Cover Chini Lichangco (Photo: courtesy of Chini Lichangco)
Chini Lichangco (Photo: courtesy of Chini Lichangco)
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Manila-based furniture and lighting designer Chini Lichangco speaks about childhood tinkering, sustainable practice and crafting for the modern Filipina home
Long before she became a furniture and lighting designer, Chini Lichangco already had a deep curiosity for how things were made. As a child, she found more joy in sketching and tinkering than in playing with other children—favouring paper, art, and experimentation over traditional toys. That instinct to build and create eventually led her to study Industrial Design at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde, where she learned to transform ideas into objects. Her formative years were shaped under the mentorship of renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue, where she apprenticed and later became a full-time designer. “That’s where I learned different techniques and materiality,” she says. “I loved how he created pieces with a story.”
When the pandemic struck, Lichangco returned to Manila to be with family and found herself asking new questions about her own voice as a designer. The pause became a point of clarity—an invitation to reflect on how to express ideas through objects, and how to craft pieces that are both functional and soulful. Today, her work explores the poetic potential of humble materials like paper and ceramics, often drawing from nature and the quiet rituals of everyday life. “I want people to feel what I feel when I’m in nature—calm and hopeful,” she says.
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What inspired you to start designing furniture?
Since I was a kid, I’ve always loved to tinker and have always been into arts. I love to draw and prefer tinkering over playing with other kids. I’d rather play with papers and stuff. So, when I started college, I found out that De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde had this course called Industrial Design, which is basically what I love doing—tinkering.
What materials do you find most exciting to work with, and why?
I love experimenting with different materials, like paper, for example—it creates a beautiful glow when it's lit up. It’s warm and calming. As for ceramics, I enjoy working with it because you can create different forms. It’s really a matter of finding the right material that resonates with your idea.
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
My inspiration comes from nature. When I lack motivation or experience a creative block, I immerse myself in nature, whether it’s hiking or visiting parks. I find inspiration in the beauty of nature and also in the beauty that life has to offer. It’s not only through nature, but also the whole experience of the small things in life. That’s what inspires me. I want people to feel what I feel when I’m in nature: calm and hopeful.
Related: Architect Lara Fernandez Barrios shows how Filipino design can be cosy with a touch of whimsy
What role does sustainability play in your furniture design philosophy?
Sustainability is a responsibility for all of us, as every day, there’s more trash and waste. I strive to create pieces that don’t contribute to the growing waste in our world. When designing, we should be knowledgeable about the processes and materials we’re using. If we choose a material, we should also understand how to recycle it if it leads to waste. Recycling is a great way to minimise environmental impact, which is why I like using paper—it’s easy to recycle and is a sustainable material.
If you could design a signature piece of furniture that would represent the modern Filipino home, what would it be?
In a Filipino home, there is almost always a Filipina—she’s the heart of our home, our mothers and sisters. I love the duality of being a Filipina because we embody both pride and softness. We are hardworking, yet nurturing. This contrast is something I wanted to explore. I want every Filipina to feel proud of the pieces I create. It’s still a concept I’m excited to bring to life, but I’m not yet sure how I’ll execute it.
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Credits
Interview: Jessica Zapata
Words: (Additional) Jessica Zapata
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is a digital editor at Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
