Artist and photographer Aya Cabauatan founded BALAY KŌBŌ with a clear vision in mind.

When Aya Cabauatan journeyed into the world of design, she brought with her nearly a decade of experience in photography and a wealth of collaborations across many different fields. Her approach to design is deeply rooted in openness and collaboration, nurtured through partnerships with creative directors, stylists, makeup artists, and more. This mindset, cultivated over years of working with diverse teams, now permeates her work, whether it&rsquo;s through her photography or her latest venture, BALAY KŌBŌ.
BALAY KŌBŌ, at its core, is a studio. But it&rsquo;s more than that; it&rsquo;s a sanctuary where ideas flourish, stories unfold, and beauty is celebrated. Cabauatan envisioned a space where creatives could feel at home while pursuing their artistic endeavors. This aspiration led her to combine elements of Filipino and Japanese design sensibilities, creating a blend that reflects both cultures&rsquo; reverence for nature and simplicity. As she describes it, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a space where beauty meets functionality, where ideas take shape, and where stories come to life.&rdquo;
At BALAY KŌBŌ, every corner tells a story, and every detail is meticulously curated to inspire creativity. From the warm hues of wood to the soft embrace of natural light, each element is carefully selected to evoke a sense of comfort and possibility. As Cabauatan talks us through the space, we learn about the subtle nuances that make BALAY KŌBŌ a haven for artists and anyone seeking creative inspiration.

Hi, Aya. I&rsquo;m curious about what makes you tick creatively. Can you share a bit about your background and how it has influenced your approach to design and creativity?
With nearly a decade of experience in photography and a number of projects with professionals across various disciplines, my approach to design and creativity is deeply rooted in openness and collaboration. Working with creative directors, stylists, makeup artists, and others taught me the value of teamwork. I bring this mindset to my work and encourage others to do the same, whether it&rsquo;s through photography or BALAY KŌBŌ.
BALAY KŌBŌ is more than a studio. What is its purpose and what does it offer?
BALAY KŌBŌ is a daylight home and studio that offers sun-filled spaces for creative pursuits. It was designed to bring together individuality and collaboration, gentleness, and resilience. The name actually comes from two words &ldquo;BALAY&rdquo; meaning home in Filipino, and &ldquo;KŌBŌ&rdquo; meaning studio in Japanese. It literally means a home studio.
But more than that, the home studio holds space for beauty. It cares for comfort and clarity, the kind that inspires people to come together and create. We offer three main studios: Daylight, Cyclorama, and Kitchen studio, and six spaces: Zen Garden, Sun Hall, Audio Room, Mezzanine, Guest Room, and Roofdeck for photoshoots and communal events.
Over the past few months that we&rsquo;ve been up and running, we witnessed BALAY KŌBŌ bloom as an inspiring space for people to come together. We hope to keep it that way moving forward.

When did you know you wanted to start a creative studio like BALAY KŌBŌ?
I never thought of building a studio to begin with, but inspiration hit me during my Junior Term Abroad in Tokyo, Japan. I was heavily inspired by the breathable spaces available to the public. This materialized in the pandemic, mid-2020 after I graduated from college and decided to make that shift from freelance photography to a full time professional.
It was also during that time that I wanted to fill a gap in the industry. Throughout my profession, I realized that most studios I worked in lacked natural light, high ceilings, and versatile spaces. These were elements I felt were essential in making a space inviting and inspiring to creatives.
BALAY KŌBŌ is not just a creative studio but also described as a &ldquo;home.&rdquo; How do you strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics to create a space that feels both inviting and conducive to artistic expression?
BALAY KŌBŌ serves not only as a creative studio but also as my personal residence, particularly on the third floor. For others, it is described as a &ldquo;home&rdquo; because of its welcoming atmosphere and conducive environment for artistic expression. The space is designed with a careful balance between functionality and aesthetics, using natural materials to create a structured yet soft ambiance. It&rsquo;s an open and breathable environment, devoid of physical barriers, allowing ideas to flow freely and creativity to flourish. The design encourages ease, comfort, and a sense of possibility, embodying the essence of what a home should feel like and extending that feeling to all who enter BALAY KŌBŌ.

Collaboration seems to be a cornerstone of BALAY KŌBŌ&rsquo;s vision. How does the space encourage that?
Collaboration lies at the heart of BALAY KŌBŌ&rsquo;s vision, manifested from its very conception. In the process of bringing the studio to life, we engaged with over 20 collaborators spanning various fields, including designers, architects, interior designers, and local furniture brands. This collaborative spirit is evident as soon as you step into the space, as it is ingrained in its very foundation. At BALAY KŌBŌ, we believe that collaboration and creation are inseparable, each enriching the other. Whether through photo shoots or workshops, the creative process naturally lends itself to collaboration, with ideas evolving as they are shared and shaped by different perspectives. Opening BALAY KŌBŌ to the public allows this collaborative energy to foster an environment where conversations flow freely, ideas are exchanged, and creativity blossoms in tandem with others.
Design is a huge part of BALAY KŌBŌ&rsquo;s identity and functionality. Can you discuss any specific elements or features that reflect the fusion of Filipino and Japanese sensibilities?
BALAY KŌBŌ pays homage to Filipino and Japanese sensibilities through its use of natural materials like wood, reflecting both cultures&rsquo; reverence for nature. The Bahay Kubo and traditional Japanese houses share sustainable principles of strength, resilience, and interconnectedness. The space prioritizes natural light and ventilation while integrating elements of brutalism and modernism. Overall, BALAY KŌBŌ creates a welcoming and breathable environment that combines the aesthetics of contemporary design with the warmth of traditional architectural elements.
In your experience, how does the physical environment of BALAY KŌBŌ influence the creative process?
The architecture and interiors of BALAY KŌBŌ are designed to enhance the creative process. Its open layout, flooded with natural light, creates an atmosphere of freedom and flexibility. This openness extends beyond the space itself, encouraging creatives to be open-minded and receptive to new ideas. Ultimately, BALAY KŌBŌ provides a liberating environment where creativity can thrive without limitations, allowing individuals to express themselves and explore new possibilities.

How do you plan to position the studio to thrive in an ever- changing creative landscape in the coming years?
To position BALAY KŌBŌ for success in the evolving creative landscape, we focus on its multipurpose nature and adaptability. The studio is designed to seamlessly transform, whether it&rsquo;s serving as a backdrop for a photoshoot, workshop, or event. This versatility ensures that BALAY KŌBŌ can cater to diverse needs and creative endeavors.
During our first four events for our Likha Series, a curated program of portrait sessions, workshops, and pop-up events, we observed a communal spirit of our space and we want to further foster this. This initiative will allow BALAY KŌBŌ to actively engage with and contribute to the local scene, creating more opportunities for local artists and brands.
As the creative landscape continues to evolve, with new experiences emerging, BALAY KŌBŌ remains welcoming to all. Our goal is to be a space where everyone feels at home, encouraged to explore their individuality and contribute to the community.
Looking to the future, how do you envision BALAY KŌBŌ evolving while staying true to its core values?
While the specific forms of creativity may evolve over time, our commitment to our values of comfort, clarity, collaboration, and creation will remain steadfast. Whether it&rsquo;s through innovative concepts, photoshoots, or workshops, BALAY KŌBŌ will continue to provide an environment where creativity knows no bounds.
Our space was intentionally designed to be versatile, allowing for a wide range of creative pursuits. As we move forward, BALAY KŌBŌ will stay true to its essence, serving as a catalyst for artistic exploration in the years to come.

Focal Point: BALAY KŌBŌ

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