How Liquid Interiors Founder Rowena Gonzales' Filipino-Canadian Background Shaped Her Passion for Sustainable Interior Design

Led by designer Rowena Gonzales, Liquid Interiors boasts a diverse portfolio ranging from bespoke residential, residential development, workplaces, education, community to wellness spaces with works located in Hong Kong, China, and Europe.

With a founding mission to bring sustainability to city living, Liquid Interiors is guided by sustainability and wellness in the built environment, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and the WELL Building Standard, bringing emotion and meaning to every space in a sophisticated and modern way, balanced with nature.

Can you describe your design ethos?

Liquid Interiors' design ethos is rooted in sustainability and the belief that the built environment has a profound impact on our well-being. This ethos has evolved over Rowena Gonzales' career, driven by her Canadian background and personal experiences.

Growing up in Canada, Gonzales was influenced by her father's upbringing on a rice farm in the Philippines, where nothing was wasted and the consequences of toxic practices were evident. This mindset of sustainability has remained with her throughout her life. When she started her business 14 years ago, sustainability was already a top priority for her. Two years into her business, Gonzales's nephew became a cancer survivor. This personal experience motivated her to deepen her understanding of how the built environment affects well-being. She pursued further studies as an interior designer, specifically focusing on the science behind the built environment and its impact on health. This led her to become a WELL AP, gaining expertise in designing spaces that promote wellness.

Becoming a mother further reinforced Gonzales' commitment to her design principles. She not only applied these principles in her own life but also became more sensitive to inspiring others to embrace healthy and sustainable lifestyles in a creative and enjoyable way.

Today, Liquid Interiors practices their design ethos in all their projects, whether it's designing individual homes, offices, or family entertainment spaces. Their approach considers the environmental impact of design choices, promotes well-being through optimized indoor environments, and seeks to inspire others to lead healthier, more sustainable lives.

In summary, Liquid Interiors' design ethos has evolved over the years, influenced by Gonzales' Canadian upbringing, her family's commitment to sustainability, personal experiences, and a deepened understanding of the science behind the built environment's impact on well-being. Sustainability and promoting health are central to their design principles, which are applied in a creative and engaging manner to inspire positive change in the lives of their clients.

Which project(s) are you most proud of this year?

Liquid Interiors takes great pride in its work and has had the opportunity to work on several remarkable projects this year. Among their favorite projects are "Urban Hytte: Nordic Haven" and "Organic Minimalism," two luxury residential homes that showcase their design expertise and commitment to excellence.

If not an interior designer, what would you rather do?

If not an architect, I would be drawn towards humanitarian work. I have a deep compassion for uplifting communities and addressing societal issues. Perhaps I would actively engage in urban planning or contribute to organisations that strive for equitable city development

Can you name a book, movie, or music track that has significantly inspired your designs?

Earthshot: How to Save Our Planet by Colin Butfield. Sustainability has always been part of what makes me complete with this planet. I would have to say that over the years during COVID I started to loose hope as piles of plastic testing kit waste seemed like it would never stop growing. But this book gave me light, hope and optimism when I felt the most insignificant. It inspired me to think bigger and to reconnect to my ethos and to the earth. Never to give up and that everyone can take a part in saving our planet, there is no time to waste.