Clients have come to us many times with comments like, “I’m not sure if this is something you’d even be interested in,” and others that boast about the multiple quick-flip properties they assume we would be thrilled to take on. In actuality, those assumptions are usually far from the truth.

We hear it all the time “green materials,” “sustainable practices,” but what does this mean? Sometimes it is a marketing ploy, something to convince people that they are making the right moral decision by purchasing that vinyl flooring that “meets sustainability standards.” Other times, it means that firm is doing the very best it can and are constantly working to do better.

Influence from cultural exposure is an inherent part of design that undoubtedly helps to make any design more unique and interesting. Without exposure to different cultures in design, we wouldn’t have Chinoiserie, the gorgeous influence of Chinese art on French design. We find that travel encourages a designer to see the unique characteristics of other designer’s (creators) work that then allows us to look at our own work from different perspectives with fresh influence.

One of the most challenging requests we work with on a daily basis is the desire for wood coupled with the desire for very little visible grain. Read on to find out why this is a challenge, specifically for a firm that specializes in sustainable design.

We hear it all the time, “gas cooks more evenly” and “gas offers the most flexibility”. But, did you know that your gas stove could be poisoning your home, generating unsafe levels of air pollution?

When we interview potential staff, we tell them about the importance of sustainable design and construction. Not only is it good for the environment, but it is also healthy for our staff (who we love and want to live long lives) and for the occupants! Check out the conversation we had in a recent interview:

We hear about VOC’s all the time these days, particularly pertaining to harmful products that we bring into our homes. Many products will tout that they do not emit VOC’s and are therefore sustainable products. While it does help, there are so many more variables that make a product truly sustainable, and if possible we prefer a cradle-to-cradle product.

Let’s back up a minute though. What are VOC’s?

Greenwashing. We all hear about how ‘green’ products are and shop and confidently purchase because we’ve been told, read, and truly believe we are doing something good. Oh, if only greenwashing was against the law. I see it as false advertising.

Products frequently advertised as “green” that are in no way sustainable products include (and there are wayyyy more): LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles), Mattresses, honestly most Ikea items, natural stone, anti-microbials, concrete, and some bamboo.

Who would think that their child’s lack of focus could be improved with interior design? Or that those ongoing sinus problems are due to the overwhelming amount of plastic products and VOC’s offgassing into our homes? We spend 90% of our time indoors, that time should be spent free of toxins and lack of ventilation.