
I’ve long believed the architectural and design industry holds unrivaled influence over our world. And that influence extends beyond just the spaces and buildings themselves; it encapsulates the very materials that shape and fill them.
Commercial design in particular knits a beautiful pattern of people, places, and things. People breathe life into spaces. Their interactions define the mood and ambiance, turning the design into a living, breathing thing. Places are the pages in which the narrative unfolds — encompassing location, architecture, culture — influencing the character and functionality of design. And things, the intentionally selected materials which convey the owners’ values and priorities.
When these three things align, they have the power to create environments that engage, inspire, welcome, comfort, elevate — this list could go on and on and on. Tell me, what other industry has that kind of power? Right? It’s crazy to think about.
And it gets even crazier (in a good way!) When architects and designers adopt a holistic perspective and delve beyond materials’ immediate impacts on occupants, that’s when things get really good. A holistic perspective requires considering the entire life cycle of a product, from inception to disposal. Obviously, focusing on how a space influences inhabitants is important. But the upstream and downstream impacts of material selection are just as important, if not more so. And as a society, we have an obligation to think holistically, and to ask that of such an influential industry.
Product transparency and certifications allow alignment with values beyond mere functionality. More and more designers are being prompted to question not only the immediate impacts of a material or product, but also its contributions to climate health, human health, social health and equity, ecosystem health, and circularity.
I mean, let’s think about this —**
Construction projects contribute to 40% of global carbon emissions.
90% of health ailments are due to everyday toxin exposures (including, but not limited to, building materials).
The U.S. generated 600 million tons of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste in 2018 – more than double the amount of municipal solid waste generated in the same time period.
Construction is the largest global industrialized sector and at the highest risk of forced labor.
“Forever Chemicals” like PFAS are unregulated in building materials and have been found in the bodies of 99% of Americans, causing our rainwater to be deemed “undrinkable” globally.
Navigating this sea of consciousness, information, and access is daunting. I know it’s daunting and my role is industry-adjacent. I mean, once you know something you can’t unknow it, right?*
Architects and designers can’t be alone in this navigation. It’s also the responsibility of the manufacturers creating the products, and the owners (even you and me) with the buying power. It takes all three groups understanding their influence and the power of more mindful decisions to create true change.
I still believe architects and designers hold unrivaled influence, but nothing happens in a vacuum. Their influence, coupled with that of manufacturers, and our buying power, might be the most influential thing in existence. Influential enough to change our world.
*I wish I could claim this statement as my own, but alas. I heard this from Nora Rizzo, Ethical Materials Director at Grace Farms, in reference to Design for Freedom and their work to eliminate forced labor in the building materials supply chain.
**This information, and much more, is available on mindfulmaterials.com. I encourage you to click over and read about our work to make holistic sustainability a consistent factor in material decision-making for every building.
And designers, if you’ve made it this far, thank you. If you have a desire to make more positive impacts in the world through your materials and product selections, a great way to start is by seeking products with verified transparency data that aligns with the impacts you want to have.
Jen Levisen is a writer, editor, and content strategist passionate about connecting and storytelling and using both to highlight impact. She is the Director of Communications for mindful MATERIALS and is the host of the Impact Icons podcast, an Imagine a Place Production. Connect with Jen (digital high-fives abound!) LinkedIn > https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenlevisen/ Email > levisen.jennifer@gmail.com