THE CHANGING WORLD OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

I can't say "back when I as studying design" with any certain date in mind--or when I first started confidently using the phrase "sustainable" when discussing design choices with clients--and the word was welcomed and understood by all involved to the extent possible.  Sustainable design is evolving and changing constantly.  

I too am always studying, evolving, learning, and striving--because every project is different--every year an advancement in technology or access to tools that can empower results.  The demands of every project, whether it be diving in and truly understanding the priorities, needs, and limits of every client, and every client lifestyle and budget, is still key--or the demands of a site or a vision to make reality--and the talented subcontractors that do the work.  Whatever the scope or the scale of the project--the angle is towards sustainability, longevity, and lasting appeal. 

Understanding innovation in both the supply chain, new product introductions, and ways to communicate have accelerated and made being able to do something striking as well as a great lifestyle fit is now more than ever possible.  

The basics of designing with a mind towards economy, value, form following function, and creativity is a given, so the idea of sustainability or selectivity with an eye towards "green" design is really nothing new to the design field.  That field includes materials, methods, technology, product, and performance, and luckily, is more easily afforded and accessible than in years before.  Understanding that is a good thing for all of us as designers--consumers--and producers because realistically, all resources tend to have a limit.

With those considerations in mind, my approach is to try to do something fresh and new, but assemble and edit with an understanding of scale, proportion, building standards, and an understanding of history, and classical beauty that is the basis of design. From there, you have the potential to create a sustainable, fresh, and long lasting, beloved space, place, and environment.  

All of which is the ultimate goal--to create something you won't become bored with, or it will fail in performance before it should--which of course is the opposite of sustainability.

--JDH2023