“No pets allowed.” Who would have thought 3 words on a sign would be a deterrent to women coming in to seek shelter in a place designed to make them feel welcome and safe. If you listen to the “Hidden Brain” podcast, you already know that it was indeed a deterrent. There was a “mismatch.” Women who had found the courage to leave an abusive situation often left with children and the family pet. Was it an oversight or a flaw in the design process? 

In contrast, you have designers like Cas Holman. “Design for Play '' is the title of the Netflix documentary dedicated to her work. In the episode, she shares her creative process and the care she takes in imagining the various ways in which kids could intuitively engage with a single toy. It involves a lot of time thinking like a kid and observing kids engage with various prototypes. Cas Holman’s approach to design is fundamentally about inclusion. It removes or lowers as many barriers as can be for as many end users (kids in this case) as possible from engaging with the task at hand (play).

Inclusive design is not about compliance with existing accessibility standards. It is a given that the solution should - at the very least - meet these standards.  Instead, inclusive design is about identifying where the frictions are in a particular experience across as wide a range of users in as wide a range of situations as possible. While inclusive design started in the digital world and was primarily concerned with user interface and user experience, it has long since been adopted as a design approach for products, services, and the built environment.

Sustainability is becoming non-negotiable in design.  However, incorporating sustainable practices can often be challenging, met with resistance, and difficult to implement. Despite these challenges, there are architects and interior designers we can learn from who have successfully overcome these obstacles and seamlessly woven sustainability into their design ethos.

These design professionals serve as beacons of inspiration, showing us that creating beautiful and functional spaces is possible while prioritizing sustainability. By learning from their experiences, we can gain valuable insights into the strategies and techniques used to navigate resistance from clients and peers.

Did you know your choice of building materials can impact global greenhouse gas emissions?

Our planet faces a biodiversity crisis. As architects and interior designers, you have the unique power to create spaces that inspire and nurture our planet.

It's easy to forget nature's incredible role in our lives. Yet, the importance of integrating landscape and biodiversity improvements into architectural and interior design cannot be overstated. This union is not just about aesthetics. It's a powerful strategy that wields environmental, economic, and even psychological benefits.

Over the past 50 years, species diversity has declined at an alarming rate of 69%. It's a wake-up call for all of us. The exciting part is that we can be part of the solution!

The Living Proof: A Story - High Line in New York City

Once a decrepit railway line, the High Line is now a vibrant oasis of greenery amidst the urban jungle. It's a testament to the transformative impact of landscaping. But it's not just about beauty; it's about biodiversity. The High Line supports countless species of plants, insects, and birds, fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Are you passionate about minimizing the environmental impact of your design projects? 

Optimizing operational energy not only lowers operational costs but also crafts a legacy of responsible design for generations to come. As architects and interior designers, you hold the blueprint for a better world.

Data reveals that buildings are responsible for a significant chunk of global energy consumption (up to 40% in some regions), with operational energy being a major culprit. Operational energy is the energy needed to power and maintain a building's functions. Each material chosen and each construction method employed, contributes to the energy consumption of a building, impacting the planet long before it opens its doors. By employing strategies to reduce energy consumption, architects and interior designers can steer their projects towards a greener path.

Have you heard of Earth Overshoot Day?

Earth Overshoot Day marks the date each year when the rate of global resource consumption exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. The built environment accounts for a staggering 50% of the world's extracted materials and nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions annually. As architects and designers, you hold tremendous power to shape the built environment in a way that respects and conserves our precious resources.

In a constantly evolving world, architects and interior designers are no longer solely focused on aesthetics. They understand the significance of responsible material sourcing, which is critical in shaping a sustainable and just future. By prioritizing socially responsible materials, design professionals can positively impact society and minimize their ecological footprint.

Do you know what healthy materials are and why they are important in design? 

Every architect and interior designer likely has a tale to share about that moment of revelation when they realized their potential to craft not only beautiful spaces but healthier living environments too. Maybe it was while standing amid an exquisitely designed project where the space was visually breathtaking, but the newly installed carpets were off-gassing harmful VOCs. It’s not hard to realize that the materials specified in projects can significantly influence people's health.

Ten percent. That’s the average amount of time we spend outside.

Did you know that we breathe a concentration of indoor pollutants that can be two to five times higher, if not more, than outside?It’s true and, obviously, not so good for our health.

Frequently, ventilation is side-lined when it is, in fact, a crucial aspect of all healthy buildings. While the need for proper indoor ventilation is not new, the impact of the pandemic increased our focus on good ventilation.  The result is upcoming changes to building code standards and enhanced indoor air quality guidelines. 

As architects and designers, you know the importance of incorporating natural light as a sculptural and architectural element in your work. However, did you know that daylight can also provide good health and wellbeing for building occupants?