DESIGN WITH A CONSCIENCE: THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABILITY ON OUR STRATEGIES_
AT HOME WITH A.LONDON | July 2024
At A.LONDON, we believe that luxury and conscious design go hand in hand. As part of the Accouter Group of Companies, a B Corp Certified British interior design collective, our long-term commitment to eco-friendly practices is at the core of our ethos.
Our dedication to the certification is reflected not only in the methods we choose, but also in how we communicate and market our green initiatives, align them with our business strategies, and demonstrate their financial benefits.
In this blog post, we introduce you to some of our team members, as they delve into how our journey towards sustainability plays into their individual roles on a daily basis…
“…our commitment to eco-friendly practices is at the core of our ethos.”
CEO’s
Sustainability is a cornerstone of our business strategy and long-term goals. Our leadership is committed to integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of our operations, ensuring that A.LONDON remains at the forefront of sustainable interior design.
“More people than ever expect the brands that they buy from or work with are sustainable, or at least on a journey of sustainability. This need has grown particularly in the luxury market in the recent decade, and that’s why at A.LONDON, we ensure that our business strategies align with our long-term goals towards a healthier, eco-conscious industry.”
Alec Watt, CEO
“We are proud to be the first British interior design collective to join the B Corp community of change-makers, alongside a global movement of people using their business as a force for good. B Corp is a holistic approach for us. It shapes our culture and encourages us to acknowledge our business impact and act upon them. Most importantly, it gives us a framework for continuous improvement, so that every day we become a little bit prouder of what we do."
Stella Gittins, Co-Founder & Group Director
The Business Development Team
Communicating the value of conscious design is key. Our Business Development experts highlight the benefits of eco-conscious choices, helping clients understand the long-term advantages of investing in sustainable interiors.
“Both on the run up to and after achieving our B Corp certification, our process here at A.LONDON has gradually transitioned.
We are constantly working on strategies and educating our supply chains to allow for our clients to purchase fully responsible and traceable product, in environmentally friendly packaging. The key changes we have incorporated at our studio include finding local suppliers in the areas which we are designing interiors for, instead of further national or international suppliers. Not only is this supporting local businesses, but it also helps to protect our planet.
Another change to our process, is that we work with a trusted select group of craftsmen and artisans here in the UK, saving unnecessary emissions, meaning that we are being mindful of our carbon footprint. Ultimately, we are now designing sustainably, with longevity in mind for both our clients and our studio…”
Lucy Day, Group Director
“Communicating the value of conscious design is key when working with our developer clients. Many already consider sustainable practices a requirement within their design briefs, however some are earlier on in their journey and are keen to learn more about the short and long term advantages of eco-conscious design.”
Rachel Clark, Director
“A key part of the sales and project management role is to ensure that we as a company, practice the goals we set out towards sustainability. A large number of our clients appoint us because of our B Corp status due to growing concerns over the impact our choices now could make on the future. Our goal is to advise clients where better choices can be made, whether that is on beautiful antique pieces or goods that have been made with a carbon offset supply chain. We also will do our upmost to repair or up-cycle existing pieces to minimise unnecessary waste.”
Karis Samuelson, Associate Director
“As a part of AGC, a B Corp™ Certified Collective, A.LONDON embraces a holistic approach, recognising that responsibility and consideration extend beyond the design and specification process. Our commitment to to a more promising future, encapsulated in our Manifesto, reinforces our environmental ambitions and demonstrates the purposeful and achievable nature of our mission. Furthermore, our B Corp™ certification signifies our dedication to social responsibility and corporate governance, ensuring our practice adheres to a comprehensive ESG strategy.”
Polly Burdell, Group Director
The Designers
Our talented designers work with the long-term goal of incorporating eco-friendly practices into every project.
“Embarking on a long-term sustainable journey as a designer means making thoughtful choices at every possible step.
Our commitment extends to furniture, sourcing products locally as often as possible, we support our community, reduce our carbon footprint, and discover unique offerings from independent designers.
Through these practices, we aim to create beautiful, functional, and environmentally responsible designs, continually striving to make a positive impact.”
Rhian Barker, Group Design Director
“We ensure that we are using the highest quality craftsmanship for our bespoke furniture pieces within our projects, so that not only are they beautifully designed, but they also stand the test of time.”
Sophie Rastrick, Interior Designer
“As designers, we aim to ground our designs in authenticity by recycling and up-cycling our clients' existing items as frequently as we can. This approach not only conserves resources but also adds a personalised touch to each project, making our designs both unique and meaningful.
When sourcing items for projects, I have an awareness of what’s being designed, purchased and ordered so that I know I’m doing my part for the planet wherever I can. This includes repurposing and purchasing antiques and vintage pieces for projects rather than continuously purchasing new pieces.””
Charlotte Munn, Associate Interior Designer
Marketing
The Marketing Team’s efforts are designed to educate and inspire, creating a community of environmentally conscious clients and partners.
“Ensuring sustainable practices within marketing, such as using recycled paper for printing, is crucial. Key elements in our journey towards our B Corp certification include detailed awareness within the marketing team to communicate our efforts clearly.
Honest communication about our journey is essential, as we want our clients to understand our current position and progress. As we educate ourselves, we aim to engage our audience about our manifesto, fostering transparency and shared growth.”
Veronica Martinis, Marketing Director
Finance
Embracing sustainability is not just good for the planet; it’s also beneficial for business.
“Our finance team diligently analyses the cost savings and financial benefits of sustainable practices, proving that eco-friendly choices are economically sound.”
Marina Stewart, Finance Director
Logistics
Efficient and sustainable logistics are crucial to our operations. Our logistics team prioritises eco-friendly transportation and delivery methods, reducing our carbon footprint and ensuring that our materials and products are sourced and delivered in the most environmentally responsible way possible.
“The primary impact of being a B Corp on the logistical side of the business is the comprehensive recycling of all waste. This process begins with educating the team on what materials can and cannot be recycled. It involves sorting waste into specific recycling categories, reusing any plastic when possible, and incorporating biodegradable elements whenever feasible.”
Shane Devlin, Logistics Director
Contact the A.LONDON team today
You can find the A.LONDON team at our London Studio at Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, Fitzrovia, W1T 3JH.