We're often led to believe that good design and sustainability are mutually exclusive. As an interior designer passionate about sustainability, this couldn't be further from the truth. I attended the "Stunningly Good: Sustainability First Interiors," talk at the Green Design Show recently and it truly resonated with me. The insights shared by Matt Woods from Killing Matt Woods and Taryn Cornell from the Green Building Council reinforced the idea that sustainability is not just an add-on but the very essence of good design.

Sustainability as the Core of Good Design

One statement from Matt Woods stood out to me: "Sustainability is the core principle of good design. If it is not sustainable, it isn't good design." This sentiment encapsulates our philosophy at studiospillane and underscores the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of our work. It’s a powerful reminder that our designs must not only be aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible.

The Iterative Nature of Sustainable Design

Matt also spoke passionately about the iterative process of sustainable design and emphasised that achieving sustainability is a journey of constant learning and improvement. "We can't expect to get these things right the first time," he said, encouraging designers to continuously seek new knowledge and innovate. This iterative approach aims to make each project better than the last, highlighting the importance of evolution in sustainable practices.

Embedding Sustainability into Design Processes

Sustainability should be embedded in our design processes, not treated as an optional extra. Matt talks about the concept of "Sustainability by stealth," a term we often use at studiospillane. It involves integrating sustainable practices seamlessly into our projects, making them an inherent part of our design DNA. Clients can often associate sustainability with a certain aesthetic, but this is certainly no longer the case. Advancements in materials, production and construction methods have progressed tremendously, and designers are now creating beautiful environments and experiences that are more and more creatively sustainable. These advancements mean that we are now able to design spaces that are sustainable and it is not obvious or conspicuous - it's just good design.

When our values align closely with our client’s brief, sustainability becomes fundamental and second nature in the way we design. And when sustainability isn’t a primary focus for them, it’s our job to educate them on how these measures can be easily embedded into the design process and the impact they can have.

Designing for Deconstruction and Reuse

A crucial aspect of sustainable design is considering both how a design is assembled and how it can be disassembled. Matt highlighted the transient nature of hospitality spaces, noting that elements often have a limited lifespan. Therefore, it's essential to design spaces that can be easily taken apart, repaired, reused, or recycled. For instance, reducing the use of adhesives and epoxy, which hinder material reuse, and optimising sheet sizes to minimise waste and cost are practical steps. Detailing designs with mechanical fixings or minimal fasteners can also facilitate easy deconstruction.

The Importance of Relationships in Sustainable Design

Strong relationships with builders, joiners, and suppliers are vital to ensuring sustainable principles are executed as intended. Matt emphasised that client relationships built on shared values from the outset are the most successful. We find that this alignment of values when we work on our projects helps to achieve sustainable outcomes that resonate with all stakeholders involved.

Detailing and Material Selection

Design detailing and material selection play a critical role in sustainability. Key practical practices include:

• Design for Deconstruction: Understanding how elements are constructed and will be deconstructed.

• Designing for Disassembly: Ensuring that designs can be easily disassembled and materials reused or recycled.

• Dematerialisation: Strategic material selection with consideration of embodied energy, water usage, transport, and emissions.

• High-Quality Materials: Using a simple palette of high-quality, sustainable materials.

Matt Woods' at Killing Matt Woods exemplifies these principles, showcasing beautifully detailed and sustainable designs. You can explore his work further at Killing Matt Woods.

The session reinforced my belief that sustainability is fundamental to good design. As designers, we must continually strive to embed sustainable practices into our processes, ensuring that our work not only stands the test of time but also respects and preserves our environment. By fostering strong relationships and making informed choices, we can create interiors that are both beautiful and sustainable.

Remember: it’s not good design if it’s not sustainable.