Innovation Through 13 Years of Design
With 13 years of design under their belt, we sit down with Hurray’s Founders, Principal Designer, IDr. Rossy Rojales, PIID and, Managing Director, Robert “Bong” Rojales, and reflect on the past 13 years, their goals for their future, and where they get inspiration for premium interior design.
How do you feel about celebrating 13 years? What stands out to you in the last year? How did it strengthen the company and its vision to design with delight?
IDr. Rossy: Like every year, I look back to how the company and I have changed. For me, what matters is that Hurray continues to innovate to adapt to the current times.
Bong: Every year is an achievement, more than survival. Our goal is always to get better, to learn and unlearn and relearn, to innovate, to improve the quality of our output, to have major process improvements, and most of all to go beyond customer expectations who also are increasing their expectations. Who we are years ago, our younger self is still there but we have grown and matured a lot.
Partners in Design, Hurray’s IDr. Rossy Rojales, PIID and Bong Rojales continue to evolve through the changing times
For you IDr. Rossy, how has your design style and design process evolved between Year 1 and Year 13?
IDr. Rossy: In general, I think my design style hasn't changed much. I'm still attracted to bold colors and patterns. What changed for me is my eye for quality. As I got older, I now have a more discerning eye for quality and don't like settling for anything less. As for my process, I don't think a lot has changed either. I still follow a design thinking process and that's what has guided me throughout these years.
It's been said that mistakes are some of the best teachers. Are there memorable ones that you've made that left you with indispensable lessons over the course of your career?
IDr. Rossy: Every finished project leaves a lesson. When a project is closed, we have a SGR or a stage gate briefing where all of us meet to discuss how we can learn from the mistakes and the success of each project. Lessons learned is a valuable tool for a company and its people to improve.
“There is no one secret ingredient. For me, it should be the right mix of the following: Grit, Innovation, Curiosity & Empathy. “ - IDr. Rossy
The design process often starts with inspiration to get those creative juices flowing. Where do you go/who do you turn to to get inspired as a designer?
IDr. Rossy: Design books and travel remains my top source [of inspiration.] I've been collecting hard bound books since I was in college and books bring me to different places. In a way, it's also like traveling.
What would you say is your most valuable asset as an Interior Designer?
IDr. Rossy: There is no one secret ingredient. For me, it should be the right mix of the following: Grit, Innovation, Curiosity & Empathy. These on top of your technical and social skills. It's a lot.
What are your staple, can't-design-without-them, tools? Coffee counts!
IDr. Rossy: My pens and sketchbook or iPad, music and good lighting!
13 years [in the industry] is no easy feat! In what ways would you like to see the local design industry grow? How do you see Hurray taking part in this vision?
IDr. Rossy: Looking back, there has been a big improvement in the design industry, specifically in Interior Design. My dream for my industry is for the profession to have more guidance in ethics and professionalism. As a committee member of PIID, the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers, this is one of the topics I want to bring to the table.
For both of you, what direction do you want to take Hurray next?
IDr. Rossy: I'd like to expand the services to be able to meet the demand of some of our clients. It's currently in a trial stage and so far we see a big potential!
Bong: We do yearly planning and identify where our gaps and areas to improve on, based on our customers' experiences. There is always room to grow. This year, it's coping with the hybrid workplace as we slowly get back to more face-to-face meetings. We also need efficiency and speed as costs are going up for the clients and being able to get things done faster helps both us and the clients.
“Our goal is always to get better, to learn and unlearn and relearn, to innovate, to improve the quality of our output” - Bong Rojales
What improvements are you planning to apply to the company?
IDr. Rossy: I'm all about process innovation. Every year, I take a step back and see what are the weaknesses of the company and try to tweak the system to make the company more efficient. My lips are tied, but one thing I'm excited about is a new department I'm building that will potentially speed up the whole process of design!
Bong: Design services need to be more professional, it also needs to be profitable for other designers. A higher level of design and output, and client appreciation and respect is important for the industry to thrive. We hope to influence the rest of the industry by also being active in professional organizations as well as showcase our design practice as a model for others.
You have had an incredible career with an impressive roster of clients. If you could shoot for the moon, what other big dreams would you have for Hurray as a firm?
Bong: Most of our clients are referrals from very satisfied clients. So, they will come as long as we do a good job. We hope to do more corporate offices again as the market recovers. Hospitality and real estate development are areas we are also excited about!
IDr. Rossy: Eventually, if there is a way to represent the Philippines and Interior Design to a global audience that would be awesome! Maybe a project that will let me stay in a dream destination for like a month? Like France, Copenhagen, Melbourne or Italy? Haha! If I can bring my family too, that would be great!