Sustainability is top of mind for many designers, but there’s more to it than incorporating eco-conscious materials in interiors. This week, we asked seven designers—Anna Cappelen, Sarah and Rebecca Goesling, Angela Harris, Marli Jones, Chloe Pollock-Robbins, and Mike Shively—to tell us about how considerations for the healthy future of the planet inform their designs.
Thinking About the Future
“Sustainability today is less about using recycled materials; it’s more about designing in a way that makes a more sustainable future. This is a conscious choice to move away from the disruption and waste common in the industry and toward a ‘bottom-up’ approach driven by quality and longevity. We spend significantly more energy on remodeling versus defaulting to new construction. While it requires more effort, it reduces our carbon footprint while allowing the heart and the history of a project to remain. We prioritize products with a decent lifespan that can be reupholstered and maintained. We believe in doing it right the first time across all our vendors. For example, while ‘pineapple’ or ‘mushroom’ leathers are popular experiments, they often decompose too quickly. Real leather, while it has been the center of debates, lasts 40 to 50 years, and prevents a byproduct of the meat industry from becoming environmental waste. We support local artisans and vendors who prioritize the merge of high design and sustainability, such as Stacklab’s use of recycled materials or the Ann Sacks/Kohler WasteLab line produced in Wisconsin. True sustainability also comes from good forecasting, something that is key to our practice. As corporate incentives around sustainability continue to evolve, the decline of ‘failed experiments’ in materiality is giving way to a more pragmatic approach: precision. We believe the most effective way to reduce waste is to eliminate it at the source through thoughtful forecasting—ensuring that excess inventory is never produced in the first place. Beyond our own projects, we also see an opportunity to support brands in aligning production more closely with real demand. By moving away from overproduction, the focus shifts to well-considered, high-design products built for longevity.” —Sarah Goesling and Rebecca Goesling, Goesling Group, Park Ridge, Illinois
If the Bones Are Good
“Our studio building in Logan Square embodies a synergy between urban infill and conscious decision-making in construction. It operates not just as a community events hub, but also as an Airbnb option that minimizes travel downtown for families visiting the area. This space encapsulates our dedication to sustainability. Outfitted with high-efficiency systems and strategic solar orientations, elements often challenging to integrate into adaptive reuse scenarios, it showcases the possibilities of urban infill. In the realm of environmentally conscious construction, adaptive reuse stands out as a route to achieving carbon neutrality. While new constructions have their downsides, they frequently overlook existing benefits, such as building orientation and solar infrastructure. Our studio, born from a fusion of new construction and community revitalization, stands as evidence of the potential of thoughtful urban infill. While we stay current on this debate and understand the conceptual total-carbon benefit of working with adaptive reuse, it boils down to making informed environmental choices while considering the long-term operational expenses of buildings. Encouraging clients toward adaptive reuse, even when initial inclinations favor teardowns, aligns with our dedication to responsible environmental practices and sustainable architecture.” —Mike Shively, En Masse Architecture and Design, Chicago
Thoughtful Approach
“We approach sustainability in a way that feels both thoughtful and livable. We prioritize durable materials, invest in custom millwork that is built to last, and avoid anything overly trend-driven that might feel dated in a few years. We are especially drawn to high-quality, natural materials that wear in, not out, and tell a better story over time. We also think carefully about sourcing and craftsmanship, favoring pieces that are made well and meant to be kept. Ultimately, sustainability is about creating homes that age gracefully, function beautifully for real life, and do not need to be constantly redone to feel relevant.” —Anna Cappelen and Chloe Pollock-Robbins, Curious Yellow Design, New York, Oslo and Paris
Durability First
“We’re practicing sustainability by prioritizing incorporating durable, indoor-outdoor fabrics within clients’ homes. Choosing products for their long-lasting materiality allows the design industry to avoid the fast cycles of interior product, and allows clients to keep upholstery and furniture for longer, without worrying about replacement. When possible, we turn to natural materials when sourcing fabrics and products for homes, and are proponents of allowing those materials to age naturally within the home, even if that means the wear and tear is visible. Patina is beautiful and contributes to a home aging gracefully.” —Marli Jones, Rebel House, Winnetka, Illinois
A Stellar System
“At our firm, sustainability isn’t a layer—it’s embedded from the start. We focus first on designing spaces people value, maintain and keep. That means creating environments that are durable, adaptable and deeply aligned with how people actually live. Materiality matters, but so does restraint—thoughtful sourcing, responsible use, and avoiding overdesign to reduce waste. We also view sustainability through performance: spaces that support well-being, maximize natural light and foster connection. Ultimately, it’s a systems approach—we work collaboratively to ensure every decision contributes to better outcomes for both people and the planet.” —Angela Harris, Trio, Denver
