CEBU, Philippines — Kenneth Cobonpue is an internationally acclaimed Cebuano industrial designer known for his unique designs integrating natural materials through innovative handmade production processes.
He studied Industrial Design in New York, which led him to apprenticeships and further studies in Italy and Germany. Cobonpue moved back to Cebu in 1996 to help manage the family’s furniture business founded by his mother in 1972. It was when managing the business that he discovered that by the use of natural fibers and materials as a medium, modern design could have a new face.
He pioneered the integration of design, manufacturing and global distribution as well as branding while operating from his headquarters in Cebu City.
Awards to his credit include Hong Kong’s Design for Asia Award, the Japan Good Design Award, the American Society of Interior Designers Selection, the French Coup de Coeur Award, and the first Asian Designer of the Year title given by the Maison et Objet in Paris.
Cobonpue designs have appeared in full-length films such as “Ocean’s 13” and “CSI Miami.” His roster of clientele includes Hollywood celebrities and members of royalty. TIME Magazine has called him “rattan’s first great virtuoso.”
In March 2017, Cobonpue was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as chairperson of the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Development Council for Central Visayas. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org)