Published by CWC Interiors ©2024
Seats of Distinction (Chairs, Collectors, and Captains of Industry)
A chair might seem like the most ordinary of objects, something we use every day without much thought. But when we look closer, chairs reveal themselves as cultural storytellers. Across civilizations, chairs have signified power, identity, and craft. They evolved from symbols of authority to everyday essentials, carrying with them centuries of meaning. Seats of Distinction explores this journey, reminding us that chairs are more than furniture; they are reflections of who we are and the values we carry forward.
Chairs Through Time
Thousands of years ago, chairs were reserved for the powerful and privileged. In ancient Egypt, stools and early seats were crafted with precision, often created to accompany the deceased into the afterlife as spiritual vessels built to endure eternity. In China, chairs and stools emerged with a different philosophy: practical, portable, and versatile, yet still carrying cultural meaning. Over time, the chair became democratized, entering homes, workspaces, and public life, no longer a symbol of class alone but also a reflection of daily living. From the Egyptian stool to the Filipino Butaca, each design reflects the values of its time: craftsmanship, practicality, comfort, and beauty, making the evolution of the chair a mirror of how human society itself has changed.
Egyptian Stool
Filipino Butaca
Collectors and Captains of Industry
Preserving this history takes vision, and in the Philippines, collectors and industry leaders have played a key role. Fred Yuson, President and CEO of CWC Interiors, made a landmark contribution when he donated 62 miniature chairs from the Vitra Design Museum to the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde. These miniatures now inspire young creatives, bridging past and future in a space where design education thrives. Equally influential are architects who use design not just to build structures, but to shape culture. Among them are Ed Calma, Cathy Saldaña, and Anton Mendoza – 3 of the 59 Captains of Industry from different fields, leaders and visionaries whose stories of leadership and design give the book its timeless depth. Ed Calma is celebrated for redefining modern Filipino architecture with bold projects like The Mind Museum. Cathy Saldaña champions sustainable, future-ready spaces while paving the way for women leaders in the field. Anton Mendoza brings discipline and artistry together, grounding his work in proportion and timeless comfort. Together, they embody the spirit of leadership that Seats of Distinction honors: a commitment to design that uplifts, educates, and inspires.
Ed Calma
Cathy Saldaña
Anton Mendoza
Building a Global Filipino Identity
CWC Interiors, the driving force behind Seats of Distinction, reaffirms its mission to bring Filipino creativity forward on the world stage. Since 1992, CWC has grown into a powerhouse with over 40 global brands, offering comprehensive solutions from design to fit-outs. With initiatives such as The Filipino Chair, the company not only honors tradition but also nurtures future talent, positioning Filipino design as globally relevant. In doing so, CWC continues to strengthen its role as a champion of innovation and heritage, showcasing Filipino craftsmanship as a lasting source of pride.
Merging stories of timeless design with the legacies of captains of industry, Seats of Distinction underscores how objects of daily life can reflect deeper narratives of culture and progress. More than a commemoration, it is a call to honor the past, embrace the present, and inspire the future of Filipino design, ensuring that both chairs and their creators endure as lasting symbols of excellence.
