As part of the celebration of the School of Architecture and Allied Disciplines (SAAD) Days, the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSAr) and Bachelor of Science in Interior Design (BSID) students of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) – Main Campus gathered for this year’s Arki Expo spearheaded by the United Architects of the Philippines – Leyte Chapter held at the Robinsons North Tacloban, May 6.
The event opened through a formal ceremony with Ar. Charlotte Montaño, Head of the Architecture Department, delivered a welcome message and introduced the creative works, thesis projects, and outputs of SAAD students while acknowledging their efforts and dedication.
Further Ar. Montaño also recognized SAAD graduates who recently passed this year’s Licensure Examination for Architects (LEA) and the Interior Design Licensure Examination (IDLE), officially welcoming them as licensed architects and interior designers.
Moreover, LEA passer Mary Dominique Vero and last year’s IDLE top five passer Rhodora Grace Manadong shared their experiences and stories with aspiring architecture and interior design professionals.
Meanwhile, Angel Arevyl Dolina, a second-year representative from the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – Student Auxillary Body (PIID-SAB), shared that being part of the organizing team was both challenging and meaningful.
“Before, it would just be me passing by and seeing the exhibits and events and now I was part of organizing it. The experience was very challenging to adjust at first because I was so nervous but it was also very fun, because you get to have basically a front line view of everything from what happens behind the scenes to meeting/seeing the Architects and Interior Designers,” she said.
Additionally, Francis Adrielle Espina, a fourth-year BSAr student, shared that the event served as an opportunity for students to gain inspiration and learn from professionals in the field.
“These events serve as a platform for learning, inspiration, and exposure to new ideas, designs, and innovations. They also allow students to connect with others, gain insights from experienced architects, and appreciate the diverse possibilities within architecture. Through these experiences, we are motivated to grow and push our limits,” he shared.
During the final part of the program, students presented their collections in the Sustainable Design and Fashion Showcase under the theme Verdance 2026, aiming to promote creativity, environmental awareness, and sustainable practices through fashion and innovative design.
The Arki Expo 2026 concluded with students exploring creative works, meeting professionals, and participating in activities related to Architecture and Interior Design.
Article by Princess Adona