Design with Impact

Alex Shield
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Design

Design with Impact is a podcast for interior designers who want to create beautiful, sustainable, and healthy spaces—while building a purposeful, profitable business. Hosted by interior designer and sustainability advocate Alex Shield, this show explores sustainable interior design, eco-friendly materials, and non-toxic homes, giving you practical tools to design with intention and reduce environmental impact. Each week, you’ll hear solo episodes and expert conversations covering indoor air quality, healthy materials, circular design, low-waste renovations, passive design strategies, and wellness-focused interiors—all broken down into actionable steps you can apply in real projects. You’ll also learn how to market a sustainable design business, attract aligned clients, and stand out in a growing industry focused on health, sustainability, and conscious living. Whether you’re new to sustainable design or ready to deepen your expertise, Design with Impact will help you design smarter, create healthier homes, and build a business that truly makes a difference. 🎙 New episodes weekly.

  1. Jul 14

    14. Designing for Longevity: Sustainable Furniture, Local Manufacturing & Circular Design

    Episode 14: Designing for Longevity: Sustainable Furniture, Local Manufacturing & Circular Design Description:What does sustainable furniture actually mean—and how can interior designers confidently source pieces that align with their values? In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Méghane Delorme, co-founder of Fabrique Allwood, a Quebec-based furniture manufacturer that's redefining sustainable furniture through local production, zero-waste manufacturing, and timeless craftsmanship. Méghane shares how Fabrique Allwood transformed its production process to eliminate wood waste, developed partnerships within the circular economy, and built a business around creating furniture that's designed to last for generations—not landfills. If you're an interior designer looking to make more sustainable sourcing decisions, this episode is packed with practical advice on choosing local manufacturers, asking better questions, and understanding what truly makes furniture sustainable. What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why locally made furniture is one of the most impactful sustainability decisions designers can make.What "sustainable furniture" really means beyond marketing claims.How Fabrique Allwood developed a zero-waste manufacturing process.The role thoughtful product design plays in reducing manufacturing waste.How wood offcuts are repurposed through schools, artists, makers, and community partnerships.Why circular economy principles create opportunities for collaboration across the design industry.How reusable shipping blankets dramatically reduce packaging waste during local deliveries.Why investing in high-quality, solid wood furniture is more sustainable—and often more economical—than replacing fast furniture every few years.Why visiting local workshops and manufacturing facilities can strengthen client trust and improve your sourcing decisions. Connect with Méghane DelormeFreebie: Free sample box for interior designers + Lunch & Learn sessions Website: https://fabriqueallwood.com Instagram: @fabriqueallwood Other Resources: Vivi Lamarre - Creating wood handles from offcuts Mirabuches - Creating fire logs from wood dust Connect & continue the conversation: I am creating resources and trainings for interior designers who want to learn more about sustainability and I need your input! I would be so grateful if you would take a few minutes to give me your feedback here: SurveySign up for our newsletter: Newsletter Sign-upFollow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_Share this episode with a fellow designerLeave a review to help grow the movement

  2. Jul 7

    13. Beyond Beautiful Spaces: Why Sustainable Art Matters in Interior Design

    Episode 13: Beyond Beautiful Spaces: Why Sustainable Art Matters in Interior Design Description:Artwork is often the finishing touch that brings a space to life—but have you ever stopped to consider its environmental impact? In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Jenny McCarty, founder of Sage Leaf Studio, to explore what makes artwork truly sustainable. With a unique background in ecology and water resource management, Jenny combines science, conservation, and creativity to create beautiful wildlife-inspired art while minimizing environmental impact. Together, they discuss how interior designers can make more thoughtful art selections, what questions to ask artists, and why artwork deserves a place in every sustainable design conversation. From eco-friendly materials and low-tox finishes to packaging, shipping, and conservation, this episode offers a fresh perspective on specifying art with intention. What You'll Learn in This Episode:How Jenny's background in ecology shaped her journey into sustainable art.Why sustainability should extend beyond furniture and finishes to include artwork.What makes a piece of artwork truly eco-friendly.The environmental impact of traditional art materials and packaging.How Jenny built a values-driven art business using recycled materials, sustainable packaging, and conservation initiatives.Why perfection isn't necessary when building a sustainable business—and why progress matters more.How asking manufacturers and suppliers better questions can create industry-wide change.Why original artwork creates more meaningful, lasting interiors than mass-produced décor.Practical questions interior designers can ask artists before specifying artwork.Encouraging trends in the art industry, from eco-friendly pigments to reduced packaging.How art can inspire conservation and become a catalyst for positive environmental impact.Connect with Jenny McCarty:Freebie: Sustainable Art Sourcing Checklist Website: www.thesageleafstudio.com Instagram: @sage_leaf_studio Connect & continue the Conversation:I am creating resources and trainings for interior designers who want to learn more about sustainability and I need your input! I would be so grateful if you would take a few minutes to give me your feedback here: SurveyJoin the conversation: Design with Impact Community on SKOOLSign up for our newsletter: Newsletter Sign-upFollow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_Share this episode with a fellow designerLeave a review to help grow the movement

  3. Jun 30

    12. How I Built a Sustainable Interior Design Business (Without Having It All Figured Out)

    Episode 12: How I Built a Sustainable Interior Design Business (Without Having It All Figured Out) Description:In this solo episode of Design with Impact, I’m sharing my personal journey into sustainable interior design—how a childhood shaped by reuse and resourcefulness, a project installation filled with waste, and a powerful documentary completely changed the way I think about design. If you’ve ever felt called to incorporate sustainability into your business but worried it would be too complicated, too expensive, or too overwhelming, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the pivotal moments that led me to build a business centered around healthy homes and sustainability, the challenges I faced along the way, and my advice for designers who want to create more meaningful impact through their work. Because I didn’t build a sustainable design business overnight—it evolved one decision, one project, and one conversation at a time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The early experiences that shaped my values around sustainability and resourcefulnessHow seeing the amount of waste generated during a project installation changed my perspective on interior designThe documentary that completely transformed the way I think about consumption and the products we buyWhy sustainability is about more than just materials—it's also about people, waste, and end-of-lifeThe challenges of transitioning into sustainable interior designWhy you don't need to know everything before getting startedHow small decisions can create meaningful impact over timeThe importance of aligning your business with your valuesWhy sustainable design is the future of our industryEncouragement for designers who are just beginning their sustainability journeyResources available to help you confidently incorporate sustainable design into your business Connect & continue the conversation: Join the conversation: Design with Impact Community on SKOOLSign up for our newsletter: Newsletter Sign-upFollow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_Share this episode with a fellow designerLeave a review to help grow the movement

  4. Jun 23

    11. What’s Really Inside Your Sofa? The Truth About Healthy, Natural Furniture

    Episode 11: What’s Really Inside Your Sofa? The Truth About Healthy, Natural Furniture In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Christine Sintermann, co-founder of Biosofa, to explore what’s really hiding inside the upholstered furniture we bring into our homes. After discovering the amount of plastic, petroleum-based foam, and synthetic materials used in conventional sofas, Christine and her husband set out to create a different kind of furniture—one built around natural materials, repairability, and circular design. Together, they unpack the health and environmental impacts of conventional furniture, the problem with greenwashing in the industry, and why interior designers need to look beyond aesthetics and start asking what’s inside the products they specify. If you’ve ever wondered how to source healthier furniture, avoid misleading sustainability claims, and create spaces that support both people and the planet, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Christine’s journey into sustainable furniture beganWhat’s inside a typical mass-market sofa—and why it mattersThe health and environmental concerns surrounding petroleum-based foam and synthetic materialsWhy furniture waste and microplastics are becoming a growing issueWhat you would actually find inside a Biosofa, including natural latex, j**e, certified wood, and natural fibersWhy repairability and end-of-life should be considered when specifying furnitureWhy vague terms like “eco,” “green,” and “conscious” aren't enoughWhy transparency matters and what questions designers should be asking manufacturersWhere designers should focus first when creating healthier homes: furniture, walls, and floorsWhy sustainable design doesn't have to be perfect—and why better choices add up over timeChristine’s vision for the future of the furniture industry and product transparencyConnect with Christine Sintermann:Freebie: Natural Home Guide Website: https://biosofa.com/ Instagram: @the_biosofa Reference to video (Natural vs. Synthetic fibres on fire): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87hAnxuh1g8 Connect & continue the conversation:I am creating resources and trainings for interior designers who want to learn more about sustainability and I need your input! I would be so grateful if you would take a few minutes to give me your feedback here: Survey Join our newsletter: Newsletter Sign-upFollow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_Share this episode with a fellow designerLeave a review to help grow the movement

  5. Jun 16

    10. Designing for Wellness: Building Biology Principles for Interior Designers

    Episode 10: Designing for Wellness: Building Biology Principles for Interior Designers Description:In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with Jen Nickel, founder of Invision Design Solutions, to explore the powerful intersection of interior design, building science, and human health through the lens of building biology. Jen shares her journey into wellness-driven design, what building biology really means, and why interior designers have an important role to play in shaping healthier homes. Together, they dive into topics like indoor air quality, toxic off-gassing, moisture resilience, mold prevention, natural building materials, passive house design, and lighting strategies that support circadian rhythm. They also unpack key takeaways from the Ontario Natural Building Conference, including circularity, deconstruction, innovative insulation materials, and how natural finishes like clay and lime plasters can improve indoor environments. If you’re an interior designer ready to move beyond aesthetics and start designing homes that truly support long-term wellbeing, this episode is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What building biology is and why it matters in interior designHow interior design decisions directly impact human health and wellbeingThe importance of moisture resilience and how modern construction traps moistureKey insights from the Ontario Natural Building ConferenceHow deconstruction helps divert demolition waste from landfillsNatural building materials like straw bale, hempcrete, rammed earth, and clay plastersWhy repairability is a major factor in sustainable designPassive House basics and how high-performance building impacts healthLighting strategies that support circadian rhythm and better sleepPractical ways to maximize natural daylight in a spaceConnect with Jen Nickel:Website: https://www.invisiondesign.ca/ Instagram: @jen_nickel_invisiondesign LinkedIn: Invision Design Solutions Resources Mentioned:Ontario Natural Building CoalitionStone House Kachelofen – Jessica SteinhauserOuroboros (deconstruction and material reuse)Arcana Restoration Group (historic masonry restoration)Beyond Plasters Connect and continue the conversation:Join our newsletter: Newsletter Sign-upFollow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_Share this episode with a fellow designerLeave a review to help grow the movement

  6. Jun 9

    9. Building a Values-Driven Brand: How Interior Designers Can Lead with Purpose

    Episode 9: Building a Values-Driven Brand: How Interior Designers Can Lead with Purpose Description: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. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why Desiree founded Voes & Co. and built the brand around vegan valuesThe environmental and ethical impact of traditional leather productionWhat next-generation plant-based leathers are made fromThe difference between “vegan” and truly sustainable materialsHow to evaluate materials using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)Why durability and end-of-life matter in sustainable designThe challenges of sourcing innovative, low-impact materialsHow conscious consumer choices drive industry changeWhy timeless design is more sustainable than trendsThe importance of defining your personal and business valuesAdvice for entrepreneurs building values-driven brandsWhat the future of sustainable materials and circular design could look likeConnect with Desiree Dupuis: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.

  7. Jun 2

    8. How to Source Non-Toxic Rugs: What Every Interior Designer Needs to Know

    Episode 8. How to Source Non-Toxic Rugs: What Every Interior Designer Needs to Know Description: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. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Sandy’s story behind founding Rugs by Roo and why she started sourcing healthier rugsWhy the Healthy Home Summit was created and why consumer education mattersThe surprising statistic: 80% of rugs on the market are syntheticWhy synthetic rugs often contain chemical treatments like PFASThe most important things to look for when sourcing a healthier rugKey rug components designers should evaluate: fibers, dyes, backing, and adhesivesRed flags like “stain resistant,” “water repellent,” “UV protected,” and “antibacterial” claimsThe simple “smell test” designers can use when shopping for rugsWhat 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 industryWhy healthy rugs cost more upfront—but often cost the same over timeConnect with Sandy Wong: 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 Connect & continue the conversation: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

  8. May 26

    7. Sustainable Interior Design Q&A: Clients, Waste Management & What to Prioritize

    Episode 7: Sustainable Design Q&A: How to Talk to Clients, Reduce Waste & Prioritize What MattersDescription: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. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to talk to clients about sustainability in a way that feels positive and approachableThe 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 projectThe “good, better, best” method for making sustainable choices within a budgetWhy sustainability sells best when connected to personal values—not guiltWhy waste is one of the biggest blind spots in interior designHow to incorporate waste planning during the early design phaseHow to prioritize sustainability when it feels like a never-ending checklistHigh-impact areas to focus on first (floors, walls, cabinetry, bedrooms, kitchens)Why health, durability, longevity, and carbon footprint are strong guiding principlesHow the 80/20 rule can help you create impact without chasing perfectionWhat’s included in the Sustainable Design Starter Kit and how it supports designersLinks: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 Connect & continue the conversation:Follow on Instagram: @designwithimpact_ Share this episode with a fellow designer Leave a review to help grow the movement

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Design with Impact is a podcast for interior designers who want to create beautiful, sustainable, and healthy spaces—while building a purposeful, profitable business. Hosted by interior designer and sustainability advocate Alex Shield, this show explores sustainable interior design, eco-friendly materials, and non-toxic homes, giving you practical tools to design with intention and reduce environmental impact. Each week, you’ll hear solo episodes and expert conversations covering indoor air quality, healthy materials, circular design, low-waste renovations, passive design strategies, and wellness-focused interiors—all broken down into actionable steps you can apply in real projects. You’ll also learn how to market a sustainable design business, attract aligned clients, and stand out in a growing industry focused on health, sustainability, and conscious living. Whether you’re new to sustainable design or ready to deepen your expertise, Design with Impact will help you design smarter, create healthier homes, and build a business that truly makes a difference. 🎙 New episodes weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Shield
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Alex Shield