The imperative of sustainable design has travelled trendiness, evolving into a crucial necessity amidst the backdrop of countless formidable global environmental challenges. At the forefront of this transformative movement stand women designers, whose efforts are reshaping the landscape of innovation and advocacy, steering us towards a more ecologically sound future through their creative pursuits.
In the vast landscape of global sustainability efforts, designers hold a unique power. Their ability to shape the products and systems that define daily life is unparalleled. As the world grapples with environmental crises, sustainable design has become a beacon of hope, a critical solution to reduce ecological harm and foster a brighter tomorrow.
Sustainable design considers not only environmental impacts but also social and economic factors throughout the lifecycle of products and systems. It emphasises resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of renewable materials, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future.
Today, women in the design industry are at the forefront of this movement, integrating sustainability into their creative processes and pushing boundaries to redefine traditional design practices. Their unique perspectives prioritise inclusivity, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Through principles like circular economy and biomimicry, women designers are envisioning a world where designs minimise environmental footprints and maximise longevity.
“In light of the current scenario of various environmental changes going on around us, be it climate change, landfills filling up, ocean pollution and many more, all of us as entrepreneurs need to embrace the principles of circular design, which encompass upcycling, recycling and waste reduction within our businesses. At Cocoon, we have become extremely conscious about using natural materials like pure silk and wool, which make the rugs last for generations and don’t end up in landfills. By mostly producing hand-crafted rugs, we also ensure minimal use of machines, thereby mitigating carbon emissions. In the future, our focus will continue to be on creating conscious yet edgy, unique designs for our home connessiers.” says Smriti Choudhary, Brand Director of Cocoon Fine Rugs.
Through deliberate design interventions like material selection, the implementation of energy-efficient manufacturing processes, and strategic waste reduction, designers can possess the capability to significantly lessen the environmental impact and safeguard invaluable resources for generations to come. Furthermore, sustainable design attempts also advocate for fair labour practices, bolstering local economies, and empowering marginalised communities, thus fostering a more inclusive and just society.
Shuchita Sancheti Garg, Founder and Creative Director of vVyom By Shuchita highlighted, “Women designers are pioneering the use of eco-friendly materials in interior and product design, such as recycled plastics, reclaimed wood, bamboo, and organic fabrics. These materials reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. Women leaders in sustainable design prioritise social impact in their projects, supporting fair labour practices, community development, and empowerment of marginalised groups.”
From upcycling discarded materials to utilising renewable resources, these designers are pioneering innovative approaches to minimise environmental impact without compromising aesthetics or functionality. For example, designers are exploring alternatives to conventional materials like plastic and timber, opting for sustainable alternatives such as bamboo, cork, recycled plastic, and reclaimed wood.
By drawing inspiration from nature’s strategies through biomimicry, designers are creating products and systems that are inherently sustainable and resilient.
“Women are driving a transformative shift towards sustainability in design disciplines, from architecture to fashion to urban planning and all other sectors. Pivotal leaders prioritise eco-friendly practices, advocate for conscious choices, and foster a mindset shift. Innovating in renewable energy, circular economies, and sustainable materials, they shape physical environments and influence values. Through advocacy and education, women raise awareness, ensuring sustainability is integral to decision-making. Recognising cultural values, they engage communities, promoting ownership of eco-friendly solutions. Women are not just contributors but catalysts for a mindful, responsible, and sustainable future across diverse sectors, inspiring broad societal change.” said Anuskha Ahuja, Co-Founder of Studio by Agni.
Meera Pyarelal, Founder and Interior Designer at Temple Town, exemplifies this transformative leadership, showcasing how women in design seamlessly blend creativity with eco-consciousness to shape a more sustainable world. Her visionary endeavours and those of other women in the field serve as testament to their role as architects of change, transcending boundaries and sculpting a utopian landscape where design becomes an integral part of nature’s rejuvenation.
“Within the innovative realm of sustainable design, women emerge as alchemists, blending creativity with eco-conscious threads to forge a new aesthetic era. Their designs are transformative spells, enchanting a future where style harmonises seamlessly with sustainability. Whether gracing fashion runways or shaping architectural skylines, these women redefine aesthetics, infusing every creation with a commitment to environmental responsibility. Their visionary endeavours weave a tapestry where each design is a brushstroke, painting a path to a more harmonious world. As architects of change, they navigate towards a verdant horizon, transcending boundaries and sculpting a utopian landscape where design becomes an integral part of nature’s rejuvenation.” she says.
Stone Art’s Creative Director, Shubhika Bansal, also shared her thoughts on the role of women in the design industry in shaping a sustainable tomorrow. “As pioneers in sustainable design, women stand as architects of change, meticulously constructing bridges towards a brighter and more environmentally conscious future. Their visionary blueprints, encompassing eco-friendly products, green architecture, and circular economies, lay the unshakable foundation for a sustainable world. With each advocacy initiative and innovative stride, they assemble a pathway that beckons all of us towards a greener horizon. In the intricate tapestry of their designs, we discover a strong source of inspiration, compelling us to not only admire but actively participate in the construction of a future where sustainability is not merely a personal choice but a shared responsibility.”
