In this episode of The Green Route, we sit down with Fernando Ramirez and Justin Beitzal, the founders of Common Object Studio — an industrial design firm pioneering regenerative design. From their furnishing line Okaterra to their collaborations with design-driven companies, they embed sustainability, community, and radical intentionality into every step of the process. We talk about what inspired their purpose-driven approach, the challenges of regenerative design, and how they’re creating products that give back more than they take.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Common Object Studio
• Common Object Studio on IG
• Okaterra
• Okaterra on IG
• Metropolis's Sustainability Lab at NeoCon
• Azure Emerging Design Awards

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

In this engaging and insightful discussion with Rachael Meyer, Principal Landscape Architect and Director of Sustainability at Weber Thompson, we discuss her work as a clean water advocate and the impact of in the world of landscape architecture. Rachael is a dedicated advocate for clean water and a pioneer in green stormwater infrastructure, known for her innovative projects that blend environmental stewardship with urban design to create healthier, more resilient communities.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Weber Thompson
• Weber Thompson on IG
• The Watershed Building
• Northlake Commons
• Bioswales

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

A deeply insightful and encouraging conversation with Katherine Tellock, Co-founder and Executive Director of Chicago Environmentalists, a dynamic nonprofit building an inclusive community dedicated to sustainability, environmental justice, and empowering Chicagoans at every stage of their eco-journey to make meaningful change in their city and beyond.

Mentioned in this episode:

• CHICAGO ENVIRONMENTALISTS
• CHICAGO ENVIRONMENTALISTS ON FACEBOOK
• CHICAGO ENVIRONMENTALISTS ON IG
• Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impact Ordinance
• “Setting Your Eco Goals for the Year” by Katherine Tellock

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

A meaningful conversation with Mallory Solomon, co-founder and CEO of Salam Hello, a Morocco-based rug company focused on sustainable, ethical production.

Mentioned in this episode:

• SALAM HELLO
• SALAM HELLO ON IG

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

A thoughtful and profound conversation with Alison Mears, architect, Associate Professor of Architecture, and Director and Co-founder of Healthy Materials Lab, a design research lab at Parsons School of Design, who's goals aim for healthier spaces and healthier lives.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Healthy Materials Lab
• Healthy Materials Lab on IG
• Material Health: Design Frontiers by Parsons Healthy Materials Lab
• 6 Classes: Chemicals of Concern
• Hempitecture
• Keim Paint

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

An inspiring conversation with Elisabetta Quarta Colosso, founder of El Fil Verd, a Barcelona-based architecture practice that embodies values like creativity, responsibility, and respect to deliver projects that leave a lasting positive impact on both individuals and the planet.

Mentioned in this episode:

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

An insightful conversation with Aleksandra Plewa, founder and CEO of the Chicago non-profit, EcoShip. With a mission to support small-businesses in the community, they aim to collect gently-used shipping supplies and packaging for redistribution, saving costs for business owners while also diverting waste from the landfill.

Mentioned in this episode:

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

Reporting on the latest and most significant developments and stories in the design industry via Business of Home, both Haley Chouinard, Managing Editor, and Caroline Biggs, Market Editor, have seen it all. But one thing that they both agree on is that sustainability is much more than a buzz word in interior design - it is becoming the set standard for industry trends moving forward. With these two market insiders, they talk to us about the products and brands that are on their radar that are actively working on creating more sustainable home design solutions. Of particular note, according to these two journalists, is circularity and how this concept is becoming more of a common practice for many brands in product development. Their observations go beyond the American market, as they frequent fairs in Europe and explain the impact of sustainable home design and the brands that are making the biggest waves.

Mentioned in this episode:

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

As an eco-conscious global citizen, Caroline Morrison's ultra environmentally-forward Californian upbringing informed her foray into entrepreneurship in the French capital by way of Landline, a general supplies store. Determined to leverage her own long-held beliefs about sustainability and positive change, she created a space that allows people to enjoy a bit of retail therapy through an experience focused on conscious consumption. A place where people can invest in well-made household products, toys, clothing, and many other objects, she built a community where the concept is about buying better and less. Caroline explains the importance in creating a shop that is accessible and relatable, while also presenting utilitarian, well-crafted products all made in Europe, to inspire better consumption habits for her customers. She believes that everyone can make positive change on their own micro level by making an effort in how they consume everyday goods.

Mentioned in this episode:

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]

As an expert in the built-environment, Gabriel Wilcox leverages his role as an architect through focusing on projects where he can integrate sustainable frameworks. Motivated to find solutions for some of the most pressing issues we are faced with in society, his work continues to center around improving the conditions of our buildings and spaces. One element that he believes has the power to deeply improve our built environment is by integrating more nature in design. Gabriel explains how this can be an extremely powerful and influential tool in reconnecting ourselves back to the natural world, which can provide better solutions for how we build and construct our spaces moving forward. He believes that the profound impact that biophilic design can have on humans, buildings and our health is undeniable and that by applying this philosophy more widely and with urgency, we will be able to establish a better future for generations to come.

Mentioned in this episode:

Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at [email protected]