Living Innovations’ Ferdie Ong transforms a former church into a bold new showroom

The new luxury hub offers a curated selection of the world’s finest brands, such as Minotti, Gaggenau, Bang & Olufsen, Bulthaup, and more.

Living Innovations founder Ferdinand “Ferdie” Ong recently unveiled a new showroom in Mandaluyong—and no Christians were harmed in its making. It was, in fact, an abandoned ground-floor space in a building on Sheridan St., an area that’s home to many warehouses and a smattering of home furnishing showrooms.

He turned a 1,200sqm. boring space into a stunning showroom called Living Innovations Experience Hub. When I point to the series of large windows that look out into the street outside and ask if that was there before he renovated, he said no, they had to build those windows because it was a closed-off wall.

The new Living Innovations Experience Hub in Mandaluyong.

Leave it to Ferdie to do something like this. After all, as a manufacturing engineering graduate from La Salle, he had the audacity to approach a famous Italian brand to ask if he could be their distributor in the Philippines. Then only 22, he was turned down and told the Philippines was not their market. He went to another brand and they, too, rejected him.

Ferdie would have the last laugh because, two years later, they approached him to be their distributor in the Philippines. He said no.

By then Ferdie had found his place in the retail space with Minotti, an Italian furniture company started in 1948 in a small-scale artisan workshop. “They gave me the brand even though I was only 22, and our first showroom for Minotti was only 67 square meters in Forbes Park in 2007.” There is wonder still in Ferdie’s voice when he relates this story.

Cyndi Fernandez-Beltran, co-founder and principal designer of Moss Design House, designed a “A Space to Come Together,” using brands like Dedon and Gandia Blasco.
Mari Jasmine, co-founder and creative director of Hong Kong-based textile brand Flowe, designed a space highlighted by a “she-shed” using brands Tacchini, Knoll, and Lema.

I have had many conversations—a lot of them funny—with Ferdie through the years—about his anonymous clients or the high-end pieces he represents. Like when he first showed me a Minotti sofa in his newly opened BGC showroom in 2017. He mentioned the price as “Three.” I said, “Oh, P300,000 is a great price for this piece,” to which he whispered under his breath, “Uhm, P3 million.”

A luxury hub

Lounge in style: Le Mura Sofa from Taccchini, Barcelona Low Coffee Table from Knoll, Luna Arm Chair from Tacchini, E63 Table Lamp from Tacchini

Double the size of its BGC showroom, Living Innovations Experience Hub, says Ferdie, “is a multi-brand destination for all your home lifestyle needs; we provide both the products and the service to our customers. Our ultimate goal is to provide customers with everything that they could possibly need to create a beautiful home.”

When he unveiled the space, everyone was struck by the six-meter ceiling, simulating a series of living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces for customers to envision their design.

The concept was inspired by Ferdie’s travels to Italy over the years and seeing the integrated factories and showrooms in Meda. “I have learned that work and design have a midpoint and synergy to be able to work seamlessly,” he shares.

Ferdie Ong, Living Innovations General Manager, says customers can work with the in-house designers and simulate their living spaces in the showroom.

“Compared to our other showrooms that transmit the essence of a brand and their designs, the Hub creates a more personalized flavor that combines different brands in one space,” adds Ong. There’s an area with a shop-in-shop concept that retains brand identity so that customers can still identify with each brand. Conversely, there is a “simulated home” space wherein different brands are showcased together to create a cohesive setting.

After almost 20 years of helping create stunning spaces for his clients, Ferdie says his businesses have become multi-generational. “Your clients become your friends, and when their kids are grown up and designing their own homes, they come to Living Innovations too. Not just their children but their cousins, their friends, everyone in the family.”

Multi-brand space

The showroom offers a curated selection of the world’s finest luxury furniture and home furnishings. As such, Filipino architects, designers, and homemakers have likewise come to know and seek out Living Innovations’ wide range of indoor and outdoor furniture, kitchen appliances, and audio-visual products. Here are some of them.

Minotti

A brand that resonates with the finest in Italian furniture design, Minotti was founded in 1948 by Alberto Minotti. Its collections are characterized by clean lines and a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Whether it’s a sleek sofa, an armchair, or a coffee table, Minotti integrates seamlessly into any modern living space.

Bulthaup

Established in 1949 in Germany, Bulthaup has revolutionized the way kitchens are constructed. The brand’s design ethos is rooted in simplicity, precision, and a deep understanding of the kitchen as the heart of the home. Bulthaup’s modular systems allow for endless customization, ensuring that each kitchen is tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the homeowner.

Bang & Olufsen

Founded in 1925, the Danish purveyor of luxury audio and visual equipment is renowned for incredible audio quality and avant-garde design. The brand offers a wide range of speakers, televisions, and sound systems, all having sleek designs and superior sound quality.

Gaggenau

A German brand with over 300 years of history, Gaggenau boasts precision engineering and innovative design, setting the standard for professional-grade appliances in the home. Gaggenau constructed its products not just as kitchen tools, but as “instruments of culinary excellence that inspire creativity in the kitchen.”

Knoll

Known for modernist furniture design, Knoll was founded in 1938 by Hans and Florence Knoll. Its furniture pieces are characterized by clean lines and functional form. Iconic pieces include the Barcelona Chair and the Saarinen Tulip Table, both designs becoming a symbol of modernism. Knoll has collaborated with the greatest designers of the 20th century, including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Eero Saarinen.

Casamilano

Founded in 1998 by the Casati family, Casamilano is known for its luxurious yet understated furniture. Its collections are characterized by their use of high-quality materials such as wood, metal, and leather, along with sophisticated finishes that add a touch of elegance to any space. The brand’s philosophy revolves around creating timeless pieces that enhance the beauty and functionality of interiors.

Dedon

Dedon is a pioneer in the world of luxury outdoor furniture, known for its innovative use of materials. Founded in 1990 by Bobby Dekeyser, Dedon uses unique synthetic fiber that is weather-resistant, durable, and environmentally friendly. This material allows for the creation of intricate designs that are both comfortable and visually striking.

Gallotti & Radice

Known for its pioneering use of glass in furniture, Gallotti & Radice has created a legacy of innovation and elegance that continues to influence contemporary design. Pieces range from stunning glass tables and elegant lighting fixtures to sophisticated seating and storage solutions.

Gandia Blasco

 

The Spanish brand seamlessly blends architecture with furniture design, creating products that are as much a part of the landscape as they are of the interior. Founded in 1941, it originally specialized in blankets before shifting its focus to furniture in the 1980s. Today, Gandia Blasco is known for its outdoor furniture with minimalist designs and a strong architectural influence.

Glas Italia

Modern design and cutting-edge technology achieve new forms and finishes for Glas Italia. Collections include minimalist glass tables and shelving units, striking mirrors and partition walls. Glas Italia pushes the boundaries of what is possible with glass.

LaPalma

Founded in the 1980s by brothers Dario and Romano Marcato, LaPalma is known for its minimalist furniture that is both versatile and timeless. The brand’s collections include a range of seating, tables, and storage solutions that are designed to fit seamlessly into both residential and commercial spaces.

Lema

Founded in 1970, the Italian brand specializes in bespoke furniture solutions. It is known for its ability to create customized furniture that meets the specific needs and tastes of its clients. Lema’s products are characterized by their clean lines, high-quality materials, and a focus on functionality.

Living Innovations Experience Hub is located at 9 Sheridan St., Mandaluyong.

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