Gusto Design

Union Table 1100mm dia. x 740mm height A 4-seater dining table designed for conversations. It's the final piece we designed in line with the Union Stools. It has the same protruding legs that now double as bag hooks, making it suitable for smaller spaces as well. Using Digaa wood and Tahong (mussel) inlays, this table is a test on the capacities of local materials and craftsmanship. After many studies on round tables, we ended up with a diameter that makes the legs far enough from each other to not interfere with yours during dining and long talks no matter what position you're in. Versions in walnut and ebony finishes, mother of pearl inlay, and simpler one without are also possible.

El Union Taas Might be the project where we reused and refurbished the most things. We converted the old Shrine of Satisfaction into their bakery. Took its old window facade, flipped it around, and used it as the window of El Union's new dine in space. We also reused the old Shrine's and their old bakery's counter tops and shelving to use as storage and window sills. Played around the grill work, brick patterns, and shelving to alude to LU, Del Union, and even the terraced ledge in front of the space downstairs (also seen in Del Union). The carved Narra screens were taken from a junkshop where we also sourced El Union Baguio's wooden walls. Crazy and fun project. Wouldn't have it any other way with @elunion 🫶

Woodworks and stainless fit-out for Hatch Coffee Gen. Luna 🥚☕️ From concept to completion, we truly enjoyed bringing this space to life. It’s always a joy to partner with brands that value quality and detail. Thank you, @hatchcoffeeph for trusting us with this project!

Flow State Bouldering We had the pleasure of designing another climbing gym in the Philippines. This time up north in Angeles, Pampanga. The extra challenge in wall climbing gyms is utilizing the vertical space that aren't walls or fall zones. We managed to squeeze in a mezzanine office above the workout and counter area and we made use of the rest to put as much good lighting as we can. It's always a great time working with athletes and creatives for projects like this because it makes trouble shooting fun and easy. What made it easier also was having a brand book that we can adapt to especially when it comes to labels, way finding, and color matching certain corners. @flowstatebouldering is now open! Project Team: @jericrustia @justindedios @goodwood_ph @laskokim @walltopia JK Viray Construction 📸 @photogrape29

Laser etched branding under each item

Union Stool [Prototype] Learning from the original stools used in Del Union Coffee, this iteration for the collection features an adjusted seat diameter and leg brackets to address issues on stability and torsion. This version also features the same Digaa (Balacat) wood and shells such as Tahong (Mussel) and Capiz. Production and pre-orders will start after public field testing in various cafes and studios in Q2-Q3

Capiz Shell Inlay

Tahong Shell Inlay

Union Chair [Prototype] One of five pieces we've been working on in the past year is a chair version of the stool we designed for Del Union Coffee. The piece is part of the Union Collection, our very first line dedicated to dining and conversations at home. These prototypes are an experiment on local materials like Digaa (Balacat) wood and shells such as Tahong (Mussels) and Capiz to determine their strengths in weaknesses as singular and combined materials. Production and pre-orders will start after public field testing in various cafes and studios in Q2-Q3.

Hello! Officially transitioning 393 to our new brand today. While I have my practical reasons for the shift such as too many things named after numbers nowadays, the rebrand was brought about more by realizations and sentiments on work. The last 7 years of practice have shown me how our field of object and spatial design is a social one. Gusto is a demonstration of how I work best through shared eagerness and desire to make something not just good, but also fun. This isn't to say that I've completely grown out of 393. If anything, it's a way to honor it and a reminder to stick to the values and creativity I've honed through it. 393 is an ode to my home and the things my parents taught me growing up. And Gusto, after all its meanings in Tagalog and other languages, is a play on my father's name Augusto. I apologize I don't have a word play for my mom's name. But trust me that the google sheets and business plans are riddled with her influence. I'm aware of how making something so personal part of my work can go wrong, and that compartmentalizing one from the other is a healthier choice to make. But the work is exactly that: it's personal. It's personal for the people we work with, and the people who get to experience it. So I don't see any reason why it shouldn't be to me because it's the only way something can last and be valuable. I'm diving into this with a lot of fear. But I'm also filled with hope and excitement for what we can do from here on out. - Jeric 💖

Sometimes you only need finishes and cabinetry to define and maximize a space. For Mark and Mel's unit, some areas started out too tight and the others too spacious. We resolved this issue by introducing a series of cabinetry work in the mudroom and kitchen, and the bedroom and walk-in. This resulted in opportunities to make their current belongings fit in their new place while making space for future wants and needs. Their mudroom says, "no outside shoes beyond this point please." Simply through it's finishes. More about the intimate details and work on this ~55sqm project in our stories and future posts

Renovation is a tricky practice that can take (at least) as much time and work as new construction. But when structural & tropical design concepts align with execution, it can be infinitely more rewarding. Luckily we work best with challenges and limitations. Tearing down walls and floors, and increasing window size by 50% was important to make this house seem larger and lighter after going through multiple renovations as a home, pre-school, and now a soon to open cafe-resto tucked behind Katipunan avenue in Quezon City. @ninethreecoffeeph