Aevan Georgeline De Jesus, a talented fifth-year Interior Design student from De La Salle – College of St. Benilde, has proudly claimed the top honor at the prestigious American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2023. This renowned competition for students aims to showcase the transformative power of design in creating bathrooms that not only provide a space for relaxation and rejuvenation but also foster a sense of love and inclusivity for every member of the family.
Themed “A Home to Love, A Space for Everyone,” the ASDA competition, organized by American Standard, a part of LIXIL, emphasized the significance of multi-generational living by emphasizing design elements that prioritize hygiene, ergonomics, safety, and convenience for individuals of all age groups, ranging from children to parents and grandparents.
De Jesus’s winning design, titled “The Grid: Close Family Ties, an Ode to the Warmth of Home,” triumphed over 300 other entries, all of which focused on the importance of bathroom aesthetics in urban living and high-density housing. Esteemed judges, including Hermie Limbo, leader of LIXIL Water Technology (LWT) Philippines; Cynthia Almario, creative director and co-founder of Atelier Almario Corporation; Architect Cathy Saldaña, CEO of PDP Architects; and Arvin Pangilinan of WTA Architecture and Design Studio, representing principal architect William Ti, evaluated the submissions.
Inspired by the warmth and intimacy of close family bonds found in Asian homes, De Jesus’s design featured a segmented bathroom layout that allowed users to carry out their tasks without waiting for others. The functional floor plan encompassed a shower area on the left, a toilet on the right, and a basin area with an integrated laundry station opposite them. Additional features included a vanity set with hanging rods, a tall mirror, and a house plant on the left side, as well as a reminder board on the right side for organizing family activities.
To evoke a warm and inviting ambiance reminiscent of Filipino homes, De Jesus utilized colors, materials, and finishes that mimicked the appearance of Capiz, incorporating elements such as opaque glass and wood panels. Complementing the overall design, De Jesus incorporated American Standard products known for their practicality and suitability for every household member, ranging from children to parents and the elderly. Notable selections included the Signature Vessel EasySET Exposed Shower Auto Temperature Mixer with Integrated Rainshower Kit (3-Way), Acacia Evolution High-Spout Basin Mixer (Side Lever), and Acacia SupaSleek One-Piece Toilet (S-Trap 305mm).
As the national winner, De Jesus advanced to the Asia-Pacific (APAC) round, where her design faced evaluation from a regional panel of judges, including Satoshi Konagai, LWT APAC leader; Antoinne Besseyre Des Horts, LIXIL Global Design Asia leader; and Jihae Kim, LWT APAC leader, Category Management. The APAC grand winner was ultimately awarded to Sin Ponleu from Cambodia.
Apart from De Jesus, fellow De La Salle – College of St. Benilde students also made their mark in the competition. Apryl Precious Gem Estavillo, a fifth-year Architecture student, secured second prize at the national level for her project “BeYou.nd,” while Margaret Therese Hagad, a fifth-year Interior Design student, claimed third place with her entry “Weathering Walls.”
In addition to the main awards, five special recognitions were presented. Deinell Khryzian Belen, a second-year Architecture student, received the National People
