may see interior design as glamorous, Gin is grounded in the reality of the craft. “I thrive in the mess,” she laughs, referencing the hands-on nature of the work. It’s through this immersion and willingness to adapt that she continues to refine her voice and approach.
To aspiring designers, especially young women unsure where to start, Gin offers this advice: “Take the leap. Start with an online class—there are so many free resources out there. Experimental learning is one of the best ways to find your direction.”
From motherhood to mastery, Gin Panlilio’s journey proves that passion, patience, and persistence can beautifully shape both spaces—and lives.
