Eco Interiors

We are professionally trained interior design specialists like those at other reputable design firms. What differentiates us is that in addition to our proven architectural skills and design savvy, we are knowledgeable about the impact of buildings and their interiors...on people, pets, health, and the planet. We're designers first and foremost, however we also provide cost-comparable and greener solutions for your design projects... at no extra charge.

We care about our clients no matter where they fit on the green spectrum. We are here to design your space, and we will never pressure you to "go-green".  For example, if you want to replace your living room floor, we'll tell you the pros and cons of carpeting versus wood flooring and provide you with product options that have the least eco-impact (and are in your budget!). We'll even tell you what makes the product green, for example where it's made and whether it has third-party certification, only if you want us to!

Absolutely. Eco Interiors offers clients products and materials purchased through trade resources at wholesale or "trade costs". This is a valuable resource for those who choose to hire an interior designer. The trade discount will help offset design fees, which helps to make your project more affordable.

We gladly accommodate our clients' needs, in terms of project scope and budget. Many of our clients, especially those who have not previously hired a professional designer, prefer to start with a smaller project. This helps clients determine if we are a "good fit" personally and professionally.  Small projects often lead to larger ones, and through the years we have been fortunate to create successful and long-standing relationships with many of our clients (often assisting clients as they purchase new homes or businesses). At whatever pace, Eco Interiors works to achieve our clients' design goals, and pride ourselves on delivering what we promise.

Eco Interiors works with clients throughout the United States. When working with a designer out-of-state, some travel expenses will be incurred by the client, however advances in technology minimize the need for extensive travel. As part of our commitment to sustainability, we utilize our industry expertise to assist you in locating materials, furnishings, and subcontractors in your own community.

Manufacturing is typically based on a Cradle-to-Grave methodology whereby products are created, used and discarded. In Cradle-to-Cradle production, manufacturing techniques are efficient (optimally waste free).  Material inputs and outputs are seen either as technical or biological nutrients. Technical nutrients can be recycled or reused with no loss of quality and biological nutrients composted or consumed.

Initially, we will provide a complementary telephone (or email) consultation. This brief chat provides you an opportunity to meet a member of our staff, ask questions, etc. Eco Interiors will then schedule an on-site (or remote) design consultation to help outline your interior design needs and goals. During this appointment, you can show your designer clippings from magazines or pictures of rooms that you like. The designer will usually take "before" pictures and room measurements during this two hour appointment.

Sustainable design considers the ecological, economic, ethical, health, and social aspects and impact of design. Sustainable designers try and use resources responsibly, in part to secure their availability for future generations. Green designers focus on helping clients maximize their return in terms of the design's initial vs. life-cycle costs.  For example, will the flooring you purchase now need to be discarded and replaced in a few years? Will the water heater you pay more for now "pay you back" as you  save you money on your energy bills?

When possible, select materials and furnishings with low-toxicity (improves Indoor Air Quality) made from materials grown and harvested responsibly (preserves resources) containing recycled and/or organic content (minimizes waste and/or pesticide use) that already exist. For example, you may reupholster your existing sofa (and prevent land-filling)

1)    use waterless urinals, dual-flush or ultra-low flush toilets (saves water)

2)    provide views and natural light ("daylighting") for staff (reduces sick day use and employee turnover)

3)    install motion activated, energy efficient lighting (reduces energy use and saves money)

4)    paint with no VOC paint (improves Indoor Air Quality)

It is the emission of gaseous pollutants. "New car smell" comes from the release of toxins from the materials used in the interior of the car. Off-gassing negative effects indoor air quality. Therefore many products should be off gassed prior to installation (during a prescribed vacancy) or after installation (through ventilation and air filtering). All chemically processed or petroleum based materials will produce off gassing. Fortunately, many products are now available that have reduced toxicity, and therefore off-gas much less. 

No, LEED only applies to green building projects that meet strict eco stringent criteria in order to acheive LEED Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Though products cannot be LEED certified, their properties may contribute to points under the LEED rating system. In attempting to meet these requirements, LEED practitioners identify products that have desired eco-conscious attributes.

Post-consumer material is an end product that has completed its life cycle as a consumer item and would otherwise have been disposed of as a solid waste. Post-consumer materials include recyclables collected in commercial and residential recycling programs, such as office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastics and metals.

Pre-consumer waste refers to materials generated in manufacturing and converting processes that never reach consumers. Pre-consumer waste includes scrap, trimmings, and cuttings.

Global warming, is defined as a human-made, gradual increase in the earth's surface temperature, resulting from an increase in carbon dioxide produced in the burning of fossil fuels (e.g., coal and oil), waste incineration and methane gas emissions from landfills and agriculture. Gasses are emitted into the atmosphere and trap heat from the sun, creating what is known as the Greenhouse Effect.

According to U.S. Green Building Council statistics, the construction and operation of buildings (including homes) account for nearly 50% of US greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings also use 70% of the nation's electricity and create 65% of the US waste stream.

Even if you aren't a believer in the concept of global warming, it is indisputable that reducing energy consumption and waste output in the building industry will help to conserve valuable energy and economic resources. The average energy and carbon savings attributed to green building strategies is about 35%. When building with conservation in mind, 50 to 90% of material resources can be diverted from landfills.

Yes.  Sustainable building strategies yield documented social, health, and financial benefits.

At work, there is a demonstrated reduction of staff absenteeism and turn-over and increased reports of productivity. 

In hospitals, fewer medical errors are made and patients have decreased length of hospital stays and increased satisfaction with care.

Students in eco-friendly classrooms have higher grades and fewer days absent.

Commercial buildings have higher rental rates and fewer vacancies.

Homes sell significantly faster and for more money.

Retail sales increase by up to 40% in stores that used natural vs. artificial lighting.

Overall, green buildings use 30% less energy, produce up to 35% less carbon emissions, and save 50% of natural resources, vs. traditional building. Making the decision to design and build with an eye toward sustainability will have notable impact on you (your family and colleagues) as well as on the planet. Oftentimes, small efforts can reap large benefits. Contact Eco Interiors for more information.