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Architecture often gets all the press when it comes to sustainable building design, but interior design can be just as important in achieving a more sustainable working or living environment. MiBiz asked Lee Davis about the role of interior design and sustainability. Davis, an interior design instructor at Kendall College of Art and Design and principal designer at Lake Affect Design Studio, has more than two decades of experience in the industry.

How has sustainability and design thinking mixed for interior design?

I think that design thinking enhances the sustainability protocols put into place because what you want with a more sustainable environment — if you want to make that kind of a broad generalization — is an understanding from a lot different angles of what’s going to happen. That’s what design helps you do: It takes a lot of different perspectives into account as the problem solving occurs.

What has a focus on sustainability added to design of late?

There are certainly many more material selections out there. It’s also, I think, enhanced the appeal of reusing buildings. We had gone through a very destructive period of ‘tear something down, build something new,’ which is the least sustainable you can be. So repurposing something that’s still good is always a more sustainable way to go. And that goes for materials, too.

How do you approach clients who are looking for sustainable options for their work environment?

The most important thing is to start any conversation early. You always want to be working with a customer while thoughts are still forming in their head about what it is they think they want the space to do. You don’t go in saying sustainability is a thing you will add in; it’s just always there.

Do sustainable building materials cost more than traditional materials?

It shouldn’t cost more. Part of our job as designers is to help help update this idea to our clients.

What do you tell your students is the most important thing to know before going into a first project?

Their voice matters at the table. They do have influence over selections and building processes.

Interview conducted and condensed by Elijah Brumback. Photo by Adam Bird.

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TAGS:

• kendall college of art and design
• lake affect design studio
• lee davis