Client design and functional needs are always at the forefront of the work of interior designer Simonesas, as well as protecting the environment through sustainable practices.
46-year-old Sus founded her LondonStudio Suss, a 2013-based design studio, has always been concerned about sustainability, but the course of sustainability leadership she took during the blockade began to change using business. I learned more about what to do.
As a member of the Professional Practice Committee of the UK Interior Design Institute, Sas works with other members to guide British designers on how to be more sustainable and minimize carbon dioxide emissions. created.
Interior designers can start to be more environmentally friendly just by paying attention to how the waste is disposed of from the project, but Suss said that wood and wallpaper procured from responsibly managed forests, etc. We use sustainable products in our clients’ homes as much as possible. You don’t sacrifice luxury, style or quality.
In addition to how she implemented sustainable ways in her business, Sas also shared her favorite design elements and where she was inspired.
Mansion Global: What does it mean to be sustainable in interior design?
Simone Sas: It’s tricky because you basically have to stop consuming to be sustainable. Therefore, consumption is an enemy of sustainability. So while being sustainable, trying to sell or make things is quite difficult. It’s about making conscious decisions. When you’re getting rid of things at the beginning of a project, how do you handle that waste? When you buy a new one for your client, how do you actually do it in a way that supports sustainability? The construction industry accounts for 40% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions, so it’s actually a really polluted industry. So how can you work in this industry without making things worse?
MG: Why is sustainability so important to you and your work?
SS: I have always loved nature, and in the background there was always a conversation about climate change. Throughout my life, I can now see the effects of climate change. It’s always been talked about as if it were far away in the future, but it’s actually happening now. I was part of such a generation and grew up without worrying about what we bought. We now feel that we are the last generation to do really anything about climate change. It’s going to be too late.
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MG: Are there any sustainable design trends or techniques that are currently rising?
SS: Biophilic design has a real tendency and has the benefits that people get by bringing nature indoors. It’s what people actually experienced during the blockade, even as simple as having a plant. People care more about their interior and hope it will be a new way of life.
MG: Are your options limited by focusing on products and materials that are made more responsibly?
SS: Sustainable options can be even better, especially in luxurious interiors. For example, we worked with our clients to bring new beautiful bespoke rugs into their homes. The women who make them make them out of silk and bamboo, but from a sustainability standpoint, they also make them out of recycled plastic. Recycled plastic looks and feels exactly the same, but it’s actually even more durable and easier to clean. They haven’t compromised on their appearance at all and are actually even better functional for their home.
MG: How do you practice sustainability in your own life?
SS: I love traveling and it’s tricky, so it’s really hard, but I also know that travel expenses help support the community, so I try to travel as sustainable as possible. At my home, I try to recycle as much as possible to minimize waste. I drive an electric car. I run my house on renewable energy. I just try to live consciously, and every time I decide whether it’s for me or for my client, I try to find out if there is a sustainable way to do it. Even though I sometimes go through the gap, I try to practice what I preach.
MG: How do you define your design style?
SS: Our design style is gorgeous, timeless and a little fun. We certainly can’t fit all in one size. All designs are completely bespoke. But in reality, it’s about being timeless. Our clients do not change the interior every one or two years. Being timeless is also a sustainable angle.
MG: What is your favorite timeless design element?
SS: One of the things we often specify is the tulip table of salinen. It’s a marble table, a work of Mid Century. It is a timeless work that makes a hit on the spot every time just by exchanging various chairs in various environments. It’s probably one of my favorite design pieces.
MG: Functionality is also an important part of your design. What is your favorite way to incorporate design elements that work at home?
SS: It’s always about finding out how the client wants to live. What I often do is very functional, but in the bathroom I always have a very small light near the toilet, so when I enter the room it has a motion sensor and a very dark light on. increase. Near the toilet where you need it. If possible, another functional thing that always advises clients is to have two dishwashers.
MG: Where are your inspirations?
SS: Just walk around, absolutely anywhere. I love traveling, so traveling anywhere is really inspiring. Fashion too. I used to go to Fashion Week a lot, but I also like to follow all the fashion houses on Instagram. When I go to museums and art galleries, I think art is really exciting. I sometimes receive it from my child. You might look at one of their art projects and see that the colors are in perfect harmony. I’m like a beacon always looking for inspiration, but I’m not actively looking for it.
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MG: How do you expect the entire design industry to be more sustainable?
SS: I sincerely hope that everyone will take responsibility for their company. In the UK, there are many designers who think it’s someone else’s problem. I think it really makes a difference if each designer becomes more aware. As designers, we are responsible for hundreds of thousands of pounds, which is equivalent to the client’s budget. If we can invest that budget in a company that we know supports sustainable objectives, we will vote in dollars and direct our business to companies that are doing better for the world and sustainability. Will be.
MG: In your own words, how do you define luxury?
SS: I think it’s really a luxury to be grateful and really enjoy. So, as a luxury, I think that stimulating the five senses, seeing, touching, and smelling will make you feel better.
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