Sustainable Designer

Chances are you’ve seen the word sustainable used to describe everything from clothing to farming. You’re probably already aware that it means the clothing is manufactured or the food is grown in such a way that the process is as environmentally friendly as possible.

Topics on this page:
- What Is A Sustainable Designer?
- Why Work With a Sustainable Designer?
- Work With a Sustainable Designer

Likewise, sustainability is used in interior design and architecture as well. A sustainable designer makes over or renovates the inside of a home or building using products that have minimal or no impact on the environment. But sustainable design, which has been called interior design for the 21st century, is more than just choosing “green” materials and products—it’s about creating a home or office that’s healthier and more productive for you! Here’s an overview of what a sustainable designer does and why you should work with one.

What Is A Sustainable Designer?

A sustainable designer uses strategies when designing a space that helps improve indoor air quality as well as energy and water use. They also specify the use of environmentally friendly products whenever possible such as bamboo floors, smart glass windows, and recycled materials. They create a home or workspace that’s not only beautiful and functional but safe for occupants and the environment too. Sustainable interior design also uses natural materials that have a long life cycle, which eliminates the need for the client to replace them later on. The use of sustainable materials can also reduce energy costs if your designer incorporates them in ways that help your home retain heat in the winter stay cooler in the summer, and cut down on water usage.

A sustainable interior designer may be trained and educated the same way an interior designer is. This can include earning a degree in an area of study related to architecture and interior design, learning design software used to create renderings of space, and experience working for a design firm. However, to become a sustainable interior designer the person needs to further educate themselves about environmentally friendly building and interior design practices. One of the best ways they can set themselves apart is by holding accreditation in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In order to earn LEED accreditation, they must pass a lengthy multiple-choice exam. Once they pass, this means they have a working knowledge of green building concepts and can market themselves as a LEED AP (accredited professional.) A LEED AP ID+C is an expert specifically in interior design and construction. Sustainable interior designers must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years in green building knowledge to keep their accreditation current and stay updated on the latest trends.

Why Work With a Sustainable Designer?

There are so many benefits to working with a sustainable designer. For starters, a sustainable designer can help you and your family stay healthier and you’ll avoid introducing new sources of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into your home. The truth is the indoor air in many American households isn’t healthy to breathe due to chemicals used in the manufacturing of furniture, building materials, and many household products. If you’ve ever noticed a funky smell after receiving a new piece of furniture, bedding, or other household item, chances are you were smelling off-gassing, which is the emission of chemicals—or VOCs—used to make the product. Research has linked VOCs to health issues that include allergies, respiratory diseases, headaches, and more. Having your home or workspace transformed by a sustainable interior designer means cleaner inside air for you and your family or coworkers and thus a comfortable area to live or work in.

Work With a Sustainable Designer

When you work with Janine Dowling Design, you’ll be working with a LEED-accredited interior designer who uses sustainable materials when possible to create a healthy home or work space for you! Contact us to tell us about your design project.