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  1. Interior Design Declares X Decorex panel discussion 'Creating a more sustainable interior design practice' - My FIVE TAKEAWAYS

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    IDD X Decorex

    Five takeaways from Interior Design Declares X Decorex panel discussion...

    1. We are all at different stages and we can learn together, share information and have a bigger impact together. If you are a designer or supplier to the interior design industry, please sign our pledge at https://www.interiordesigndeclares.co.uk/  
    2. We each have very different routes in to working sustainably - there are many crossovers and not all are the same
    3. Look at some of the quick wins in how you operate your business.  Switch to more ethical bank and pension.  Use renewable energy. Rethink stationery.  Digital waste is huge - look at clearing old emails, look at website efficiency.
    4. Site waste - in the UK 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste on building sites a year.
    5. Don't get overwhelmed but just start working in a better way!  Clients will appreciate it and they often really like the storytelling of sustainable materials.

     

    Thank you to our excellent moderator Rosalind Sack of The Home Page.

    You can watch the panel discussion here.

  2. Dutch Design Week 2022

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    5 takeaways from DDW 22

    I've just been to the super inspiring Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.  I last went in 2014 and it's just as brilliant.  The mission of this yearly gathering of minds is to shape a better future, with urgency. There is so much clever innovation was on display.   It's such an innovative and unique show, spanning all disciplines. Whilst feeling futuristic, this  problem solving is very needed now!  If you get chance to go I really recommend it.  It's huge and you could easily visit things for each of the 9 days - or like me, pack what you can into two or three!  Read more here.  

     

    Five takeaways from Dutch Design Week...

    1. Some frustration! Why don't more design shows have a mission like this?  Also much of this innovation was from small studios and individual designers.  Come on industry!!
    2. Lots of bio-based products - especially to replace plastic including VerenaBrom's sheet material using industrial juice press residues,  Caleyda a plastic substitute made from bacteria and Chemarts bio bubble wrap made from cellulose
    3. Lots of clever demolition waste products @stonecycling
    4. Sea silt sludge clay, requiring lower firing temperature and a provides a range of colours by @humade.nl
    5. An air pollution busting car roof attachment by Reverso and the Lightyear 0 -the world’s first production-ready solar car.  There's a solar powered camper van too.   

     

     

    DDW 22

    DDW 22 1

    DDW 22 2

     

     

    If you'd like help with an interior design specification that is compassionate and low impact - then book a free Discovery Call here. 

  3. Interior Design Business podcast 'Sustainability: Your Questions Answered' - My FIVE TAKEAWAYS

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    Interior Design Business podcast Sept 22

     

    Five takeaways from The Interior Design Business podcast

     'Sustainability: Your Questions Answered' 

     

    It was great to be invited on to The Interior Design Business podcast again. A little different to last time which was mid Lockdown and via Zoom.... this was a live recording complete with an audience at the Chelsea showroom of sofa.com.

    Past BIID president Susie Rumbold moderated the discussion with fellow designers Alexandra Jurkiewicz, Creative Lead at Helen Green Design and David Chenery, founder and director of Object Space Place. Here’s the recording. 

     

    1. 'Sustainability' has so many interpretations and approaches - the three of us demonstrate that. It may feel daunting to step into - find what works for you and don't waiting until you can do it perfectly.  Designers and suppliers - please sign the Interior Design Declares pledge and learn with us.
    2. The best interior is one that exists - so be creative and reuse and show off your creativity.  There's lots of great storytelling as a result.
    3. Susie's had bad experience with recycled PET rugs - but don't let that put you off.  Retrieved sea plastic including PET and 'ghost' fishing nets are a great source of yarn used for carpets and fabrics. I'm very happy to use recycled problem-solving plastics while they are here - but obviously reduction of the source is what's desperately needed.
    4. Resale values and ability to repair are really important factors when making decisions.  Buy better. Buy preloved.
    5. We need to break the resource using traditional ways of doing things  - there are multiple approaches.  I'm adding David's book recommendation to my book queue... Rory Sutherland's Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense