Why do we choose to design and build sustainably?
At Charlotte Findlater Design, sustainability isn’t just a consideration; it’s a non-negotiable principle that drives every aspect of our work. Defined within this context as; the way in which buildings can be designed and built to mitigate their negative environmental impact, improve performance and maximise longevity. We wish to inspire change, and continually strive for better practices within our network and within our industry.
How do we design and build sustainably?
An entirely bespoke architecture and interior design service for each client and property.
We approach sustainability with a bespoke strategy based on global best practices such as the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Interior Design Declares, The British Institute for Interior Design, as well as our own Environmental Pledges. Consciously tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients while prioritising the restoration of the environment, enhancing energy efficiency, improving infrastructure, and crafting timeless designs that will endure for generations.
Our commitment to sustainability is woven through every phase of our turnkey solutions and multidisciplinary approach, from the technical drawings and project planning phase to the build and renovation stages, through to the luxury interior design and ecoscaping. At every step, we slow down to evaluate the best possible solution for our clients, their properties, the surrounding environment.
Infrastructure-First Approach
Innovative Architectural Practices for Sustainable Development
Our sustainability journey begins with Architecture and our passion for improving the built-environment. We conduct in-depth surveys of the property, leveraging 20+ years of property development experience, combining design, sustainability and project management expertise. The synergy here allows us to chart a clear path forward, selecting the most sustainable materials, design approach, and building practices for each project.
Designing in harmony with the local vernacular is crucial to us. Operating in the stunning British Countryside, primarily North West based, we are continually inspired by its distinct style and the abundant natural materials, textures, and colour palettes found in the striking trees, lakes and mountains surrounding us. When working internationally, we embrace the challenge of adapting our builds to different climates and environments while maintaining our core design ethos; contribute to a circular economy, quality craftsmanship, and source locally.
A critical part of our Integrated Design Framework is the surveying and planning, during the technical drawing stage. We advise on improving a property’s structural integrity, including the quality of windows and doors, the façade, HVAC systems, and lighting solutions. Aiming to significantly enhance energy efficiency, ensuring comfort throughout the year by maximising natural light, retaining heat in winter, and keeping cool in summer through higher levels of insulation. We also explore opportunities to integrate renewable energy sources, collaborating with industry experts to find the most appropriate solutions for each project.
Sustainable Build & Craftsmanship
Reducing Waste and Promoting Sustainable Building Practices
During the build phase, our commitment to sustainability is unwavering. Currently, only 5% of waste directly produced from our projects goes to landfills, and we are continually striving to reduce this figure. To minimise waste we champion in-situ craftsmanship on our live project sites. From joinery to leadwork to upholstery, our skilled tradespeople work directly with the property, tailoring products to fit perfectly, which naturally reduces waste.
When on-site work isn’t possible, our workshop teams step in, utilising natural materials to create bespoke, built-in, and standalone furniture, as well as doors, and windows. This approach sets us apart in terms of sustainability—nothing is mass-produced or specified without careful consideration. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring that our work not only meets but exceeds sustainability standards.
Our materials are carefully selected using sustainable specification guidelines, we champion natural materials above all else, as in order to reduce waste materials must be able to be broken down, degradable or reused. However opportunities to use recycled materials present themselves where natural materials are not appropriate due to moisture or heat levels for example. We recently specified kitchen cabinetry made from recycled oceans plastics, providing a strong and durable, eco finish, without compromising style. The approach to specifying these materials is entirely research driven, we regularly reach out to suppliers, obtain samples and test products to ensure the materiality that is specified we whole heartedly understand and believe will work.
Through our experience we have found that there can be an associated green premium that goes alongside these materials, we challenge ourselves to ensure that the quality backs up the green claims, and a luxurious finish can still be achieved. Often we find these higher price points, ensure fairer working conditions for the workers and a more ethical supplier when it comes to raw material extraction. In terms of recycled and recyclable materials, we understand that more time and care is required to take that material on to the next stage of it’s life cycle and therefore paying a premium is the right thing to do. We abstain entirely from purchasing mass produced goods, we believe that not contributing to a fast-design approach, and over consumption is the right thing to do. We hope to lead by example, influencing our supplier network and other designers to follow suit. We are passionate about our Environmental Pledges and Ethos and find ourselves grateful to work with such discerning clients that feel as strongly as we do about quality, ethics, and environmental impact.
Biophilic Design contributes to a Circular Economy
Enhancing Human Wellbeing and Promoting Circular Economy through Thoughtful Design
We believe that each stage of our design and build process informs the next, and can all contribute to improving not only the built environment as we know it today, but also human and wildlife wellbeing. For each project, we aim to reuse materials from the site, such as beams, timber for cladding, or stone for paving and walling. All our fabric choices come with built-in waste streams—our curtain poles are timelessly elegant and durable made from cast iron, where our fabric selections lean on natural materials like organic cotton, linen, and real wool. Beyond installation we have partnerships that allow us to repurpose these materials in other homes or rework them into new items.
Our approach to décor emphasizes the use of antiques, which offer a richness of character and patina that new pieces often lack. Antiques, along with personal items such as travel mementos, sentimental gifts or family heirlooms, add narrative and history to a space, making it truly personal whilst avoiding the overconsumption cycle and ever changing trend cycle.
Where new materials are required, we prioritise responsible products that are accredited and/or certified, such as FSC-certified timber, Cradle2Cradle and B-Corp certified suppliers. This includes surface applications such as flooring, wall cladding, paint or wallpaper finishes. As for the finishing touches, from the varnishes or wax used on timber to the final clean before handover, the same rule applies, where possible we seek natural solutions, we check each product is low in chemicals, and always low to no VOC. Not only is this better for our clients long-term in a sense of health and well-being but also improves air-quality for trades and designers on-site during the construction phase.
To finish dressing a space, we believe in connecting the indoors with the outdoors by incorporating fresh flowers, real plants, or natural elements like branches and dried flowers. These elements bring in natural fragrance and freshness, tying the home to its surroundings.
The Power of Lighting Design
Enhancing design with natural light, specifying only the best artificial lighting.
Natural light is a key element in our design, connecting users to their natural circadian rhythms and enhancing the aesthetic of a space. Where artificial lighting is needed, we select fixtures that complement the natural light, add elements of colour, movement, or luxury without compromising on sustainability.
We avoid furniture or fixtures that rely heavily on adhesives, as these products are typically more difficult to repair or disassemble at the end of their life cycle. Instead, we partner with suppliers who offer repair and maintenance schemes, such as our lighting suppliers, who provide Cradle2Cradle-certified fixtures that contribute to the zero-waste movement in the design and construction industry. All of these steps contribute to a circular economy, pushing that one step further within sustainability.
“Through design, we can eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature, creating an economy that benefits people, business and the natural world.”
Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Ecoscaping for Biodiversity
Creating Biodiverse Gardens and Outdoor Spaces for Wildlife Conservation
Our approach to ecoscaping is to create beautiful planting schemes that not only enhance the aesthetic of a garden but also infuse it with life. A key aspect of our landscaping philosophy is the creation of rich, bio-diverse habitats by leaving areas unmowed and incorporating features like bat boxes, bee holes, birdhouses, and small ponds. Even the smallest garden can become a thriving haven for wildlife, contributing to our broader goal of contributing to biodiversity net gain, improving 10% over the next 30 year as per legal guidelines.
Lighting plays a crucial role in the protection of wildlife, this means low level, warm lighting. Working with dark sky-certified suppliers to create lighting schemes that work with wildlife rather than against it.
Committing to Sustainable and Timeless Design for Future Generations
Inspiring change, and making a difference starts now.
At Charlotte Findlater Design, sustainability is more than a commitment – it’s the foundation of everything we do. Through careful research, planning, innovative building practices, and thoughtful design, we strive to create spaces that not only exude luxury, but work functionally for the client as well as for the planet. Working with its environment rather than against it, to ensure the enjoyment can be shared with generations to come.
“Such transformation cannot happen without a wide-ranging declaration of intent, followed by committed action, international cooperation and open source knowledge sharing. The next few years will be decisive in shaping our collective future – now is the moment to act.”
Interior Design Declares.