Episode 4: The Truth About Textiles

Are “performance” fabrics actually safe for our homes—or are they loaded with hidden toxic chemicals?

In this episode of Design with Impact, I’m joined by Patty Grossman, co-founder of Two Sisters EcoTextiles, to break down what interior designers need to know about sustainable textiles, healthy upholstery, and non-toxic fabric choices.

Patty shares eye-opening insights into the textile industry, including why fabric can contain up to 25% chemicals by weight, what toxic substances may be hiding in common upholstery and drapery fabrics, and why certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX matter when sourcing for clients.

We also discuss the truth about recycled polyester, why it’s often a greenwashing tactic, and what designers can do right now to avoid specifying plastic-based fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and vinyl.

If you’re an interior designer who wants to create healthier, more sustainable interiors without sacrificing style or durability—this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why textiles are one of the biggest contributors to indoor toxins
• What chemicals are commonly found in upholstery and drapery fabrics
• Why VOCs are only part of the problem

  The difference between natural, synthetic, and cellulosic fibers (rayon/viscose)

• Why polyester and acrylic are essentially plastic
• What designers should know about PFAS, phthalates, and flame retardants
• Why recycled polyester isn’t the sustainable solution we think it is
• How to choose fabrics that are durable without toxic additives
• The truth about blackout curtains and healthier alternatives
• The difference between GOTS vs OEKO-TEX
• What to ask fabric reps when sourcing textiles
• The future of sustainable textiles and circular fiber innovations
  

Connect with Patty:

• Website: https://www.twosistersecotextiles.com/
• Instagram: @twosistersecotextiles
  

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.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 3: Healthy Homes 101: Indoor Air Quality, Mold & Non-Toxic Design

Did you know the air inside your home can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air? In this episode of Design with Impact, we’re diving deep into the hidden world of building biology, indoor air quality, and non-toxic interior design.

I’m joined by interior designer and building biology expert Amanda, who breaks down how our homes function as a “third skin”—and how the materials, furniture, and design decisions we make can directly impact our health.

If you’re an interior designer looking to create healthier, more sustainable spaces, or a homeowner wanting to reduce toxins in your home, this episode is packed with practical insights you can start applying today.

• What building biology is and how it differs from sustainable design
• Why indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air
• The most common hidden toxins in homes (VOCs, microplastics, PFAS & mold)
• How furniture, cabinetry, and finishes impact your health
• Why carpet may be one of the biggest sources of toxins in your home
• Red flags to watch for when sourcing materials (greenwashing, flame retardants, VOC levels)
• Simple ways to improve ventilation and air quality (including MERV filters & air exchangers)
• Common design mistakes that can lead to moisture and mold issues
• Why bathrooms are the biggest risk area in home design
• How to design for clients with chemical sensitivities or autoimmune conditions
• What EMFs are and how they may affect sleep, stress, and overall health

Connect with Amanda:

Free e-book: www.healthyhouseontheblock.com/ebook

Instagram @healthyhouseontheblock

Website: www.healthyhouseontheblock.com

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.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 2: Rethinking Waste: The Power of Upcycled Interiors

What if the most beautiful pieces in your designs didn’t come from a catalog—but from what others throw away?

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Montreal-based designer Philippe Charlebois-Gomez, founder of Studio Botté, to explore how discarded materials can become stunning, one-of-a-kind lighting—and why upcycling needs to become standard practice in interior design.

From salvaging street finds to collaborating with clients on meaningful, story-driven pieces, Philippe shares how circular design is reshaping the industry—and how you can start integrating it into your projects today.

• What sustainable interior design really looks like in practice
• The difference between circular design and upcycling
• How to source reclaimed materials for your projects
• Why reuse should be a core design principle—not an afterthought
• How to build a network of makers, artisans, and reuse resources
• The value of creating custom, story-driven design pieces
• How working with local artisans enhances the client experience
• Why limiting shipping and sourcing locally reduces environmental impact

• Instagram: @studio.botte
• Website: www.studiobotte.com

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.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 1: What is Sustainable Interior Design (and Why it Matters More Than Ever)

What is sustainable interior design—and why should every designer be paying attention?

In this foundational episode of Design with Impact, Alex Shield breaks down what sustainable interior design really means beyond aesthetics. From reducing environmental impact to creating healthier spaces, this episode explores how design decisions shape not only our homes—but our planet and well-being.

You’ll learn why the design industry plays a major role in global waste, how everyday materials can impact human health, and what it actually looks like to design with intention. Alex also shares her 5 core principles of sustainable interior design, giving you practical ways to start making more conscious choices today—whether you're a designer or simply designing your own home.

If you're ready to rethink the way you approach interiors and create spaces that truly support people and the planet, this episode is your starting point.

Because sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s the future of design.

• What sustainable interior design actually means
• The true environmental impact of the design industry
• How interiors affect human health and well-being
• Why sustainability is a responsibility—not a trend
• The connection between materials, air quality, and wellness
• How to start making more sustainable design decisions today

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.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Sustainable Interior Design for Healthier Spaces and Meaningful Impact

Sustainable interior design isn’t a trend—it’s the future.
If you’re an interior designer who wants to create beautiful, healthy spaces and build a purpose-driven, profitable business, you’re in the right place.

In this teaser episode of Design with Impact, host Alex Shield shares the story behind her shift into sustainable interior design—from confronting industry waste to uncovering the hidden health risks in everyday materials like formaldehyde, PFAS, and flame retardants.

What started as a personal journey—sparked by the documentary The True Cost and designing her son’s nursery—quickly became a mission to help designers rethink how we create spaces, source materials, and serve our clients.

What to expect from the Podcast:

Each week, you’ll get actionable insights on:

• Eco-friendly materials & healthy home design
• Sustainable systems and processes for your design business
• Marketing and positioning your brand to attract aligned, values-driven clients

Who it's for:

Interior designers who want to:

• Design more sustainably without feeling overwhelmed
• Create healthier, non-toxic homes
• Build a profitable, values-driven interior design business

Sustainability isn’t optional anymore—it’s the future of design.

Hit Follow to learn how to reduce waste, design with intention, and create real impact—without sacrificing beauty or profitability.

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.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement