The inaugural Sustainable Design Collective Forum took place this week. It was an opportunity for manufacturers and the A&D community to discuss the joint challenges that we face in delivering more sustainable fit outs and look for shared pathways to change. I only wish I’d been there to deliver my industry defining contribution but a dodgy back kept me at home. Boo to the ageing body but Bravo to Joanna Knight and Harsha Kotak for putting the whole day together so brilliantly.
The measure of the success of any event such as this may well be fairly bleak. If the UK doesn’t hit its Paris commitments then we’ve all failed and the recycled plastic chair we’re sitting on won’t make us feel any cooler. Unless it’s been design by the Barber Osgerby. In which case, we’ll feel super cool. Let’s keep our voices heard inside the industry and outside on the streets.
It was great to see one of our incubator partners take the award for innovation. Recoup use 95% salvaged, restored & repurposed materials to create unique, authentic commercial interiors that do good for the planet and the people around us. They work with charities to offer paid work placements for those in need, providing opportunities that encourage wellbeing, skill-development & inclusion. These opportunities range from sessions in their workshop, where they teach basic joinery & furniture restoration techniques, through to days on site, working alongside our team to install our furniture. If you’re not familiar with our Incubator Programme click here.
What I’ve learned from both the SDC and Recoup is that it’s all about telling stories, learning from the past and shaping the future. Let’s keep innovating.
