Inspired by the abaca flower—the very source of abaca fiber—Heart of Abaca is a three-layered sculptural piece that embodies the evolution of craftsmanship, from raw material to artistic collaboration. Each layer reflects a different stage of the T’boli tribe’s weaving process, paying homage to their deep connection with nature and their mastery of T’nalak fabric.

The T’boli tribe, an indigenous group from the southern Philippines, is renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in weaving T’nalak fabric. Their artistry is deeply rooted in tradition, with patterns and designs inspired by dreams, nature, and ancestral heritage. This piece, designed by Maricris Brias and Jaime Brias, is a tribute to their skill, resilience, and the enduring beauty of Philippine indigenous craftsmanship.

The outermost layer, crafted from raw abaca dipped in pulp, represents the initial stage of the weaving process, where raw fibers are carefully gathered from the abaca plant. This stage signifies the tribe’s reverence for natural materials and the labor-intensive preparation required before the weaving can begin. The middle layer, composed of thin, straight T’nalak strips, symbolizes the transformation of these fibers into a revered textile. This is where the magic of the T’boli’s meticulous hand-weaving comes to life, as they carefully dye and weave the material using the ancient ikat technique to create T’nalak fabric, a sacred textile unique to their culture. The inner layer, made of broader patterned T’nalak strips, represents the final stage of the process—the culmination of tradition, skill, and artistry. The pattern adorning this layer, called “Ikat Vine,” is inspired by nature, reflecting the T’boli people’s deep spiritual and cultural connection to their environment.

Rising upwards in a dynamic form, the piece mimics the organic growth of nature, symbolizing continuity, adaptation, and cultural evolution. It embodies the convergence of heritage and innovation, capturing the collaborative relationship between indigenous artisans and contemporary Filipino designers. Through its layered composition, Heart of Abaca tells the story of the T’boli’s time-honored process—from gathering raw materials to dyeing and weaving—presented in a contemporary form that honors their legacy while looking toward the future.

The Curcuma Lamp is a striking lighting design inspired by the elegant form of the ginger root flower. Crafted entirely from natural materials, it features a handwoven structure that showcases intricate craftsmanship and organic aesthetics. Its collapsible design adds practicality, making it easy to ship without compromising its artistic integrity. The lamp emits a warm, diffused glow, creating a cozy ambiance ideal for modern interiors.

This innovative product was recognized as a semifinalist in the prestigious Good Design Award Philippines 2024, highlighting its excellence in form, function, and sustainability. The award celebrates designs that embody malasakit (compassion), emphasizing creativity and impact in addressing social and environmental challenges. The Curcuma Lamp stands out as a testament to Filipino ingenuity and sustainable design principles.

This handcrafted light fixture draws inspiration from the lush textures of rice fields and moss, embodying nature’s organic beauty. Made from abaca fiber, meticulously shaped into pom-poms, the lamp’s soft, earthy exterior contrasts with its intricate, shiny wire interior—highlighting the craftsmanship behind its construction. The result is a sculptural yet functional piece that brings warmth and texture to any space.

Inspired by the cascading textures of rice fields, this versatile side table merges natural elegance with artisanal craftsmanship. Made from abaca fibers, its intricate detailing and organic forms celebrate the beauty of nature while reflecting the Philippines' rich heritage of handcrafted design. Designed for adaptability, the table can be arranged in two different configurations, offering both functional flexibility and artistic expression in any space.

This innovative bamboo panel design uses recycled bamboo scraps, turning them into versatile, eco-friendly elements for large-scale projects. By cutting bamboo into half-moon shapes, I was able to standardize the pieces, ensuring that any length of bamboo could be used effectively. The result is a customizable system that allows for the creation of intricate patterns and functional design objects, such as stiles and dividers. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also offers endless design possibilities.

Blending urban architecture with natural landscapes, the Rice Fields Pendant Trio is a striking lighting fixture inspired by both the towering silhouettes of New York skyscrapers and the layered textures of rice fields. Crafted from abaca fiber with the same construction as the large rice field-inspired lamp, this trio features three different sizes, creating a dynamic and sculptural presence. The design showcases the harmony between modernity and tradition, celebrating craftsmanship through its intricate detailing and organic forms.

The Mushroom Wall Decor offers a whimsical and nature-inspired element for interior spaces. These decorative pieces are designed to resemble various mushroom species, adding a unique organic touch to walls. Crafted from eco-friendly materials, the Mushroom Wall Decor pieces can be arranged in clusters or as individual accents, allowing for creative customization. Their three-dimensional form adds depth and texture to any room.

These products showcase innovative design approaches that blend functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. By incorporating natural materials and organic forms, they reflect a growing trend towards eco-conscious and nature-inspired interior design.

This is a material exploration with the cast iron sand casting process. I created a cast iron light piece that functions outdoors. Rust builds on cast iron without tarnishing. The more it rusts outdoors the more beautiful it looks. The pattern is inspired by the floral and organic curves of traditional cast iron gates and fences. While the shape of the structure is inspired by the conical shape of light housings. 

Z Shelves

The Z Shelves are an innovative storage solution that combines form and function. These shelves feature a distinctive Z-shaped design, allowing for versatile arrangement and display options. The unique shape creates visual interest while maximizing space efficiency. Crafted from sustainable materials, the Z Shelves blend modern aesthetics with eco-friendly principles.

For an outdoor market in the Philippines, I designed a flower cart that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The market space features the architectural style of an old Filipino house, which became the foundation of my design. Inspired by traditional motifs and local craftsmanship, the cart incorporates elements such as wooden textures, intricate patterns, and native materials to create a cohesive and culturally rich aesthetic. This project highlights the harmony between heritage and functionality, enhancing the market’s charm while providing a beautiful display for flowers.

Shaded Bamboo is a lighting concept that showcases the natural beauty and versatility of bamboo. This design incorporates bamboo stalks or strips to create lampshades with intricate patterns and textures. The interplay of light and shadow through the bamboo creates a warm, organic ambiance. The Shaded Bamboo lighting fixtures emphasize sustainability while bringing a touch of nature indoors.

Moving houses or apartments can be stressful, especially when it comes to transporting large pieces of furniture. This coffee table is designed for college students and who people who are constantly moving apartments. This coffee table transforms from a table to a box in only a few minutes without the need of tools. Three piano hinges allows this coffee table to fold quickly and with ease. 

Created renderings and designs to support the founders communicate their ideas to clients.

Sonos Cloud Lounge Soho,

Day For Night Music Fesival VIP Lounge 2017

Hanging lamp inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces in the Philippines.

Experimenting with wood bent laminations. I made a toy car out of layered wood veneer laminated into these curves. The wheels are turned on a wood lathe. The wheels attach to the car with blocks of walnut. I made three wheels one in the back and two in the front.

Out door bench designed and made with moving parts. 

Hand carved wooden trey.  It replicates the structure and shape of leaves, creating four small bowls within the tray.

Experimenting with cast iron. I carved these two pieces out of wood It was cast out of sand casted cast iron. I then polished the two pieces in different ways. One i milled in the Bridgeport milling machine. The other i polished with a file and experimented with rusting it with salt and peroxide.

Repurposing materials. I chose to repurpose wires that have been thrown away. I experimented with taking wire apart and creating different shapes out of it. I separated the rubber coating of the wires form the wires. I then created this pattern and weaved it together.  

Ready to assemble lamp inspired by ikea furniture and the structure of tension bridges.