Joseph Rastrullo
Master's in Business Design
Year of Graduation: 2012
Current role: Business Designer | Industrial Designer
Country: Philippines
Joseph Rastrullo is a third-culture designer whose aesthetic is defined by a unique multicultural vision. Born in the United States and raised in the Philippines, Joseph refined his strategic approach to design in Milan, Italy, graduating from the prestigious Domus Academy. While his passion for materials was sparked during his undergraduate years at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, it was his Master’s in Business Design at Domus Academy that crystallized his professional philosophy.
There, Joseph learned to merge creative intuition with business systems under the teachings of global icons, including Domenico Dolce (Dolce & Gabbana), Andrea Branzi (Vitra Design), Aldo Cibic (Memphis Group), and Stefano Giovannoni (Alessi). Joseph also credits his development to an impactful apprenticeship under Philippine design legend Mr. Antonio “Budji” Layug, whose guidance has continued to influence his direction.
Joseph Rastrullo is a third-culture designer whose aesthetic is defined by a unique multicultural vision. Born in the United States and raised in the Philippines, Joseph refined his strategic approach to design in Milan, Italy, graduating from the prestigious Domus Academy. While his passion for materials was sparked during his undergraduate years at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, it was his Master’s in Business Design at Domus Academy that crystallized his professional philosophy.
There, Joseph learned to merge creative intuition with business systems under the teachings of global icons, including Domenico Dolce (Dolce & Gabbana), Andrea Branzi (Vitra Design), Aldo Cibic (Memphis Group), and Stefano Giovannoni (Alessi). Joseph also credits his development to an impactful apprenticeship under Philippine design legend Mr. Antonio “Budji” Layug, whose guidance has continued to influence his direction.
Since returning to the Philippines, Joseph has worked with various projects across South East Asia and he has received international acclaim for his work. He is a winner of the distinguished Good Design Award and the LIT Lighting Design Award. His portfolio has also led to recognitions such as being named one of Design Anthology Hong Kong’s “100 Emerging Designers of Asia,” a “Design Star” at the Singapore International Furniture Fair, and a featured designer for CITEM’s Manila FAME.
“My time at Domus Academy gave me the global lens necessary to merge high-end design with strategic manufacturing. The experience taught me to look beyond the object and design the system itself. Today, I apply that mindset to bridge the gap between Southeast Asian craftsmanship and the international market. From studying in Milan to exhibiting there during Salone del Mobile, and now winning the Good Design Award and 2025 LIT Lighting Design Award, my career is built on the foundations and connections I formed at Domus Academy.”
