Iris Taguinod and Roy Javier started as classmates at Mapúa University. With two decades of collective experience as licensed interior designers, they have established a highly respected and esteemed interior design firm now soaring to new heights. 

Mod and Noble, starting out as an online furniture design brand that specialized in upscaling furniture during the pandemic, is now making an impact in the interior design industry. They have designed multiple residential homes, restaurants, resorts and other commercial spaces. 

“During pandemic, nag-boom talaga ang interior design. Why? Because clients stayed at home and mas nalalaman nila ‘yung lifestyle nila at home, so doon pumapasok ang mga interior designers (During the pandemic, the interior design industry boomed. Why? Because clients stayed at home and became more aware of their home lifestyles, which is where interior designers come in),” Taguinod said in a Pairfect interview with Daily Tribune, adding that getting to know their clients and earning their trust through top-notch services have helped them grow their brand into something more innovative and revolutionary. 

Apart from interior design consultancy services, the interior design firm also offers a variety of tailored design services that will cater to each client’s needs and preferences, elevated with a personalized touch that aligns with their lifestyle. 

These services range from entire service interior and architectural design to fit-out construction, interior or architectural consultation and interior styling and staging.

Taguinod, who handles the brand’s design and construction aspect, and Javier, who oversees the furniture and technical design aspect, take pride in their commitment to providing innovative design solutions to their clients. 

“We just cater to the needs of our customers, and once they’re satisfied with us, bumabalik sila sa amin,” Taguinod said, adding that building a trusting relationship with each client is essential. 

As a result, the mutual trust fostered by their top-tier personalized services brings a sense of fulfillment to Javier: “When you provide design solutions to your clients, hindi nila nahahalata na may problem pero through interior design, hindi nila napapansin pero gumagaan na ‘yung buhay nila (They don’t realize that there’s a problem, but through interior design, they don’t notice it, but their lives are improving).”

Learning and loving your passion

Although there have been many negative misconceptions about the younger generation, one thing that makes younger designers stand out is their ability to express their ideas and unique sense of expression. 

With the new generation’s zest for fresh ideas and perspectives, Mod and Noble has also been an extension of a design school. These schools allow young designers to own their voices, be more involved and learn new ideas. 

“Ang maganda sa mga young designers, they really want experience; they have the knowledge and voice their ideas. Two-way street palagi,” Javier said, adding that he pushes his students never to give up and realize their love for design.

Meanwhile, Taguinod acknowledges young designers’ expressive and unique style in their work: “You have your style and then [dapat] makasabay ka sa trend. You have to have your timeless style.”

As interior design becomes a booming career path for the younger generation, Taguinod and Javier recognize that despite one’s burning passion and love for the craft, there will always be bumps on the road. 

“Love what you do and be passionate about it. It’s very important kasi mapapagod at mapapagod ka talaga eh, pero kapag gusto mo ‘yung trabaho mo, kapag gusto mo yung ginagawa mo, babalikan mo no matter what,” Taguinod said. 

Javier also strongly believes in the importance of looking back and being open to new ideas, feedback, and criticism. 

“You just have to love what you do. Kasi minsan, feel ko na susuko ako, pero lagi ko sinasabi, ‘Why did I start in the first place?’ Sinasabi ko rin ‘yan sa mga students ko, [kung] ano ‘yung nagfu-fuel sa kanila to pursue the course. Lahat naman tayo bibigay eh, but you just have to be strong (Sometimes, I feel like giving up, but I ask myself, ‘Why did I start in the first place?’ I also ask my students what fuels them to pursue the course. We all grow tired and weary, but you must be strong),” Javier said. 

“Look for opportunities. Dapat lagi kang uhaw with what’s new and being innovative. Keep learning,” he added.