The State of Environmentally Sustainable Interior Design Practice

Abstract

Problem statement: Research that investigates how interior designers use environmentally sustainable interior design criteria in their design solutions has not been done. To provide a base to develop education strategies for sustainable interior design, this study examined the state of environmentally sustainable interior design practice. Approach: A national, Internet-based survey of interior design practitioners was conducted. To collect data, the random sample of US interior design practitioners was drawn from the American Society of Interior Designers membership list. Environmentally sustainable interior design practice was defined by three factors: Global sustainable interior design, indoor environmental quality and interior materials. For each statement about environmentally sustainable interior design practice, respondents were asked to rate three dimensions: frequency of application, importance to the designer’s firm and importance to the designer. Descriptive statistical analysis focused on the state of environmentally sustainable interior design practice. Results: Every statement to measure environmentally sustainable interior design practice showed the highest mean score in the category of importance to the designer and the lowest mean score in the category of frequency of application. Important to designer’s firm ratings were always between these two extremes. Use of sustainable interior materials was identified as a less frequently applied component of environmentally sustainable interior design than indoor environmental quality. Conclusion/Recommendations: The application of environmentally sustainable interior design practice did not reach the same level as its perceived importance. Teaching methods that improve environmentally sustainable interior design practice and an understanding of the life cycle impact of interior materials are needed.