AdesignStorie

Business • City of Edinburgh

Adesignstorie is helping to bring sustainability and nature-inspired ways of working to interior design projects.

  • Sustainable Tiny House Interior Design collaboration
  • Sustainable Design Workshops
  • Biophilic Design - Designing with nature

Our story

After graduating in interior design from DJCAD, I pursued a career in interior design where I witnessed firsthand the substantial environmental impact caused by interior design practices, leading to alarming volumes of wastage.

In the UK alone, a staggering "22 million pieces of furniture are discarded each year," as reported by The North London Waste Authority. Furthermore, the built environment is directly responsible for a significant "25% of the UK's carbon emissions," as highlighted by the UK Green Building Council.

Given the escalating climate emergency and the pivotal role of design in addressing this crisis, I felt compelled to prioritize sustainability in my interior design process. To deepen my understanding, I engaged in volunteer work and completed courses in natural building and permaculture.

Subsequently, I took on the role of Chapter Lead for Climate Designers UK, an organization empowering designers to take climate action.

This ultimately led me to set up AdesignStorie, which has allowed me to continuously expand my knowledge and implement sustainable practices.

I was grateful that a recent project collaboration was longlisted for Dezeen's Sustainable Interior Design Awards 2022.

I have since spoken at sustainable design events and conducted eco-design workshops at Design for Planet, Grand Designs Live, and IKEA.

I am committed to continuously developing my practices in sustainable design. My ultimate goal is to establish eco-design as the natural and preferred choice. I firmly believe that the spaces we inhabit should be conducive to our well-being and should promote sustainability for the betterment of people and our planet.

Our advice

Take inspiration from nature, focusing on products and finishes that are more long-lasting and less about following trends.

Look to use secondhand items - furniture and decorative pieces - rather than buying new. There are 22 million pieces of furniture thrown away each year, many of which could be reused or upcycled.

Reach out to other people in your network for advice and support. I was pleasantly surprised by how open people are to helping when they share the same common goal as you do.

Our metrics

Waste reduction (we combine reclaimed and innovative circular materials).

Maximise the lifespan of the interior design (by avoiding the temptation to follow trends, instead selecting high-quality, fit-for-purpose natural materials that are easy to maintain).

Feeling inspired? Discover more about this story...

Response to climate crisis

Mitigation & Adaptation

Reach

Area

Organisation

Business, less than 9 people

Shared by

Alicia Storie

Updated Feb, 2024

Recommended for you

  • Sea Lanes Brighton
    Brighton and Hove

    Sea Lanes Brighton

    Reviving open water swimming through a new, environmentally sustainable public lido.

    Buildings & Places
  • Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon
    Wiltshire

    Climate Friendly Bradford on Avon

    Working in association with local organisations to become carbon neutral by 2030.

    Buildings & Places
  • Earth Cubs
    UK

    Earth Cubs

    Educating young children about climate, sustainability and the environment.

    Buildings & Places
  • Hay Community Assemblies
    Powys

    Hay Community Assemblies

    Running community assemblies to make better decisions that serve the needs of all.

    Buildings & Places