Why Ethical Interiors

How often do we think about the origin and the final destination of the the things that we use on a daily basis? In our impressively industrialized society, we have become increasingly removed from the people who make the products we use - like the clothes you are wearing or the chair you are sitting in. Not only does the life cycle of these products have generation impacts on our environment, but the manner in which they were made has generational impacts on people.

These products are not made in a factory somewhere by impersonal machines, but real people upholstered the seats we sit in, sew the garments we wear, operate the machines that make the fabric, harvest the raw materials to make the thread, and so on. Although we may never meet them, they have faces, names, and families.

The environmental impact of the construction industry and the importance of sustainability are widely known, however there is comparatively little consideration given to the humanitarian ethics behind the materials used to construct, renovate, and decorate our buildings. The environment is important because people are important - this generation as well as future generations. Therefore, the labor crisis is just as urgent (if not more so) than the environmental crisis.

The construction industry uses more raw materials than any other industry (source), and forced labor (not to mention unfair and unsafe labor practices) taints the extraction and manufacturing of the most common building materials such as brick, metals, glass, textiles, timber, and “precursor” minerals, to name a few (source). So there is likely no building in the world that can claim to be forced-labor free - not to mention made with fair labor (source). But that can change through the efforts of key stakeholders like material specifiers (such as Architects & Designers), building owners, end users, and government entities (source).

Compared to the rest of the world, the US is the leader in both household wealth and consumption of resources. What would the world look like if we used our economic privilege to invest in intentionally designed interiors that not only enhanced our quality of life but simultaneously elevated the lives of others?

As we have become aware of social issues like blood diamonds, child labor in the chocolate industry, and fast fashion sweatshops, the demand and market for brands with ethical sourcing has grown exponentially - which is great news! The options for ethical products increase with each passing year. Established social enterprises are expanding their product offerings and making progress on their commitment to realize fair labor practices all the way back to the origin of the materials they use. And new companies are constantly being established to fill holes in the product market.

Although it is not yet possible to fully trace the labor practices of every material used in the building industry all the way back to its origin (source), that shouldn’t stop us from doing the next right thing. Together we can make a lasting, positive impact on underprivileged people’s lives by supporting ethical sources, thereby increasing the demand, and so improving local economies and communities around the world. All we have to do is continue taking the next right step.

It is possible with informed design to balance aesthetics with finances AND ethics by offsetting the cost of fair labor with reuse. As a full service interior design studio, Aisthesis Studio is uniquely positioned to partner with clients in supporting sources that produce ethical and sustainable products. We think through all of the sourcing so you don’t have to. Below are some of the criteria we use for sourcing materials and products:

  • Begin by repurposing or refurbishing existing materials and furnishings

  • Prioritize new selections from sources with labor certifications

  • If labor certified products are unable to meet project requirements, then prioritize selections from local artisans and countries of origin with policies that reduce the risk of forced and unfair labor practices

  • Research the policies of suppliers and sources to track materials as far back as possible (Tier 1-4)

  • Prioritize quality materials that last, have a low impact on the environment, and are recyclable at the end of use (like manufacturers with take-back programs)

Tracking the labor policies of the supply chain for building materials is still a work in progress, and tracking the myriad of components used in interior elements such as light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, appliances, finishes, furnishings, and accessories can be even more challenging (source). But the industry will continue to change as Architects and Designers request or require sources to disclose the labor practices associated with their offerings in order to do business (source). Not only do Architects and Designers have a powerful voice to lobby for a more equitable world through the vehicle of design, but it is our higher calling and social responsibility.

Encouragingly, Aisthesis Studio’s questions and conversations with suppliers and representatives about the labor practices behind their products have been met with nothing but professional support and even personal enthusiasm. As the criteria for specification evolves, we will continue to see a positive outcome for companies and economies across the world. And thankfully we are in good company. There are already many well established organizations committed to improving labor practices associated with interior and building material supply chains including but certainly not limited to the following:

The world is changed one person, one purchase, and one project at a time.

Let’s build a better future for more than just ourselves

by continuing to take the next right step.