Willie Garcia

Wilhelmina “Willie” S. Garcia is a passionate green designer and licensed interior designer hailing from Biñan, Laguna, Philippines. She holds a degree in Interior Design from St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, and has furthered her expertise through a social entrepreneurship program at Youth Encounter Sustainability (YES) in Armenia, Colombia. A dedicated professional, Willie has been a member of the Philippine Institute of Interior Design (PIID) since 2006. Willie’s journey into green design was sparked by her involvement in coastal and barangay clean-ups organized by environmental groups. During one such cleanup, conducted with her sister, conservationist Liza Dans, she witnessed the environmental impact of discarded waste ending up in landfills. This realization prompted her to seek sustainable solutions, leading her to pioneer the use of recycled materials in interior design. Her commitment to sustainable design was recognized in 2007 when she clinched the grand prize in interior design at the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) National Competition. Willie’s innovative and tasteful incorporation of old construction materials from demolished houses set her apart in the competition. Buoyed by her success, Willie embarked on the mission to make her green design practice not only creative but also sustainable. In 2009, she took a significant step in this direction by founding her own interior design company, Junknot. Through this venture, she continues to make strides in the field of green design, contributing to both aesthetic innovation and environmental conservation. Willie’s story is a testament to her dedication to transforming recycled materials into beautiful, functional interiors and her ongoing commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly design practices.