Sustainable Interior Designers: a directory of eco style icons
Your home should be a respite from the world and a place that you feel good in and good about. Sometimes you need guidance, a second opinion, or some fresh ideas. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite eco-friendly and sustainable interior designers and sustainable interior design firms. We encourage you to reach out to them for help with your home design!
For more information on what it means to be a sustainable interior designer, see our FAQs (below).
BC
PURE Design Inc.
Image courtesy of PURE Design Inc.
Offerings
“My holistic approach ensures your space works in harmony with the environment. My purpose is achieved when I see the impact my work has made on my clients’ lives and the world at large..”
- Full-service interior design services
- In-home or virtual styling consultations
- Construction management
- Virtual design services
- Turnkey design & styling concierge service
- Architectural drawings
ON
Alicia Ruach Design + Co.
Offerings
“Alicia launched her holistic interior design boutique in a quest to curate spaces that are physically, mentally, and aesthetically woven together to promote wellness, nourish the soul, and exude style; with equal importance of selecting sustainable products, materials, and finishes.”
- Full-service design
- Virtual design/design plan only
- Designer on call
QC
Alex Shield Design
Image courtesy of Alex Shield Design
Offerings
“With a background and education in Interior Design and Sustainable Design, I have made it my mission to design beautiful spaces that bring us joy, all while reducing our negative impact on people and the planet.”
CA - sustainable interior designers in California
Citrine Interiors
Offerings
“West Coast-based design studio, offering residential and commercial interior design and sustainable space solutions on both coasts as well as internationally.”
- 2-hour consultation
- Flip/rental/AirBnB
- The works – full home or room design
Niche Interiors
Offerings
“Niche Interiors is leading the way in creating healthy, non-toxic, sustainable homes throughout the San Francisco Bay area.”
- Full-service interior design
- Family-friendly design
- Custom furniture design
- Niche + modern architecture
- San Francisco, CA and Glen Ellen, CA (wine country office)
- info@nicheinteriors.com
- nicheinteriors.com
Sarah Barnard Design
Image courtesy of Sarah Barnard Design
Offerings
“Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.”
Stacey Lapuk Interiors
image courtesy of Stacey Lapuk Interiors
Offerings
“You deserve to live in a beautiful home that reflects the best of who you are, that allows a deep connection to nature and happiness, and that provides seamless functionality for your entire family. I believe a well-designed home sets the stage for a joyful life, and that we thrive in spaces that are intrinsically connected to the natural world.”
- Full-service interior design
- Solutions for divorced men
- Virtual interior design
- SF Bay Area, Wine Country and Lake Tahoe, New York
- stacey@staceylapukinteriors.com
- staceylapukinteriors.com
Storey Design
Offerings
“We’re a full-service interiors firm dedicated to smart and sustainable spaces. We keep it modern and accessible, and we never subscribe to fickle trends and fads. Our approach is creative and interactive, and we work tirelessly until our clients’ needs are met. We love sophistication. We value playful expression just as much. And we strive to create homes that bring people joy.
GA - sustainable interior designers in Georgia
Merits Design Group
Offerings
“My artistic mission as a designer is to stimulate creativity, respect the environment, create a beautiful or magical experience, and inspire my clients to relax, explore their senses, and enjoy themselves.”
MD - sustainable interior designers in Maryland
Laura Hodges Studio
Offerings
“Laura Hodges Studio’s signature aesthetic is clean, tailored, and eclectic, incorporating unique vintage and antique finds, curated art, and natural elements.”
- Full-service interior design projects
- Domain by Laura Hodges Studio, home decor shop
NY - sustainable interior designers in New York
Amy Baratta
Offerings
“I want to help you create a beautiful home environment that brings simplicity, stimulates inspiration, and improves relaxation. I believe in the principals of holistic design, sustainability, green materials, healthy living environment, natural healing elements.”
- Full-service interiors
- Virtual design
- Design consultation
PA - sustainable interior designers in Pennsylvania
down2earth Interior Design
photo by Corey Gaffer, courtesy of down2earth Interior Design
Offerings
- Schematic design
- Design development
- Design implementation
- Philadelphia, PA and Phoenix, AZ
- info@down2earthdesign.com
- down2earthinteriordesign.com
Rooted by Design
photo by Kristina Kroot Photography, courtesy of Rooted by Design
Offerings
- Virtual or in-person
- Design consultations
- Designer for a day services
- Customer interior design
TN - sustainable interior designers in Tennessee
Motiv Interiors
Offerings
“We intentionally source every element of our designs to ensure that their beauty, functionality, and sustainability align with your vision.”
- Full service design
- V.I.P design
- Feng Shui consultation
- AirBNB interior design
VA – sustainable interior designers in Virginia
Olamar Interiors
Offerings
“With every project we undertake, whether it’s asked of us or not, we work to provide our clients with the safest, most environmentally friendly, and sustainable products that we can.”
- Interior design
- VIP day service
- Custom window treatments
WA – sustainable interior designers in Washington state
Charlie Hellerstern Interior Design
Offerings
“With an artistry that goes beyond trends, Charlie proves sustainable spaces can feel personal, live well, and exude elegance.”
- Residential and commercial interior design
FAQs about sustainable interior designers
What is sustainable interior design?
Sustainable interior design, sometimes called green interior design or eco friendly interior design, is an approach to interior design that prioritizes environmental, social, and economic sustainability throughout the design process. It involves making conscious choices to create interior spaces that have a reduced negative impact on the environment, promote healthy indoor living, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Check out our full article on sustainable interior design.
What is a sustainable interior designer?
A sustainable interior designer is a professional who creates living and working spaces that prioritize environmental responsibility and resource efficiency. This involves selecting materials that are eco-friendly, such as reclaimed wood, recycled metal, or non-toxic paints, and incorporating energy-efficient systems like LED lighting or smart thermostats. They consider the entire lifecycle of materials, from production to disposal, aiming to minimize waste and reduce the carbon footprint. Additionally, sustainable interior designers focus on improving indoor air quality and creating healthier environments by using products that are free from harmful chemicals. Their approach balances aesthetic appeal, functionality, and environmental stewardship, promoting a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural world.
What does a sustainable interior designer focus on?
In addition to considering the style, budget, and functionality of the designs they create, a sustainable interior designer considers the lasting impact of their project. A sustainable interior designer focuses on creating interior spaces that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
Some key areas that a sustainable interior designer may consider include:
- Sustainable materials – Choosing eco-friendly, high-quality, and sustainable materials is a top priority for sustainable interior designers. This includes using recycled, reclaimed, or rapidly renewable materials, as well as materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to improve indoor air quality. This includes staying up to date on sustainable certifications and seeking out sustainably certified items for their projects.
- Energy efficiency – Implementing energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, as well as designing spaces to maximize natural light and ventilation to reduce the need for artificial lighting and mechanical climate control are best practices.
- Waste reduction – Minimizing waste through practices such as recycling and reusing materials, and designing for disassembly so that materials can be easily reused or recycled at the end of their life.
- Furniture and furnishings – Selecting furniture and furnishings made from sustainable materials, such as FSC-certified wood, as well as considering their durability and recyclability.
- Biophilic Design – Incorporating elements of nature into interior spaces, such as indoor plants and natural materials, to enhance occupants' well-being and connection to the environment.
- Ethical and Fair Trade practices – Considering the social impact of design choices, including fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, and supporting craftspeople and communities.
- Education and advocacy – Educating clients and stakeholders about the importance of sustainable design choices and advocating for sustainable practices within the industry.
What credentials must a sustainable interior designer have?
There is not one standard process or credential needed to be a sustainable interior designer. Sustainable interior designers who fall into this category, however, are actively seeking to minimize the impact that the designs they create have on the planet and people living on it.
Despite the lack of one central credential, there are many avenues designers interested in sustainability can pursue. These include:
- LEED AP Interior Design + Construction (LEED AP ID+C): The LEED certification offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) includes a specific track for Interior Design + Construction. This certification is widely recognized and focuses on sustainable practices for interior spaces.
- WELL AP (WELL Accredited Professional): The WELL Building Standard certification program focuses on creating interior spaces that enhance human health and well-being. This certification is suitable for interior designers who want to specialize in wellness-focused design.
- Sustainable Design Certificates: Many universities and design schools offer certificate programs in sustainable design, which can include coursework related to sustainable interior design. These programs often cover topics such as sustainable materials, green building practices, and environmentally friendly design strategies..
- Professional Associations: Some interior design professional associations, such as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), offer continuing education and certification programs related to sustainable design. There are also professional organizations such as the Sustainable Furnishings Council and the Good Future Design Alliance that help professionals network with other like-minded designers and provide ongoing educational materials for members.
What is a sustainable interior design firm?
A sustainable interior design firm operates with a comprehensive and collaborative approach to eco-friendly design, encompassing a team of professionals who share a commitment to sustainability. Unlike an individual sustainable interior designer, a firm combines the expertise of various specialists, such as architects, engineers, and project managers, to offer a holistic range of services. This multidisciplinary team can tackle larger projects with integrated solutions that address sustainability at every level, from structural design to interior finishes. The firm often engages in continuous research and development to stay ahead of green building trends and technologies, providing clients with innovative and scalable sustainable solutions. Additionally, a sustainable interior design firm is typically involved in advocacy and education, promoting sustainable practices within the industry and among clients, thereby amplifying their impact on environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Benefits of hiring a green interior designer or sustainable interior design firm
There are so many benefits to hiring a green interior designer for your next project. One of the key advantages is their expertise in selecting sustainable materials. Sustainable interior designers are well-versed in identifying and sourcing materials that not only look great in your space but are natural, renewable, and have a minimal impact on the environment. From flooring made from bamboo or reclaimed wood to furnishings crafted from recycled materials, green interior designers have access to a wide range of eco-friendly options to bring into your space.
In addition to benefiting the environment, green interior design can also have a positive impact on your health. Green interior designers prioritize the use of non-toxic materials, such as low-VOC paints and adhesives, to improve indoor air quality. They also incorporate natural lighting, which not only reduces energy consumption but also positively affects mood and productivity. Furthermore, these designers pay attention to ergonomic design principles, ensuring that your space supports your physical well-being.
Another benefit of hiring a green interior designer is the long-term cost savings. While eco-friendly materials and technologies may have a higher upfront cost, they often result in reduced energy consumption and maintenance expenses in the long run. Green interior designers have the expertise to help you make informed decisions that balance environmental sustainability with your budgetary constraints.
Questions to ask when hiring a sustainable interior designer
When interviewing potential sustainable interior designers, asking the right questions can help you assess their qualifications and ensure they are the right fit for your project. Some key questions to consider include:
- What is your experience with green interior design?
- Can you provide examples of past projects that highlight your sustainable design practices?
- How do you source eco-friendly materials and furnishings?
- What certifications or training do you have in sustainable design?
- How do you incorporate energy-efficient technologies into your designs?
- Can you provide a detailed estimate of the project timeline and cost?
Asking these questions will not only help you gauge the designer's expertise but also ensure that they understand and align with your goals for eco friendly interior design.
Conclusion
Hiring a green interior designer can be a game-changer when it comes to creating a visually appealing and eco friendly interior design. These design professionals have the expertise to select sustainable materials, incorporate energy-efficient technologies, and prioritize your health and well-being. By working with a green interior designer, you can achieve a space that not only reduces your carbon footprint but also enhances your overall quality of life. So, if you're ready to create an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing interior space, consider hiring a green interior designer who can transform your vision into a sustainable reality.
