As an Interior Designer, it is a privilege to provide a design solution, no matter the client, that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and, overall, meets the needs of the end user(s). To combine this goal while maintaining a low carbon footprint is even better.
Sustainability is defined as maintaining an ecological balance while avoiding the depletion of natural resources. In Interior Design, we strive for this through, not only the finishes and materials we specify for a project but, in the overall design and functionality of the space as a whole. Although there are wonderful accreditation programs to calculate these achievements like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or WELL Building standards, it’s most beneficial to consider the principles these standards may hold no matter the project.
Wondering how you can incorporate the principles of sustainability to your next project? The following are some good pointers to get you going:
1. Consider the layout of your space
The overall layout of the space you’re designing for speaks volumes to it’s functionality and how it can maintain a low carbon footprint. Eliminate dead end corridors, wasteful space, or awkwardly shaped spaces that take more energy and resources to construct.
2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We’ve heard this one almost our whole lives (at least our elementary school lives!) but this phrase still lives on and is definitely still valid when it comes to design. Consider the space you’re working with and what materials and/or equipment can be maintained. Maybe there’s an existing ceiling feature in the space that would typically be overlooked but can be repurposed in a way to create a focal point in the space. When it comes to demo and construction waste, ensure proper recycling and dumping procedures are being adhered to.
3. Biophilia
I talked about Biophilia here and the same runs true when discussing sustainability. They really go hand in hand when you think about it. Biophilia discusses the strategy of bringing the outdoors in with studies that have proven this to be beneficial in several ways including increased work performance and overall increased happiness. Some ways you can incorporate nature and the outdoors in your space could be enlarging window space to increase natural light, a green wall, or finishes and materials that mimic patterns, colors, or textures seen in nature.
4. Specify the right finishes and materials
I’m not just talking about the right color, pattern, or texture of finishes and materials for your space here. As designers, not only are we trying to make our spaces functional and aesthetically pleasing, it’s our job to be familiar with where the finishes and materials we’re specifying are coming from, manufactured, or processed. If you fall in love with a hard wood flooring sample, consider the type of species the wood is, where it’s manufactured, and it’s availability. As a rule of thumb, you wouldn’t want to specify a material that is produced further than 500 miles as there is more energy and fuel being consumed for this material to make it to site (that’s not even considering how this material is being manufactured!).
At the end of the day, while we do our best to consume less, eat the right foods, shop locally, etc. the same runs true when it comes to design. We want our spaces to be ecological responsible, timeless, and functional for as long as possible – and as long as you want to love your space.
