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Sophie is an interior designer with a focus on workplace, hospitality and retail projects. She is currently studying for an MSc in Sustainable Building Design & Engineering at University of Greenwich.
My initial interest in sustainability started with issues surrounding deforestation and global plastic production, but working as a designer at BDP made me more aware of construction materials and the growing need for recyclable and biodegradable alternatives. My goal is to help save the world for future generations, one building at a time, through the implementation of natural materials and good design.
My approach to sustainability is through the design of flexible internal spaces, so that a building can adapt throughout its lifecycle, reducing the need for major refurbishment and ensuring that the materials and products used are as natural as possible. And of course the clients are integral to the sustainability of any project; it is important to have the early conversations about their goals and have them invested in their sustainable journey.
Material information and certification can be an issue, as there are many different certifications for different types of products and it requires a level of understanding to know what you are looking for. Cost can also be an issue, as some natural and recycled products have a slightly higher price point, but hopefully this will begin to change as everyone becomes more sustainable.
An in-depth sustainable and healthy building materials library that is accessible to everyone would be incredibly helpful, as this would reduce the amount of time to find and research suitable products and materials. I would also like to see more suppliers calculating the carbon footprint associated with their products; there are a few brands currently doing this but I would like to see this being standard practice.
To me, living sustainably means buying second hand, using public transport, being more conscious about the amount of energy I use at home and becoming a vegetarian to reduce my carbon footprint. During lockdown I studied for my MSc in Sustainable Building Design and Engineering, to better inform myself about sustainable low energy construction and how the construction industry can help combat climate change. I also recently took part in plastic fishing on the river Thames to help reduce plastic marine litter.