Since its establishment in 1967, PSID-Ahlen has empowered students to cultivate a design style that marries innovation with deep cultural awareness. This philosophy has shaped generations of interior designers who value heritage and history as essential elements of their design identity.
“PSID believes that developing a design style is rooted in identifying, recognizing, and applying culture as the core of design identity,” said Pojie Pambid, PSID-Ahlen vice president for academic affairs. “Having an understanding of cultural identity moves future designers into [developing] their own brand of interior design, ingrained in their heritage, culture, and history.”
PSID-Ahlen’s curriculum reflects this philosophy through immersive classes and creative challenges that treat culture not just as a subject but as a design opportunity. Students engage in research-driven outputs that explore global and local influences, resulting in what the school calls “glocal” design.
“PSID always rocks the boat when it comes to giving out design problems,” said Pambid. “One formula is to always create design challenges that fuse one design style with another.”
From studio projects to public exhibits, students are challenged to reflect, preserve, and reinterpret cultural narratives. Notable showcases include 2013’s “OPM: Obra Para sa Musika,” which featured designs inspired by Filipino songs, and 2023’s “PHusion,” a 12-booth exhibit merging global cultural styles with Filipino sensibilities.
This year, PSID-Ahlen is set to launch “Designs of Christmas Exhibit” (D.O.C.E.), celebrating the Christmas spirit through the lens of Filipino and global cultures, combining festive storytelling, cultural context, and design innovation. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
