018: Sustainable Design Through Connectedness

with Renee Carman

Designing in balance with nature, Mandeville Canyon Designs, carefully weaves a refreshing collection of color into the five earth elements further reinforcing a unique style by using renewable resources and tapping into the wealth of local artistry. Since 2004 they have specialized in interior and exterior design with a special emphasis on biophilic design. The company also has a strong social conscience and looks for opportunities to volunteer in the local community and beyond. Listen in as Renee shares how she formed a co-op with other like-minded creatives in her area.

Topics Mentioned:

• Sustainable and Responsible Design
• Biophilic Design
• Education
• Strengths and Values
• Sabbatical

Thoughts from Renee:

• It’s important for me to empower my clients and further a strong partnership between them and me. I want to educate them on what their expectations may be and try to help broaden their picture of what green may mean.
• Biophilic design is the idea that we naturally want to commune with nature and that we are surrounded, involved and grounded in nature. This type of design is seen a lot in healthcare and corporate design to help with results such as reducing patient stays and an enhanced overall wellbeing.  
• With design it’s asking how we can bring outside in and in the simplest form bringing plants inside. A great example of this is New York City and the concrete jungle that the city is – and the use of plants.
• I love the phrase:“If it excites you and scares you all at the same time, you should probably say yes”. 
• I want to encourage everyone to take the Strengths Finder test. It might validate what you are already doing or it might make you realize how many more things you could do based on your strengths.
• I try to create an atmosphere that is nonthreatening. My goal is to set an environment of collaboration but I also realize that not everyone’s strength is ‘includer'.

Links and Resources:

• Better Business Coaching System
• Episode 5 of Profit Is a Choice - Shame

Books:

• Forged in Crisis by Nancy Koehn
• Failing Forward by John C. Maxwell

Socials:

• Website, www.mandevillecanyondesigns.com
• Blog, www.mandevillecanyondesigns/blogspot
• LinkedIn, www.linkedin.com/renee-carmen-65344313
• Facebook, www.facebook.com/mandevillecanyondesigns/
• Houzz, www.houzz.com/pro/mandeville-canyon-designs
• Pinterest, www.pinterest.com/reneebcarman.com
• Google, www.google.com/+ReneeCarman
• Instagram, www.instagram.com/mandevillecanyondesignsh/