Sustainability
Pfeiffer Design is proud to be a part of Interior Design Declares.
Pfeiffer Design is committed to the sourcing, specifying and procurement of sustainable design elements, and implementing sustainable practices throughout our design process. In addition, we champion sustainable home technology and advocate the use of these where applicable in all projects we undertake.
Why is sustainable design important?
As interior designers, we have a responsibility to tackle every project in a sustainable manner, informing and inspiring our clients along the way. The construction industry accounts for about 40% of the UK’s carbon footprint and it is crucial we approach not only the sourcing of products with care and integrity, but that sustainable practices are undertaken throughout the design process.
Sustainability improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystem, and preserves natural resources for future generations. Sustainable development and design need to meet the needs of the present, without compromising on the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability is also important for economic reasons, as sustainable practices create jobs, ensure everyone earns a fair living wage and stimulates the economy.
In short, sustainability needs to permeate through every aspect of a design business to create long-term value to clients, and staff. Considering sustainable practices throughout the ecological, social, and economic spheres is crucial for the health and longevity of our planet.
What does this look like?
– Raising awareness of the climate and biodiversity crisis, and inspiring our clients and suppliers to take appropriate action
– Advocation for faster change within the industry
– Evaluation of all new projects and how best to contribute positively to mitigating climate breakdown
– Working towards a more circular economy, buying vintage and second hand and using/mending/reupholstering wherever possible
– Utilising sustainable technological advances wherever possible, and advising clients to do the same
– Requesting third-party certification or similar demonstration of environmental credentials for specified products
– Minimisation of wasteful use of resources in interior design, and work alongside others in the industry towards reducing construction and packaging waste
Winner of the BIID Anna Whitehead Award for Sustainability
We designed and purpose-built our design studio for our business and for our team of interior designers. The Studio is designed to be used in a flexible, out of the ordinary way, not only providing space for our team to work day-to-day, but also as a showroom space for our clients and somewhere to display and store all our samples, and extensive fabric library.
Reducing the environmental impact of the Studio was at the forefront of many design decisions. We specified and installed the latest sustainable technologies, including an air-source heat pump, enhanced insulation, rainwater harvesting system and a sedum roof which will soon be planted to reduce rainwater run-off and flood risk. The use of these sustainable technologies has not only improved the environmental impact of the studio but has instilled confidence in our clients and inspires them to use similar sustainable elements within their own homes.
In addition to this, we relied on local suppliers and subcontractors throughout the project, from construction and kitchen design to supply of bespoke upholstery and sourcing vintage furniture. This included re-purposing an old science table from a local college into a meeting table, reupholstering vintage Halabala chairs and using second-hand office chairs. We also ensured that, where possible, natural materials such as cottons, linens and jute were used throughout the design.
Throughout the studio we have championed British suppliers, from the building materials to the finishes. This includes the use of brands such as House of Hackney for the feature wallpaper, Fabco for the glazing and Bert Frank and Bella Figura for decorative lighting. It is especially important to showcase British suppliers, as it is indicative of how we specify products throughout our designs.
