Skip to main content
Insights — Research

Metropolis Magazine: 10 Strategies for Climate Control in Interior Design

Published on
Metropolis Climate Toolkit Header Image

Today, the building industry is responsible for 39% of the world’s carbon emissions. By 2050, analysts predict the interior design industry will be responsible for almost one-tenth of the world’s carbon emissions. (“Climate Toolkit for Interior Design,” Metropolis.com).

So, what does that mean for the future of design? And what can we do as designers to move the needle on a more sustainable, responsible future?

According to Metropolis Magazine – plenty. That potential inspired a three-month-long Hackathon, bringing together industry experts in design, construction, and manufacturing to continue the dialogue, exchange ideas, and identify practical shifts that create meaningful change. Jennifer Tart Thompson from Corgan’s Interior practice and Samantha Flores from Corgan’s Hugo team were tapped for the Austin event to brainstorm and define key strategies that would model best practices as we collectively join the fight against climate change.

Metropolis Magazine room with a QR code to enter the universe

Decarbonization is one of the most exciting and urgent creative challenges for interior designers today...It was wonderful to have leaders at firms like Corgan share insights that will help transform the industry and secure a better future for us all.

Avinash Rajagopal, Editor in Chief of Metropolis Magazine

With the goal of outlining a set of realistic and holistic strategies to low-carbon interiors, the resulting Climate Toolkit for Interior Design provides useful guidelines that not only further the dialogue but also provide practical interventions — big and small — that serves as a living resource for more responsible design. 

Corgan leaders with others at Metropolis Magazine

Samantha Flores and Jennifer Tart Thompson represented Corgan for the 2-day Hackathon in Austin.

Approximately 30 professionals spent two days in Austin to define key strategies outlining how the industry can improve and evolve.

 

Participants focused on 10 key areas to bring awareness and education within their firms, industries, and communities. Here are the 10 topics they covered:

1. Learn the Language of Carbon

Low-carbon design begins with understanding basic carbon concepts and tools. 

2. Bring it Up with the Team

Initiate conversations about carbon with all stakeholders — clients, contractors, vendors, and end-users.

3. Uncover Creative Possibilities

Prioritizing reuse and recycling can result in beautiful, exciting, and emotionally resonant spaces.

4. Think Differently About Materials

Optimize the material palette and select products with appropriate durability for different applications. 

5. Find the Hotspots

Identify the parts of your work with the biggest carbon footprints so that you can tackle those first.

6. Screen Products

Set up a general screening process for all materials and products so that decisions on individual projects become easier.

7. Sample Responsibility

Reducing the waste of the sampling process helps cut down the carbon footprints of both firms and manufacturers.

8. Partner Up to Reuse and Recycle

Find collaborators interested in sustainable construction and engage with them early.

9. Design for the Next Life

Find collaborators interested in sustainable construction and engage with them early.

10. Close Out Responsibly

Equip your current clients with enough information about their space so that future occupants and designers can reuse and renovate the space responsibly.

 

Learn more about the Climate Toolkit at Introduction to the Climate Toolkit - Metropolis (metropolismag.com)

From key decisions on projects including material selection and sustainable construction to shifting our perspective on how we practice and share information, architecture and interior

Related News & Insights

Contact Us

Collaborate with Corgan

Contact Us

Careers

Shape the Next Built Environment

See Open Positions