IN A sunlit corner, a table is being set with sweet lollies, colorful jelly beans and chocolate coins. There are also small vintage cards that go with teacups. The setup is complemented by a plant wall with blue and violet
roses.

Though you can see the tension in their faces, you know that these interior design students love what they’re doing.

Finally, the students present their Alice in Wonderland-themed Elizabethan Tea Booth, a whimsical spread that also happens to be their midterm exam.

De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (CSB) School of Design and Arts recently launched its independent interior design program. It is now hosting its third batch of students.

“Benilde has a number of things to offer,” says Dr. Vincent Tan, PIID, chair of the CSB Interior Design. “Our faculty is composed of seasoned academics with graduate degrees as well as industry professionals.

The school has state-of-the-art facilities, both in its lecture rooms and laboratories.

“Our Learning Resource Center is probably one of the best in the Philippines, being constantly updated with the latest titles every month,” adds Tan. “We also have small class sizes, a maximum of 20 students. Our campus is quite unique, very conducive for thinking about design and art.”

Asked to describe his studies, sophomore Jerlyn Antinor replies: “It’s very tedious because of all the hard work. To prepare for midterms, we went to Divisoria last Sunday to search for all the things we needed.”

Shayne Lim, Jerlyn’s group mate, adds, “It’s good because it makes us better. It tests how creative we can get.”

But both girls agree: “When you succeed, it’s worth it.”

Doing the ‘actual thing’

But what if you make mistakes? Zylyn Tisbe, also a sophomore, recalls what happened when her work was incomplete: “I experienced having my plate critiqued, but it’s not the kind of criticism which puts people down, but something that develops people further.”

Meanwhile, the juniors have appreciated their classes over the years. Alliana Carlos says, “In other classes, we don’t get to do the actual thing; here we do.”

Beatrice Yusay expounds by describing one class: “I learned so much. It’s not the typical class where we have lectures and discussions. The teacher made it really fun; she used layouts we can really apply in real life.”

Jayralin Gonzales sums it up: “We get to learn and have fun at the same time.”

Leatrice Lu, PIID, a faculty member, recounts her experience with her students: “You see your students pushing boundaries and constantly reaching for greater heights. These talented kids go out of their comfort zones and embrace what is outside of their present realm of experiences. That is the catalyst to realizing their full potential as future interior designers.”

Kyna Santos, a junior in the program, concludes: “Benilde gave me more perspective in life, with all the people I met here, all the professors giving so much knowledge. I feel like I’ll be able to use them in the future. It molded me into a better person.”

Ultimately, Tan hopes that CSB becomes a center of excellence in interior design. “We want our students to be process-oriented, research-driven and promoters of evidence-based design. We really want to change the perception of interior design being just decorative. We want to be seen as problem solvers, that we help improve the lives of people.”

When asked why she chose CSB over other schools, Tisbe says, “In high school, I was really childish. Benilde helped me mature in my own way, without directly telling me what to do. It guided me without pushing us. You really need maturity for life after college.”

Antinor concludes: “In Benilde, they turn ordinary talent into something extraordinary.”

To join the Interior Design program, check the details on the Benilde admissions website (www.benilde.edu.ph/admissions.html), or visit the Admissions Office at the Taft Avenue campus. The Admissions Office is always available to answer any inquiries. Questions can also be posted on FB (www.facebook.com/AdmissionsAtBenilde) and Twitter (@BenildeAdC).

Visit us on Instagram InquirerToBeYou;  Facebook: 2bU; e-mail [email protected]