The Architectural & Interior Source (AIS) Launches Showroom at BGC

The premiere design source for the latest and advanced architectural finishes and bathroom ware, the Architectural and Interior Source (AIS) by Intranet Trade International Inc. (iTrade), is now in Manila. Following their first launch in Cebu in 2012, AIS has earned the title of a designer-go-to store for mid to upscale brands such as Saloni, Ape, La Platera, Vidrepur and Saniflo. The 170-sqm Manila showroom boasts of a sleek and modern appeal reflective of their products’ design aesthetic. It is located at the 2nd Floor of Forum South Global, 7th Ave. cor. Federacion Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

iTrade, AIS’ operating arm, is a subsidiary of Cebu Bionic Builder Supply, Inc., a leading construction supply distributor for over 30 years. Apart from iTrade, its other affiliates are Build It! Building Material Sales, Inc. –Mandaue & Danao City, Cebu Bionic Hardware Mall, Cebu Bionic South and ZSCAPE Development Corporation. 

It was Cebu Bionic Builder Supply, Inc. who first introduced a finishing showroom in Cebu back in 1991. Ahead of its time, founder Bonifacio Sia already sought the need for design innovation, bringing in European brands that offer a new breed of quality and design that surpassed its local/Asian counterparts. AIS continues this legacy, now with son Buck Sia as the flag bearer. With AIS, the company continues to be a leader in offering the latest in competitive global brands and material technology. Designers and builders can expect that AIS will constantly update its supplies as they have been for the past three decades. As a leader in innovation, the company also carries a variety of products such as: tiles, sanitary wares, bathroom fittings and accessories, architectural finishes and material handling equipment. An established supplier, the company have also earned the trust and support of the prestigious global manufacturers of hardware and construction product. The company bears exclusive distributorship to GENESIS Tile Trims and Profiles (United Kingdom), APE and SALONI Ceramic Tiles (Spain) and Saniflo (France).

Over the years, the company was able to take part in some of the countries renowned landmarks today from real estate, hospitality, commercial and even institutional. For real estate, the list includes the Grand Residences Cebu by Grand Land; Sedona Park by Ayala Land Cebu; eBloc 2 IT Park by Cebu Holdings Inc.; and 32 Sanson by Rockwell Land. The company also takes pride in its hospitality projects including: the Castle Peak Hotel; Plantation Bay Resort and Spa; Shangri-La’s Hotels and Resorts; Marco Polo Cebu and Davao; Copenhagen Hotel; and Hotel Elizabeth Cebu. Its commercial projects include Ayala Center Cebu, Robinsons Place Iloilo and SM Prime Holdings. It has also supplied to the Aboitiz Corporate Office and Pioneer Insurance Corporation. 

AIS PREMIERE SELECTION

The portfolio of products AIS represents caters to different market lifestyles and needs based on price range and aesthetic quality. While most of the products are priced mid to high, they cover a wide range of aesthetic appeal, from streamline to fashionable. Prestige Spanish tile brand Saloni is one to lookout for in the selection. Saloni combines elegance and practicality with their line of porcelain tiles featuring a mostly neutral palette and relatively architectural lines. 

Ape, on the other hand, with a mid-price range, offers ceramic tiles for wall and floor applications geared towards a bolder but tasteful design, focusing on the latest fashion trends and lifestyle.

AIS also hosts emerging brands such as La Platera and Vidrepur. The former is known for their unique pixtile mosaic, an alternative to glass mosaic. 

Vidrepur, on the other hand, is a Spanish brand known for cost-efficient, customizable and LEED compliant glass mosaic tiles.

AIS Manila will also showcase Saniflo. Manufactured from France, Saniflo features an “install-anywhere” watercloset technology, by far the most advanced in its field and never yet to be seen in the Philippines. This technology enables the construction of wet facilities with minimal structural alterations, perfect for condo dwellers looking to move or install additional bathrooms.

By offering the latest in technological innovation, AIS assures its clientele that they offer the best design solutions in the most efficient way possible. Because of this, the company deems the service and communication with clients key in marketing their products.

ITrade, along with its mother company Cebu Bionic Builder Supply, Inc., has established its credibility as a premiere resource for architectural and interior supplies. Their longevity in the industry, according to iTrade President Buck Sia, could be attributed to keeping close ties with their clientele. Strengthening their customer support system means earning and keeping the trust of their consumers. For this, the company makes sure that they can be reliable in terms of offering only the best and accurate recommendations with the help of their specialized technical support team. 

“Competent service means correct recommendation for specification, direct communication for deliverables and lead-time for clients, projects and after sales support,” says Buck.

As an architect himself, Sia is well versed with the needs and requirements of the design industry and AIS consumers can expect no less in the brands Sia himself handpicked. 

“We also like to focus on few specific brands. There were many opportunities to work with multi brands but we prefer to deal with brands that we have worked with already. We choose the brands not just only for the design but, more importantly, we review their competencies,” says Sia. 

AIS at BGC

With a wide selection of competent brands, AIS is now geared up to conquer the Manila scene, beginning with their pilot store located at the premiere business and leisure hub in the metro, the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

AIS, even with their first location being in Cebu, has already successfully transacted with clients who are based in Manila. These transactions showed that there is a unique market in Manila that is still on the lookout for the latest in design trend and technology that AIS exclusively offers. 

“As a designer/architect, I can relate to the needs of the field. Each of these items is personally chosen by me, based on trends and forward thinking,” says Sia.

Buck Sia is the principal architect of Zubu Associates Design Services, characterized by its constant pursuit of progressive architecture. Topping the architectural board exam in 2003 and with several projects featured in a number of media outfits, Sia was named as one of the 20 outstanding young designers under 40 by BluPrint in 2013. 

According to Sia, Manila also shares his passion for new and current design trends. He strongly believes AIS offers these, and more. Unlike other suppliers, AIS has an ample supply of stocks available and they are able to quickly deliver to clients. In-demand designers will appreciate the fast and reliable service without the long order wait.

“Our philosophy in the company is if we believe in the product or series or model, we always stock. We believe we are a major importer in tiles for Visayas and Mindanao market. What I noticed in Manila is that there are many suppliers of Spanish tiles but I know there are only a few who keep stock,” says Sia.

The way the brands are displayed in the showroom also reflects Sia’s design aesthetic. The showroom design is masterfully crafted able to impress another designer, and even non-designers, with its intelligent and sleek visual display that makes it easy to view and choose products that will best fit their space. 

The showroom’s design also echoes the sophistication of the brands they carry. Upon entering the showroom, one is taken to an individual display of samples that makes it easily understood by clients. For instance, Saloni’s large format tiles are arranged like a catalogue or swatches laid out individually. Pivoting mock up panels in approximately 2m x 2.4m-scale was also especially designed to showcase how a tile can be applied for a wall or any given space. The pivot mechanism also makes it easy to innovate the showroom display every now and then to provide a dynamic setting that designers would love to frequent. There are also Panel display, more applicable to APE, where we always showcase the tiles as mock-up, displaying basic tile, decors and listellos. Non-designers wil also appreciate the images for application ideas alongside the display, relating the design usage from the mechandise display to an actual space like a bedroom or bathroom. 

For more info, please visit www.itrade.com.ph or LIKE facebook.com/itradeph.