Marije Remigius: "It really hit me (...), I have been producing very beautiful waste."
Empowering Interior Designers: Marije Remigius on Circular Design and Sustainable Material Choices. The interior design industry is one of the largest contributors to waste, with 80-90% of materials ending up in landfills. Yet, in the heart of Amsterdam, Marije Remigius is leading a revolution to change that. With 25 years of experience at Fiction Factory and as the founder of Circu Leren, Inter Matter and Jutplaats, Marije is a true circular maker. Her work is transforming the way we think about and approach interior design, proving that sustainability is not just a trend but a necessary evolution. This episode of Circular Pioneers dives into her journey, the challenges she faced, and the tools she’s created to make circular design accessible and impactful. Why This Episode Matters: As industries across the globe grapple with the need to reduce waste, the interior design sector stands at a crossroad. Marije started her journey with her realisation that she had been designing very beautiful waste. The principles and practices shared by Marije Remigius offer a practical and inspiring roadmap for designers, architects, and businesses looking to embrace circularity when it comes to their Interiors. Whether you're a seasoned designer or new to the concept of sustainable interiors, this episode provides valuable insights into how you can make a difference, one design at a time. Key Highlights: - The Birth of Circu Leren, Inter Matter and Jutplaats: Learn how Marije’s experiences at Fiction Factory and her realization of the waste problem in interior design led her to create Circu Leren, a consultancy that guides designers toward circular practices, and Jutplaats, a marketplace for reused materials. - Designing with Circular Principles: Marije discusses the four key principles of circular design: less is more, design for disassembly, use good materials, and avoid round designs. She explains why these principles are crucial for reducing waste and creating sustainable spaces. - The Power of Inter Matter: Discover how Inter Matter, a tool developed by Marije, helps designers choose sustainable materials by simplifying lifecycle assessments (LCA) and offering a color-coded system to guide material selection. - Overcoming Challenges in Circular Design: From dealing with clients’ expectations to managing the practicalities of using reused materials, Marije shares her experiences and solutions for overcoming the challenges of circular design. - The Future of Interior Design: Marije envisions a future where all interior design is circular, with materials and products designed to be reused and recycled. She highlights the importance of legislation and the need for more European regulations to support this transition. Conclusion: Marije Remigius is more than just a maker — she’s a pioneer in the movement to make interior design sustainable. Her work with Circu Leren, Inter Matter and Jutplaats is paving the way for a new approach to interiors, where waste is minimized, and materials are given new life. For anyone in the interior design industry, this episode is a must-listen, offering practical advice and inspiration to start or continue your journey toward circular design. Relevant Links: Marije Remigius on LinkedIn Circu Leren: Circu Leren Inter Matter: Intermatter Jutplaats: Jutplaats