Sustainable Interior Design
I started my journey working with large Franchises translating design templates to account for UK suppliers and product availability. HQ would specify products and materials only found in the USA, so franchisees would either need to ship them over to the UK or find an exact replacement. Shipping obviously meant high costs were involved not to mention the carbon footprint (which I was not happy with!). So I would help franchisees source the same product in the UK which made everyone happy all round!
The other problem was what happened after a company rebrand. Each Franchisee was obliged to gut out the previous fit out and replace it with the new branded fixtures. This meant excessive waste of construction material and interior fixtures. 20 years ago, the world was different and reusing or even considering second hand items was not embraced as much as it is today. However that did not stop me from trying! I took it upon myself to list furniture on second hand selling sites and asked contractors to use materials where possible. The clients did not tend to get involved much at this point, till they saw that they got a few hundred pounds for selling furniture and saved money on skips and timber!
These experiences and many others, led me to launch Blue Feather Designs. Sustainability being at the forefront of everything we do now. There is still a long way to go and by no means do I claim that 100% of every project uses sustainable materials. But doing something is better than standing still and even small changes can make a big difference.
Recently I have been very lucky to have clients that share my ideals and share the same vision.
A couple of projects that were real highlights were Knead Pizza in Maidenhead where we used preloved furniture including some gorgeous wood and metal school chairs! Simon the owner also installed a Hydroponic wall which meant that they did not have to ship in basil but now grow their own. This was his brainchild and something Simon was keen to incorporate from the first time we spoke. The result is a beautiful, skandi style haven for pizza lovers!
Another project close to my hear is Bubbles Northwood, I wrote about the design process and concept in a case study here: Bubbles Northwood
Here is what the owner at Bubbles had to say about her experience:
“Natasha, Blue Feather Design, has been amazing from start to finish of the project to design my Bubble tea and waffle cafe in Northwood. She worked tirelessly to understand my requirements and budget, got to know my personality to influence the style. The finished design is so much more than I could have every imagined. A fun, aesthetically pleasing space which maximises the number of covers but also in an eco-friendly way which was very important to me.
Natasha went above and beyond in this process, connecting me with other local businesses and providing a listening ear when I needed it most.
She continues to support the business after completion of the design which I greatly appreciate.”Neha - Bubbles Northwood
Sustainability may feel like the buzz word of recent times, but did you know that we will all be obliged to meet regulatory standards by 2050 that may change the way you consume products and materials and even run your business?
The European Climate Law writes into law the goal set out in the European Green Deal for Europe’s economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050. The law also sets the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
Climate neutrality by 2050 means achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for EU countries as a whole, mainly by cutting emissions, investing in green technologies and protecting the natural environment.
The law aims to ensure that all EU policies contribute to this goal and that all sectors of the economy and society play their part.
Objectives
Set the long-term direction of meeting the 2050 climate neutrality objective through all policies, in a socially fair and cost-efficient manner
Set a more ambitious EU 2030 target, to set Europe on a responsible path to becoming climate-neutral by 2050
Create a system for monitoring progress and take further action if needed
Provide predictability for investors and other economic actors
Ensure that the transition to climate neutrality is irreversible
(source: climate.ec.europa.eu)
Although it will take time to enforce and to notice visible changes in the environment. It is vital that all businesses start making changes now so they are not caught out in years to come. Remember in order to achieve the targets for 2050 there will be interim goals that will also become legislation much sooner!
No matter what type of business you are, if you want to get started on your sustainability journey. Get in touch to see how Blue Feather Designs can help you!