Innovative horizons at MIDS 2024: Highlights from the APSDA Awards 2025 and AP-ID-AP Launch

by Aisha Capulong

At this year's Manila Interior Design Summit (MIDS), two dynamic contributions by APSDA made headlines and are set to redefine the region's design industry

The preview of the Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA) Awards 2025 and the official launch of the Asia Pacific Interior Designers’ Accreditation Program (AP-ID-AP) achieved notable reception at the MIDS 2024. Hosted by the Philippines Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) at The Playground Bench Tower in Manila, this landmark event united top interior designers, educators and industry professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region. It underscored the region’s vibrancy and commitment to constantly challenging design frontiers.

Thoughtfully orchestrated to mark significant milestones and inspire innovation within the design community, the evening began with a compelling speech by IDr John Paolo Castro, President of PIID, who emphasized the collaborative efforts of APSDA member economies.

A momentous point of the evening was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official launch of the AP-ID-AP, representing a pivotal move towards standardizing accreditation processes and improving educational standards in the field. Tanya Suvannapong, committee member for APSDA Awards & Competition, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming awards which will offer a platform for designers and architects to present their work on a grand, regional stage. This biennial event is designed to not only celebrate exceptional works but to also encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry professionals.

The evening continued with the official launch of the APSDA Awards, signifying the start of the award registration process for January 2025. Alongside this, the launch of the AP-ID-AP manifests a major step forward in advancing design education across APSDA member economies. The application process is now open to Group A (APSDA Member Economies with a Common Assessment Scheme) and Group B (those without).

The event concluded with a lively networking session, allowing attendees to connect and explore future collaborations — setting an optimistic tone for the region’s design realm. The preview and launch at MIDS 2024 highlighted APSDA’s leadership in driving the future of interior design while celebrating achievements and fostering important dialogues around design innovation and sustainability.

Interested AP-ID-AP applicants can register and learn more about the accreditation framework here.

For more information on the APSDA Awards 2025, please visit the APSDA Awards webpage.

Keep up to date with Asia-Pacific’s design fraternity, APSDA, at www.apsda.org