Episode 16: What I Learned from the 30 day, $30K Eco Design Challenge: Sustainable Sourcing, Materials & More

Description:

What happens when you put sustainable interior design to the test?

In this solo episode of Design with Impact, I’m sharing my experience taking on the 30-Day, $30K Eco Design Challenge, hosted by the Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA). The challenge was to transform a space in 30 days with a maximum budget of $30,000 while following three key principles: low waste, low toxin, and low carbon.

For this project, we transformed a cold, poorly insulated master bedroom into a healthier and more sustainable space. We reinsulated the exterior walls, removed wall-to-wall carpeting, refinished the existing hardwood floors, sourced pre-loved and antique furniture, incorporated locally made lighting from recycled materials, and selected natural and low-tox materials throughout the room.

But the project didn't go exactly according to plan.

I’m sharing the sourcing challenges, unexpected discoveries, difficult decisions, and lessons I learned along the way—including why designing sustainably requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to let the design evolve.

If you're an interior designer looking to incorporate more low-waste, low-tox, and low-carbon practices into your projects, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what sustainable design can actually look like in practice.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What the 30-Day, $30K Eco Design Challenge is and the three sustainability principles behind it
• How we applied a low-waste, low-tox, and low-carbon framework to a master bedroom renovation
• Why sourcing pre-loved furniture can make a project more sustainable—but also requires patience and flexibility
• How antique and secondhand pieces influenced the final design
• Why we chose natural latex and organic cotton for the upholstered headboard
• How we incorporated lighting made from recycled materials
• How we approached insulation, flooring, paint, and other building materials with health and sustainability in mind
• The challenges of finding materials and products that meet multiple sustainability criteria
• Why sustainable design doesn't always mean choosing the "perfect" product
• Why good design takes time, especially when sourcing pre-loved and one-of-a-kind pieces
• How a low-waste, low-tox, and low-carbon framework can change and improve the design process
• Why flexibility is essential when designing with sustainability in mind

Free Webinar: Build Your Sustainable Supplier List

If you're an interior designer who wants to make more sustainable choices but feels overwhelmed trying to find the right suppliers and materials, join my free live webinar on September 29th.

I'll be sharing my framework for evaluating suppliers so you can start building a trusted sustainable supplier list that reflects your values and your business.

Save your seat: Build Your Sustainable Supplier List: A Framework for Smarter Sourcing

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Episode 15: How to Build a Sustainable Supplier Network for Your Interior Design Business

Description:

If you've ever wished someone would just hand you a list of trusted sustainable suppliers, this episode is for you.

As an interior designer, you already have enough on your plate. Researching every flooring, textile, furniture piece, paint, and finish from scratch can feel overwhelming—especially when you're trying to make healthier and more sustainable choices for your clients.

But after years of building my own sustainable sourcing network, I've learned that it's not really about having a long list of suppliers. It's about knowing who you can trust, who has the right expertise, and who shares your values.

In this solo episode of Design with Impact, I share some of the biggest mistakes I've made when building my sustainable supplier network—from assuming a familiar supplier is automatically the right fit, to taking sustainability claims at face value, to searching for the "perfect" supplier.

I'll also share why relationships have become one of the most valuable resources in my sustainable design practice, and how you can start building your own trusted network of suppliers, manufacturers, reps, and other design professionals.

If you're an interior designer who wants to source more sustainably without spending countless hours researching every product, this episode will give you a practical place to start.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why your usual supplier isn't always the right supplier for a sustainable project
• Why you shouldn't take terms like "eco-friendly," "natural," or "sustainable" at face value
• Why there probably isn't one "perfect" sustainable supplier or product
• How to use a good, better, best approach when making sustainable selections
• How to identify your own sustainability priorities and use them to guide your sourcing decisions
• Why relationships are one of the most valuable tools in sustainable sourcing
• How suppliers, reps, manufacturers, makers, and other designers can help expand your network
• Why your sustainable supplier list should become a living, evolving resource—not just a spreadsheet
• How to start building a trusted supplier network without trying to figure everything out on your own

Free Webinar: Build Your Sustainable Supplier List: A Framework for Smarter Sourcing
Join the free live training on September 29th to learn how to evaluate sustainable suppliers and build your own trusted supplier network. Register here: Build your List

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Episode 14: Designing for Longevity: Sustainable Furniture, Local Manufacturing & Circular Design

What does sustainable furniture actually mean—and how can interior designers confidently source pieces that align with their values?

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Méghane Delorme, co-founder of Fabrique Allwood, a Quebec-based furniture manufacturer that's redefining sustainable furniture through local production, zero-waste manufacturing, and timeless craftsmanship.

Méghane shares how Fabrique Allwood transformed its production process to eliminate wood waste, developed partnerships within the circular economy, and built a business around creating furniture that's designed to last for generations—not landfills.

If you're an interior designer looking to make more sustainable sourcing decisions, this episode is packed with practical advice on choosing local manufacturers, asking better questions, and understanding what truly makes furniture sustainable.

• Why locally made furniture is one of the most impactful sustainability decisions designers can make.
• What "sustainable furniture" really means beyond marketing claims.
• How Fabrique Allwood developed a zero-waste manufacturing process.
• The role thoughtful product design plays in reducing manufacturing waste.
• How wood offcuts are repurposed through schools, artists, makers, and community partnerships.
• Why circular economy principles create opportunities for collaboration across the design industry.
• How reusable shipping blankets dramatically reduce packaging waste during local deliveries.
• Why investing in high-quality, solid wood furniture is more sustainable—and often more economical—than replacing fast furniture every few years.
• Why visiting local workshops and manufacturing facilities can strengthen client trust and improve your sourcing decisions.

Freebie: Free sample box for interior designers + Lunch & Learn sessions

Website: https://fabriqueallwood.com

Instagram: @fabriqueallwood

Other Resources:

Vivi Lamarre - Creating wood handles from offcuts

Mirabuches - Creating fire logs from wood dust

Connect & continue the conversation:

• I am creating resources and trainings for interior designers who want to learn more about sustainability and I need your input! I would be so grateful if you would take a few minutes to give me your feedback here: Survey
• Sign up for our newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
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Episode 13: Beyond Beautiful Spaces: Why Sustainable Art Matters in Interior Design

Artwork is often the finishing touch that brings a space to life—but have you ever stopped to consider its environmental impact?

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Jenny McCarty, founder of Sage Leaf Studio, to explore what makes artwork truly sustainable. With a unique background in ecology and water resource management, Jenny combines science, conservation, and creativity to create beautiful wildlife-inspired art while minimizing environmental impact.

Together, they discuss how interior designers can make more thoughtful art selections, what questions to ask artists, and why artwork deserves a place in every sustainable design conversation. From eco-friendly materials and low-tox finishes to packaging, shipping, and conservation, this episode offers a fresh perspective on specifying art with intention.

• How Jenny's background in ecology shaped her journey into sustainable art.
• Why sustainability should extend beyond furniture and finishes to include artwork.
• What makes a piece of artwork truly eco-friendly.
• The environmental impact of traditional art materials and packaging.
• How Jenny built a values-driven art business using recycled materials, sustainable packaging, and conservation initiatives.
• Why perfection isn't necessary when building a sustainable business—and why progress matters more.
• How asking manufacturers and suppliers better questions can create industry-wide change.
• Why original artwork creates more meaningful, lasting interiors than mass-produced décor.
• Practical questions interior designers can ask artists before specifying artwork.
• Encouraging trends in the art industry, from eco-friendly pigments to reduced packaging.
• How art can inspire conservation and become a catalyst for positive environmental impact.

Freebie: Sustainable Art Sourcing Checklist

Website: www.thesageleafstudio.com

Instagram: @sage_leaf_studio

• I am creating resources and trainings for interior designers who want to learn more about sustainability and I need your input! I would be so grateful if you would take a few minutes to give me your feedback here: Survey
• Join the conversation: Design with Impact Community on SKOOL
• Sign up for our newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
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Episode 12: How I Built a Sustainable Interior Design Business (Without Having It All Figured Out)

In this solo episode of Design with Impact, I’m sharing my personal journey into sustainable interior design—how a childhood shaped by reuse and resourcefulness, a project installation filled with waste, and a powerful documentary completely changed the way I think about design.

If you’ve ever felt called to incorporate sustainability into your business but worried it would be too complicated, too expensive, or too overwhelming, this episode is for you.

I’m sharing the pivotal moments that led me to build a business centered around healthy homes and sustainability, the challenges I faced along the way, and my advice for designers who want to create more meaningful impact through their work.

Because I didn’t build a sustainable design business overnight—it evolved one decision, one project, and one conversation at a time.

• The early experiences that shaped my values around sustainability and resourcefulness
• How seeing the amount of waste generated during a project installation changed my perspective on interior design
• The documentary that completely transformed the way I think about consumption and the products we buy
• Why sustainability is about more than just materials—it's also about people, waste, and end-of-life
• The challenges of transitioning into sustainable interior design
• Why you don't need to know everything before getting started
• How small decisions can create meaningful impact over time
• The importance of aligning your business with your values
• Why sustainable design is the future of our industry
• Encouragement for designers who are just beginning their sustainability journey
• Resources available to help you confidently incorporate sustainable design into your business

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Join the conversation: Design with Impact Community on SKOOL
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Episode 11: What’s Really Inside Your Sofa? The Truth About Healthy, Natural Furniture

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Christine Sintermann, co-founder of Biosofa, to explore what’s really hiding inside the upholstered furniture we bring into our homes.

After discovering the amount of plastic, petroleum-based foam, and synthetic materials used in conventional sofas, Christine and her husband set out to create a different kind of furniture—one built around natural materials, repairability, and circular design.

Together, they unpack the health and environmental impacts of conventional furniture, the problem with greenwashing in the industry, and why interior designers need to look beyond aesthetics and start asking what’s inside the products they specify.

If you’ve ever wondered how to source healthier furniture, avoid misleading sustainability claims, and create spaces that support both people and the planet, this episode is for you.

• How Christine’s journey into sustainable furniture began
• What’s inside a typical mass-market sofa—and why it matters
• The health and environmental concerns surrounding petroleum-based foam and synthetic materials
• Why furniture waste and microplastics are becoming a growing issue
• What you would actually find inside a Biosofa, including natural latex, jute, certified wood, and natural fibers
• Why repairability and end-of-life should be considered when specifying furniture
• Why vague terms like “eco,” “green,” and “conscious” aren't enough
• Why transparency matters and what questions designers should be asking manufacturers
• Where designers should focus first when creating healthier homes: furniture, walls, and floors
• Why sustainable design doesn't have to be perfect—and why better choices add up over time
• Christine’s vision for the future of the furniture industry and product transparency

Freebie: Natural Home Guide

Website: https://biosofa.com/

Instagram: @the_biosofa

Reference to video (Natural vs. Synthetic fibres on fire): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87hAnxuh1g8

I am creating resources and trainings for interior designers who want to learn more about sustainability and I need your input! I would be so grateful if you would take a few minutes to give me your feedback here: Survey

• Join our newsletter: Newsletter Sign-up

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Episode 10: Designing for Wellness: Building Biology Principles for Interior Designers

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Jen Nickel, founder of Invision Design Solutions, to explore the powerful intersection of interior design, building science, and human health through the lens of building biology.

Jen shares her journey into wellness-driven design, what building biology really means, and why interior designers have an important role to play in shaping healthier homes. Together, they dive into topics like indoor air quality, toxic off-gassing, moisture resilience, mold prevention, natural building materials, passive house design, and lighting strategies that support circadian rhythm.

They also unpack key takeaways from the Ontario Natural Building Conference, including circularity, deconstruction, innovative insulation materials, and how natural finishes like clay and lime plasters can improve indoor environments.

If you’re an interior designer ready to move beyond aesthetics and start designing homes that truly support long-term wellbeing, this episode is a must-listen.

• What building biology is and why it matters in interior design
• How interior design decisions directly impact human health and wellbeing
• The importance of moisture resilience and how modern construction traps moisture
• Key insights from the Ontario Natural Building Conference
• How deconstruction helps divert demolition waste from landfills
• Natural building materials like straw bale, hempcrete, rammed earth, and clay plasters
• Why repairability is a major factor in sustainable design
• Passive House basics and how high-performance building impacts health
• Lighting strategies that support circadian rhythm and better sleep
• Practical ways to maximize natural daylight in a space

Website: https://www.invisiondesign.ca/

Instagram: @jen_nickel_invisiondesign

LinkedIn: Invision Design Solutions

• Ontario Natural Building Coalition
• Stone House Kachelofen – Jessica Steinhauser
• Ouroboros (deconstruction and material reuse)
• Arcana Restoration Group (historic masonry restoration)
• Beyond Plasters

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Episode 9: Building a Values-Driven Brand: How Interior Designers Can Lead with Purpose

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Voes & Co., Desiree Dupuis, to explore the future of sustainable materials, vegan design, and values-driven business.

Desiree shares her journey from corporate life to building a globally recognized vegan footwear brand rooted in ethics, innovation, and conscious consumerism. Together, Alex and Desiree dive into the environmental impact of traditional leather, the rise of next-generation plant-based materials like cactus leather and mushroom leather, and why sustainability is about so much more than trends.

This conversation is packed with insight for interior designers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to align their work with their values while creating products and spaces that are healthier for people, animals, and the planet.

If you’ve been curious about sustainable materials, conscious sourcing, circular design, or building a purpose-driven business, this episode is for you.

• Why Desiree founded Voes & Co. and built the brand around vegan values
• The environmental and ethical impact of traditional leather production
• What next-generation plant-based leathers are made from
• The difference between “vegan” and truly sustainable materials
• How to evaluate materials using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Why durability and end-of-life matter in sustainable design
• The challenges of sourcing innovative, low-impact materials
• How conscious consumer choices drive industry change
• Why timeless design is more sustainable than trends
• The importance of defining your personal and business values
• Advice for entrepreneurs building values-driven brands
• What the future of sustainable materials and circular design could look like

Freebie:
30% off Voes & Co. Chelsea Boots with code: DWIVIP

Website: Voesandcompany.com

Instagram:@voes_and_co, @desireedupuis

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm. Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.

Episode 8. How to Source Non-Toxic Rugs: What Every Interior Designer Needs to Know

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Sandy Wong, founder of Rugs by Roo and the Healthy Home Summit, to talk about one of the most overlooked pieces of a healthy home: the rug.

Sandy shares how her journey as a mom led her to discover how difficult it is to find rugs that are truly safe, natural, and free from harmful chemicals. Together, they unpack what’s really inside most conventional rugs, why 80% of rugs on the market are synthetic, and how materials like polypropylene and polyester are often treated with chemicals like PFAS to make them stain resistant.

From red flags to certifications to pricing and durability, this episode is packed with practical advice for interior designers who want to confidently specify rugs that support indoor air quality, long-term health, and sustainability—without sacrificing style.

• Sandy’s story behind founding Rugs by Roo and why she started sourcing healthier rugs
• Why the Healthy Home Summit was created and why consumer education matters
• The surprising statistic: 80% of rugs on the market are synthetic
• Why synthetic rugs often contain chemical treatments like PFAS
• The most important things to look for when sourcing a healthier rug
• Key rug components designers should evaluate: fibers, dyes, backing, and adhesives
• Red flags like “stain resistant,” “water repellent,” “UV protected,” and “antibacterial” claims
• The simple “smell test” designers can use when shopping for rugs
• What to look for on the back of the rug (and why stitched backing matters)
• The importance of ethical sourcing and avoiding child labor in the rug industry
• Why healthy rugs cost more upfront—but often cost the same over time

Free Workshop for Interior Designers: Healthy Rugs, Decoded (June 12th – recorded if you can’t attend live)

Website: www.rugsbyroo.com & www.healthyhomesummit.com

Instagram: @rugsbyroo & @healthyhomesummit

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In this solo Q&A episode of Design with Impact, Alex answers some of the most common questions interior designers have when they’re starting their sustainable design journey.

From how to talk to clients about sustainability without sounding preachy, to how to manage the massive amount of waste created during installs and renovations, Alex breaks down practical strategies you can implement right away.

You’ll also learn how to prioritize sustainable decisions when everything feels important—from shopping local and sourcing healthier materials, to carbon footprint, recycled content, and certifications. If sustainable design has ever felt overwhelming, this episode will help you simplify your approach and focus on what creates the biggest impact.

• How to talk to clients about sustainability in a way that feels positive and approachable
• The Climate Funnel Framework and how it helps you “meet clients where they are”
• What to focus on when clients aren’t interested in sustainability (durability, comfort, resale value)
• How to guide curious clients with low-risk sustainable swaps (like zero-VOC paint)
• Why you should ask clients about their sustainability priorities early in the project
• The “good, better, best” method for making sustainable choices within a budget
• Why sustainability sells best when connected to personal values—not guilt
• Why waste is one of the biggest blind spots in interior design
• How to incorporate waste planning during the early design phase
• How to prioritize sustainability when it feels like a never-ending checklist
• High-impact areas to focus on first (floors, walls, cabinetry, bedrooms, kitchens)
• Why health, durability, longevity, and carbon footprint are strong guiding principles
• How the 80/20 rule can help you create impact without chasing perfection
• What’s included in the Sustainable Design Starter Kit and how it supports designers

Join the Design with Impact Mailing List: https://alexshielddesign.myflodesk.com/pmy1xwvnoj

Climate funnel: https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/the-climate-funnel-a-framework-to-ignite-change-through-effective-communication

Carols Terol's talk "Igniting Change: A Journey through the Climate Funnel": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xjt_ukVrh0

Sustainable Design Starter Kit: https://alexshielddesign.com/the-sustainable-design-starter-kit

Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
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