It takes a great team to do great projects. At DeForest Architects, we work with some fantastic collaborators that bring industry-leading insights into their work. In our Collaborator Spotlight series, we highlight conversations with our colleagues to share their knowledge and experience.

In this blog post, we’re thrilled to spotlight Andrea Lackie, a talented local from the Lake Tahoe area. Andrea brings a unique perspective to responsible design and thoughtful collaboration, and we’re excited to share her insights with you.

Interior Design by Andrea Lackie Design; Photography by Christopher Stark

Ways to Think About Responsible Design: An Interior Designer’s Perspective

In recent years, custom home design has shifted towards more thoughtful approaches that consider the impacts on human health and the planet. For homeowners planning to build a custom home, understanding that interior design has an impact on our health and the planet is essential. Andrea Lackie of Andrea Lackie Design, an expert in responsible design, offers valuable insights into integrating a responsible approach seamlessly into the design process.

Here, we explore Andrea’s perspectives on responsible design and share actionable advice for incorporating these principles into your custom home construction.

BrightSide Materials Scoring Credit to: Jack Dinning with BrightWorks Sustainability

What Is Responsible Design?

Andrea uses the term “responsible design” instead of “sustainability” to emphasize an approach that considers the broader impacts of design choices on the environment and human health beyond what people typically think.

"Responsible design is baked into our everyday process," Andrea explains. "It’s about prioritizing materials and products that meet both our internal criteria and the client’s functional and aesthetic goals."

For Andrea, this means prioritizing companies and products that are meaningfully working on reducing their energy usage, waste, and reliance on petrochemicals while also championing positive social impact. Understanding how interior choices impact indoor air quality and chemical absorption also influences the types of materials prioritized. The look and feel of a material is also highly considered as it’s important for homeowners to feel a personal connection to their space.

How Interior Design Impacts Human Health

The materials and finishes used in a home significantly impact indoor air quality and can expose us to chemicals that science has shown to be harmful. While people typically think of VOCs in paint being a major source of concern, many are not aware that solid materials, such as flooring, textiles, and furniture also impact human health over time. Items within an interior degrade and come into contact with humans through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption. While some symptoms are more obvious, such as skin or eye irritation, studies have shown that we are routinely exposed to hundred of chemicals that can lead to chronic problems such as cancer, asthma, thyroid disease, infertility, or birth defects.

"Selecting bio-based materials, avoiding chemicals of concern, and prioritizing high-impact design decisions helps to ensure that the space not only looks and feels good but is also mindful of the health of its occupants," Andrea notes.

She also emphasizes the importance of transparency from manufacturers. When considering materials, Andrea asks questions like:

● What is it made of?

● Does this material contain chemicals of concern, such as PFAS, flame retardants, antimicrobials?

● Is this company taking quantifiable steps towards sourcing and manufacturing more responsibly?

● Can the company provide data to back up its claims?

For Andrea, working with brands that offer transparency and strive for responsible practices is a top priority.

Balancing Aesthetics and Responsible Choices

One challenge of responsible design is balancing aesthetics with desired responsible criteria. While Andrea sources from many wonderful brands that are in alignment with the responsible approach, she shares that sometimes there are limited color or texture options, making them less appealing to some clients.

"Clients need to touch, feel, and love the materials," Andrea says.

To address this, she prioritizes presenting options that meet at least one aspect of her internal responsible design criteria while also aligning with the client’s desired aesthetic. Ultimately, a beautiful interior is not sustainable or responsible if it doesn’t align with a client's needs. If a client expresses a deeper interest in the health or environmental impacts of a design, she can go further by exploring alternative materials and options to achieve specific goals.

The Journey Towards Responsible Choices

Andrea’s philosophy acknowledges that perfect solutions aren’t always available.

"We might not check every sustainable or health-conscious box, but taking one or two steps forward is better than none," she explains.

This pragmatic approach highlights the evolving nature of responsible design, as science and technology continue to introduce new and better options. By making thoughtful decisions, even when compromises are necessary, homeowners can ensure their custom home construction supports human health and minimizes its environmental footprint.

Responsible Design in Practice: Key Tips for Homeowners

If you’re embarking on a custom home project, here are Andrea’s top tips for integrating responsible design principles:

Ask About Material Health: Prioritize materials that are bio-based and free from harmful chemicals. Look for certifications and labels like GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard), Red List Free, OEKO TEX, and Declare.
Explore Ethical Options: Look for companies that have a commitment to fair labor practice and ethical sourcing. Certifications and labels include B-Corp, GoodWeave, Responsible Down Standard, and Leather Working Group.
Consider Durability: Higher quality and durable materials reduce the need for frequent replacements, which lowers the overall environmental impact over time.
Partner With Transparent Vendors: Work with suppliers and manufacturers who are open about their practices and provide data to back up their claims.
Start Small: If the scope of incorporating responsible design criteria into every decision feels overwhelming, focus on a few high-impact areas, such as flooring, textiles, and furniture.

Interior Design by Andrea Lackie Design; Photography by James Furman

Why Responsible Design Matters

Designing and building a custom home is about more than creating a beautiful space; it’s about creating a home that enhances well-being without sacrificing the health of the planet. Andrea notes that responsible design choices often translate into long-term benefits for homeowners, from improved air quality to the longevity of quality natural materials.

"Ultimately, the goal is to create spaces that feel good in every way—aesthetically, functionally, and environmentally," Andrea emphasizes.

Ready to Build Responsibly?

A build team that is in alignment from the beginning ensures a more thoughtful and cohesive project.

At DeForest Architects, we’re passionate about helping homeowners bring their custom home visions to life while prioritizing responsible design. Sign up for our email list to stay updated on sustainable design trends, request a copy of our "Getting Started Guide," or give us a call to discuss your project. Together, we can create a home that’s as kind to the planet as it is to you.

Andrea Lackie Design is dedicated to creating custom and thoughtful interiors for conscious clients. Reach out to Andrea for her “Introductory Guide” and to schedule a consultation, so she can craft a strategy that aligns with your goals.

Collaborator Spotlight: Andrea Lackie Design