Sustainable Interior Design for Healthier Spaces and Meaningful Impact

Sustainable interior design isn’t a trend—it’s the future.
If you’re an interior designer who wants to create beautiful, healthy spaces and build a purpose-driven, profitable business, you’re in the right place.

In this teaser episode of Design with Impact, host Alex Shield shares the story behind her shift into sustainable interior design—from confronting industry waste to uncovering the hidden health risks in everyday materials like formaldehyde, PFAS, and flame retardants.

What started as a personal journey—sparked by the documentary The True Cost and designing her son’s nursery—quickly became a mission to help designers rethink how we create spaces, source materials, and serve our clients.

What to expect from the Podcast:

Each week, you’ll get actionable insights on:

• Eco-friendly materials & healthy home design
• Sustainable systems and processes for your design business
• Marketing and positioning your brand to attract aligned, values-driven clients

Who it's for:

Interior designers who want to:

• Design more sustainably without feeling overwhelmed
• Create healthier, non-toxic homes
• Build a profitable, values-driven interior design business

Sustainability isn’t optional anymore—it’s the future of design.

Hit Follow to learn how to reduce waste, design with intention, and create real impact—without sacrificing beauty or profitability.

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm. Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 1: What is Sustainable Interior Design (and Why it Matters More Than Ever)

What is sustainable interior design—and why should every designer be paying attention?

In this foundational episode of Design with Impact, Alex Shield breaks down what sustainable interior design really means beyond aesthetics. From reducing environmental impact to creating healthier spaces, this episode explores how design decisions shape not only our homes—but our planet and well-being.

You’ll learn why the design industry plays a major role in global waste, how everyday materials can impact human health, and what it actually looks like to design with intention. Alex also shares her 5 core principles of sustainable interior design, giving you practical ways to start making more conscious choices today—whether you're a designer or simply designing your own home.

If you're ready to rethink the way you approach interiors and create spaces that truly support people and the planet, this episode is your starting point.

Because sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s the future of design.

• What sustainable interior design actually means
• The true environmental impact of the design industry
• How interiors affect human health and well-being
• Why sustainability is a responsibility—not a trend
• The connection between materials, air quality, and wellness
• How to start making more sustainable design decisions today

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm. Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 2: Rethinking Waste: The Power of Upcycled Interiors

What if the most beautiful pieces in your designs didn’t come from a catalog—but from what others throw away?

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Montreal-based designer Philippe Charlebois-Gomez, founder of Studio Botté, to explore how discarded materials can become stunning, one-of-a-kind lighting—and why upcycling needs to become standard practice in interior design.

From salvaging street finds to collaborating with clients on meaningful, story-driven pieces, Philippe shares how circular design is reshaping the industry—and how you can start integrating it into your projects today.

• What sustainable interior design really looks like in practice
• The difference between circular design and upcycling
• How to source reclaimed materials for your projects
• Why reuse should be a core design principle—not an afterthought
• How to build a network of makers, artisans, and reuse resources
• The value of creating custom, story-driven design pieces
• How working with local artisans enhances the client experience
• Why limiting shipping and sourcing locally reduces environmental impact

• Instagram: @studio.botte
• Website: www.studiobotte.com

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm. Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 4: The Truth About Textiles

Are “performance” fabrics actually safe for our homes—or are they loaded with hidden toxic chemicals?

In this episode of Design with Impact, I’m joined by Patty Grossman, co-founder of Two Sisters EcoTextiles, to break down what interior designers need to know about sustainable textiles, healthy upholstery, and non-toxic fabric choices.

Patty shares eye-opening insights into the textile industry, including why fabric can contain up to 25% chemicals by weight, what toxic substances may be hiding in common upholstery and drapery fabrics, and why certifications like GOTS and OEKO-TEX matter when sourcing for clients.

We also discuss the truth about recycled polyester, why it’s often a greenwashing tactic, and what designers can do right now to avoid specifying plastic-based fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and vinyl.

If you’re an interior designer who wants to create healthier, more sustainable interiors without sacrificing style or durability—this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why textiles are one of the biggest contributors to indoor toxins
• What chemicals are commonly found in upholstery and drapery fabrics
• Why VOCs are only part of the problem

  The difference between natural, synthetic, and cellulosic fibers (rayon/viscose)

• Why polyester and acrylic are essentially plastic
• What designers should know about PFAS, phthalates, and flame retardants
• Why recycled polyester isn’t the sustainable solution we think it is
• How to choose fabrics that are durable without toxic additives
• The truth about blackout curtains and healthier alternatives
• The difference between GOTS vs OEKO-TEX
• What to ask fabric reps when sourcing textiles
• The future of sustainable textiles and circular fiber innovations
  

Connect with Patty:

• Website: https://www.twosistersecotextiles.com/
• Instagram: @twosistersecotextiles
  

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm. Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 3: Healthy Homes 101: Indoor Air Quality, Mold & Non-Toxic Design

Did you know the air inside your home can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air? In this episode of Design with Impact, we’re diving deep into the hidden world of building biology, indoor air quality, and non-toxic interior design.

I’m joined by interior designer and building biology expert Amanda, who breaks down how our homes function as a “third skin”—and how the materials, furniture, and design decisions we make can directly impact our health.

If you’re an interior designer looking to create healthier, more sustainable spaces, or a homeowner wanting to reduce toxins in your home, this episode is packed with practical insights you can start applying today.

• What building biology is and how it differs from sustainable design
• Why indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air
• The most common hidden toxins in homes (VOCs, microplastics, PFAS & mold)
• How furniture, cabinetry, and finishes impact your health
• Why carpet may be one of the biggest sources of toxins in your home
• Red flags to watch for when sourcing materials (greenwashing, flame retardants, VOC levels)
• Simple ways to improve ventilation and air quality (including MERV filters & air exchangers)
• Common design mistakes that can lead to moisture and mold issues
• Why bathrooms are the biggest risk area in home design
• How to design for clients with chemical sensitivities or autoimmune conditions
• What EMFs are and how they may affect sleep, stress, and overall health

Connect with Amanda:

Free e-book: www.healthyhouseontheblock.com/ebook

Instagram @healthyhouseontheblock

Website: www.healthyhouseontheblock.com

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm. Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.

Connect & continue the conversation:

• Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
• Share this episode with a fellow designer
• Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 5: The Sustainable Social Media Strategy: How to Build Community & Attract Ideal Clients

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Valentine Aouad, founder of GreenSocials, to explore how interior designers can use social media intentionally—not just to grow an audience, but to build real community and attract aligned clients.

Valentine shares why sustainability messaging often falls flat online, how designers can communicate their values without sounding preachy or overwhelming, and why showing behind-the-scenes decision-making is more powerful than simply posting polished final photos.

If you’ve been struggling with what to post, how often to show up, or how to talk about sustainability without turning people off, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and mindset shifts to help you market your sustainable design business with clarity and confidence.

• Why social media can be a tool for connection rather than distraction
• How Valentine built GreenSocials and why she only works with purpose-driven brands
• The biggest mistakes designers make when communicating sustainability online
• Why the words “sustainable” and “eco-friendly” can sometimes create mistrust
• How to talk about sustainability in a way that feels engaging and relatable
• Why clients connect more with the process than the polished final reveal
• The importance of showing decision-making, trade-offs, and real project stories
• What “green hushing” and “green shouting” mean—and why transparency matters
• A realistic definition of consistency (and why posting nonstop isn’t the answer)
• How to create content pillars that make posting easier and less overwhelming
• Why trends can hurt your brand if they attract the wrong audience
• The difference between an audience and a community—and how to build one
• Simple community-building habits designers can implement in just 5 minutes a day
• How to attract clients who value sustainability (not just aesthetics)

Website: green-socials.com

Instagram: @green.socials

Valentine's Podcast: @reconnect.pod

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm.

Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.

Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
Share this episode with a fellow designer
Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 8. How to Source Non-Toxic Rugs: Materials, Certifications & Red Flags

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Sandy Wong, founder of Rugs by Roo and the Healthy Home Summit, to talk about one of the most overlooked pieces of a healthy home: the rug.

Sandy shares how her journey as a mom led her to discover how difficult it is to find rugs that are truly safe, natural, and free from harmful chemicals. Together, they unpack what’s really inside most conventional rugs, why 80% of rugs on the market are synthetic, and how materials like polypropylene and polyester are often treated with chemicals like PFAS to make them stain resistant.

From red flags to certifications to pricing and durability, this episode is packed with practical advice for interior designers who want to confidently specify rugs that support indoor air quality, long-term health, and sustainability—without sacrificing style.

• Sandy’s story behind founding Rugs by Roo and why she started sourcing healthier rugs
• Why the Healthy Home Summit was created and why consumer education matters
• The surprising statistic: 80% of rugs on the market are synthetic
• Why synthetic rugs often contain chemical treatments like PFAS
• The most important things to look for when sourcing a healthier rug
• Key rug components designers should evaluate: fibers, dyes, backing, and adhesives
• Red flags like “stain resistant,” “water repellent,” “UV protected,” and “antibacterial” claims
• The simple “smell test” designers can use when shopping for rugs
• What to look for on the back of the rug (and why stitched backing matters)
• The importance of ethical sourcing and avoiding child labor in the rug industry
• Why healthy rugs cost more upfront—but often cost the same over time

Free Workshop for Interior Designers: Healthy Rugs, Decoded (June 12th – recorded if you can’t attend live)

Website: www.rugsbyroo.com & www.healthyhomesummit.com

Instagram: @rugsbyroo & @healthyhomesummit

Join the mailing list: Newsletter sign-up
Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
Share this episode with a fellow designer
Leave a review to help grow the movement

In this solo Q&A episode of Design with Impact, Alex answers some of the most common questions interior designers have when they’re starting their sustainable design journey.

From how to talk to clients about sustainability without sounding preachy, to how to manage the massive amount of waste created during installs and renovations, Alex breaks down practical strategies you can implement right away.

You’ll also learn how to prioritize sustainable decisions when everything feels important—from shopping local and sourcing healthier materials, to carbon footprint, recycled content, and certifications. If sustainable design has ever felt overwhelming, this episode will help you simplify your approach and focus on what creates the biggest impact.

• How to talk to clients about sustainability in a way that feels positive and approachable
• The Climate Funnel Framework and how it helps you “meet clients where they are”
• What to focus on when clients aren’t interested in sustainability (durability, comfort, resale value)
• How to guide curious clients with low-risk sustainable swaps (like zero-VOC paint)
• Why you should ask clients about their sustainability priorities early in the project
• The “good, better, best” method for making sustainable choices within a budget
• Why sustainability sells best when connected to personal values—not guilt
• Why waste is one of the biggest blind spots in interior design
• How to incorporate waste planning during the early design phase
• How to prioritize sustainability when it feels like a never-ending checklist
• High-impact areas to focus on first (floors, walls, cabinetry, bedrooms, kitchens)
• Why health, durability, longevity, and carbon footprint are strong guiding principles
• How the 80/20 rule can help you create impact without chasing perfection
• What’s included in the Sustainable Design Starter Kit and how it supports designers

Join the Design with Impact Mailing List: https://alexshielddesign.myflodesk.com/pmy1xwvnoj

Climate funnel: https://illuminem.com/illuminemvoices/the-climate-funnel-a-framework-to-ignite-change-through-effective-communication

Carols Terol's talk "Igniting Change: A Journey through the Climate Funnel": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xjt_ukVrh0

Sustainable Design Starter Kit: https://alexshielddesign.com/the-sustainable-design-starter-kit

Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
Share this episode with a fellow designer
Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 6: Non-Toxic Kitchens: Why Aluminum Cabinets Are the Future of Healthy Design

Description:

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Ona Vilarmau from IMD Cabinets, a company that designs and manufactures custom luxury kitchens and cabinetry made entirely from aluminum.

They dive into why traditional cabinetry can be a hidden source of formaldehyde, VOCs, and toxic adhesives, and how those materials can impact indoor air quality—especially in the kitchen, one of the most material-dense spaces in the home.

Ona shares how IMD Cabinets creates 100% non-toxic, VOC-free cabinetry using an innovative clip-together system (no glues or adhesives), why aluminum is one of the most durable and recyclable materials available, and how designers can confidently specify healthier cabinetry options without sacrificing aesthetics.

If you’re an interior designer looking to create kitchens that are healthier, longer-lasting, and better for the planet, this episode is full of valuable insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why most kitchen cabinets aren’t solid wood (and what they’re actually made of)
• The hidden chemicals in conventional cabinetry, including formaldehyde and VOCs
• How cabinetry impacts indoor air quality and long-term health
• The difference between low-VOC and VOC-free (and why it matters)
• How IMD Cabinets manufactures aluminum kitchens without glues, adhesives, or toxic finishes
• Why aluminum is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and high-humidity environments
• How aluminum cabinetry performs over time compared to MDF and wood
• The sustainability benefits of aluminum, including durability and recyclability
• How IMD minimizes waste during manufacturing through recycling and material optimization
• How powder coating creates warmer, more customizable finishes (without an industrial look)
• Customization options: woodgrain finishes, color matching, sintered stone doors, and etched designs
• Where aluminum kitchens make the most sense (coastal homes, rentals, cabins, outdoor kitchens, and more)
• The future of kitchen design and the growing demand for healthier, transparent materials

Connect with Ona Vilarmau:

Website: www.imdcabinets.com

Instagram: @imdcabinets

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm.

Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit

Connect & continue the conversation:

Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_
Share this episode with a fellow designer
Leave a review to help grow the movement

Episode 9: Building a Values-Driven Brand

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Voes & Co., Desiree Dupuis, to explore the future of sustainable materials, vegan design, and values-driven business.

Desiree shares her journey from corporate life to building a globally recognized vegan footwear brand rooted in ethics, innovation, and conscious consumerism. Together, Alex and Desiree dive into the environmental impact of traditional leather, the rise of next-generation plant-based materials like cactus leather and mushroom leather, and why sustainability is about so much more than trends.

This conversation is packed with insight for interior designers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to align their work with their values while creating products and spaces that are healthier for people, animals, and the planet.

If you’ve been curious about sustainable materials, conscious sourcing, circular design, or building a purpose-driven business, this episode is for you.

• Why Desiree founded Voes & Co. and built the brand around vegan values
• The environmental and ethical impact of traditional leather production
• What next-generation plant-based leathers are made from
• The difference between “vegan” and truly sustainable materials
• How to evaluate materials using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Why durability and end-of-life matter in sustainable design
• The challenges of sourcing innovative, low-impact materials
• How conscious consumer choices drive industry change
• Why timeless design is more sustainable than trends
• The importance of defining your personal and business values
• Advice for entrepreneurs building values-driven brands
• What the future of sustainable materials and circular design could look like

Freebie:
30% off Voes & Co. Chelsea Boots with code: DWIVIP

Website: Voesandcompany.com

Instagram:@voes_and_co, @desireedupuis

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm. Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.