What sustainable design practices can you use to create a more eco-friendly space?

A Designer's job is to weave beautiful aesthetics with function, conservation, air quality, performance, resiliency, universal design and sustainability to achieve our client’s dream home, and to minimize the impact on our natural resources, whether it be a starter home or a luxurious estate.

In my experience we, as interior designers, are professionals that really can have an impact in the environment through the products, services and resources that we recommend, offer and utilize, respectively. It is our responsibility to research the manufacturing processes, materials and sourcing of our providers before specifying or recommending to our clients. There are many situations where it is worth analyzing the pros and cons of a certain product, especially when provides several advantages on the use, but on the long term it may have a detrimental impact on the environment or the people’s health. Examples of this are the manufactured quartz for countertops, certain plastics and laminated materials on cabinets, vinyl flooring, etc.

The Sustainability of a Building as a whole depend on its interior, the material used and it's settings, Sustainable materials could be adopted, if not well place or applied the aim of the sustainability is aborted

Multiple triple-bottom analysis attest to the fact that incorporating biophilic design elements like greenery and views of nature enhances occupant well-being, productivity, and connection to the natural environment. Plants, along with proper ventilation and the use of low-VOC materials, improve indoor air quality, minimizing exposure to pollutants and allergens and creating healthier, more comfortable indoor environments.

Serious consideration of 'minimalism' or 'minimalistic approach' is an important starting point of design process; this may help in deciding the exact design requirements. 'Less is more' can help to achieve more in space planning. Thanks

Traditional and time-tested materials and practices Learn from the past experience of our ancestors. Do construction using techniques and materials which were tested and successful before the advent of electricity. Recycling is the norm especially in conservation work. Design with climate suitability in mind. When designing for a hot tropical clime, use passive solar controls by incorporating sun-shading devices, have high ceilings to promote air-circulation and natural cross ventilation, high thermal capacity of wall materials, use light colours to reflect heat away, et al. Consciously use natural local materials and avoid artificial ones. Eschew or minimise use of air-conditioning. Hence, a sustainable approach is achieved by default.

Transportation In this communicated world, where digital calls, videoconferencing, fast shipping and instant access to world information, we may tend to expect a speedy delivery of goods, without considering the cost, financially and environmentally, pollution and additional services and resources like heavy packaging (and it’s short use live) that may impact bringing products from afar or at a speedy rate. It would be amazing that “complementary” industries would partner, let’s say to bring a fragile piece of furniture, wrapped by another’s company soft goods like clothing instead of using styrofoam’s pellets, for example. Collaboration, conscious and understanding of the processes is the key!