135 – Industry: Can We Talk Green Design?

Industry: Can we talk Green Design? On this episode of The Chaise Lounge, Nick chats with Phyllis Harbinger, interior design industry expert. Nick and Phyllis get into green design, what that means, and how to incorporate these design principles in residential projects. Specifying Sustainable Products in Residential Design Phyllis Harbinger joins Nick in The Lounge while wrapping up a busy school year at FIT. She kickstarts the conversation by informing us that clients aren’t asking for green design, and honestly, aren’t necessarily open to it either. Phyllis lets us know though that the more natural and sustainable a product is, the better off the environment and even the client is. Phyllis and her class were recently able to visit Material Connexion, which she referred to as 'a candy store for designers.' Phyllis recalls a specific wallcovering that was a grass-like cloth which absorbed odors and even cleaned the air. Green design and green products temd to find their way into commercial projects more often than residential, so it is important that designers start educating clients. It may take more time to discover these products and put together green spaces but it's not always at a higher cost. Green Design may be a challenge, but it’s rewarding. Resources for repurposing items include local antique stores and online sources such as 1stDibs, Previously Owned by a Gay Man, etc. How to Know if Product is Green Many times it can be as simple as a label on textiles stating it as a recycled good, but if not, you may need to research the content and where it was made. Often, importing from across the globe can “undo” the good of a “green” product by increasing its carbon footprint. Phyllis notes vinyl wallcoverings and certain carpets as not environmentally friendly, while cork is a better option, or even opting to refinish wood floors rather than replacing them. She also recalls a project where it was more “green” to install a new floor on top of an old one, rather than tearing it out. Nick also encounters environmental issues in his business. In the past, low and zero VOC products were significantly more expensive. This cost was a hurdle that prevented his customers from making the switch. When this difference decreased, Nick and his company decided to make the change across the board - not only for environmental reasons but also for the health of his crew. Phyllis and Nick also talk about repainting cabinets versus installing new ones, specify ultra suede green, and talk about the versatility of carpet tiles. Send Phyllis an email to get in touch and learn more! Upcoming Events NeoCon - June 12 - 14 PCBC - June 26 - 28 Las Vegas Market - July 30 - Aug 2 BDNY 2017 - Nov 12 - 13 KBIS - Jan 9 - 11 Wrap Up If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!