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Confab 24’ | Green Design Visionaries Conference
Our big, Confabulous annual conference is coming up. Save the date, Thursday, September 12! Join us for a full day at Fort Mason, where leaders will discuss a wide range of topics including greening the home inside out, the philosophy of modern furniture design, practical strategies for interior designers, and New Tech & Construction.
Explore & Learn:
Experience & Participate: Kick off with a morning meditation and soundbath, setting a mindful tone for a day filled with:
Co-hosted by the AIA-SF Committee on the Environment.
Sustainable Sips: Interactive Cocktails and Conversations for the Design + Build Community
With the built environment contributing significantly to global CO2 emissions, eco-friendly practices are essential. Join MOM x GFDA as we showcase leaders in sustainable design, highlighting materials and solutions that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing style.
We’ve teamed up with POOLBOY to bring you an evening of cocktail mixology! You’ll learn to create three seasonal cocktails (all with no-alcohol options) that you’ll sip on throughout the event, plus you’ll keep the recipes to show off at home.
Along the way, join in on a lively and provocative debate discussing sustainable interior design issues with host, Jay Ferracane of Boulder’s Caffeinated Mornings and Angry Bovine.
Special Guests include:
Member Mixer: Denver
Join us for a networking event hosted by Joy Fill, Denver’s favorite refill shop! Come mingle, explore sustainable products, and stock up on your refill essentials. Save the date, Thursday, August 1st!
Special thanks to Particular Tile for providing delicious food and snacks. They’ll also be showcasing samples and product materials, so don’t miss the chance to check out their latest offerings!
Member Mixer: Los Angeles
Cosentino will host the next GFDA networking event in their newly remodeled Los Angeles showroom. Join our E.D., Kathryn Soter, and Interior Designer, Claudia Afshar, who will share her new Ukiyo Collection, developed with Cosentino. Members, bring a friend interested in joining the GFDA-LA chapter and learning about sustainable luxury design practices. Sips & bites on us!
Luxury Design & Sustainability Inside and Out: Los Angeles
Women in Luxury Design (W.I.L.D.), an esteemed business networking organization, is once again leading the conversation about sustainability and luxury design, with Claudia Afshar, Claudia Afshar Luxury Interiors, Jessica Viola of Viola Gardens, and Kathryn Soter, Executive Director of Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA). The conversation will be moderated by W.I.L.D. CEO, Jennifer Convy, and offers an opportunity to learn more about healthier design choices that are the trend in modern luxury home building. . . from the inside out. Better for people, planet and your business!
Come grab your seat at 10:00 AM, coffee will be served! (Main stage lobby of the Blue Building). Program starts prompty at 10:30. Reception and book signing immediately following at Palacek, 5th Floor (B515)
Furniture and Impact Reporting: Creating a Roadmap for Change
WEBINAR: THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 12 PM U.S. EASTERN TIME
Join Emily McGarvey, Director of Sustainability at Room & Board; Aileen Strickland McGee, Director, ESG at Steelcase; and Lucy Crane, Head of Sustainability at Modus, as they explain how tracking negative and positive ‘impacts’ within their companies has resulted in measurable improvements. They’ll tackle questions such as:
Produced by mebl | Transforming Furniture and moderated by Mona Chun, mebl’s Chief Strategy Officer. This webinar is designed for those engaged in manufacturing, specifying, retailing, designing, and other facets of the furniture sector.
Grading Green: A Guide to Evaluating Sustainable Building & Decor Products
CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING CONFERENCE 2024
THURSDAY, MAY 23rd | The Beehive | Los Angeles | GFDA PANEL TALK: 10:00 -10:50 AM
Come and join us at the California Green Building Conference hosted by @usgbcca! Explore the latest information on green building, discover innovative products and companies, and enjoy networking with your peers.
🌿🌿🌿
THE GFDA IS MODERATING A PANEL AT 10AM: Advancing Deconstruction and Materials Reuse in the Built Environment. We’ll explore all facets of mitigating waste in the built environment with subject matter experts crossing Architecture, Design and Construction, plus technologies and strategies for advancing Materials Reuse.
Panelists:
• Denise Braun, Founder & CEO, All About Waste
• Jennifer Wehling, Director of Sustainability, HMC Architects
• Greg Roth, Sr. Designer at Home Front Build and Carbonshack Design
• Michelle Lockert, Interior Designer and Project Manager at A Sustainable Production
Moderated by Kathryn Soter, GFDA Executive Director
The California Green Building Conference features:
• Insightful conversations: Table topics guided by field experts over lunch
• Workshop sessions and panel presentations
• Network with over 2,500+ sustainable companies, advocates, and professionals!
You can register at usgbc.ca/Conference24 @usgbcca.
#CAConference #CAGreenBuildingConference 🌱
Sustainable Strategies for Luxury Design
THURSDAY, MAY 16 1:45-2:30PM | DENVER DESIGN CENTER
Luxury is synonymous with great design and high quality. It is also consistent with sustainable practices that are better for planet and people. In our panel discussion, you’ll hear from leading design and build professionals who will discuss green practices ranging from the value of de-construction, selecting non-toxic materials, and getting creative with re-use.
Meet our panelists:
Anna Elyce Smith, Owner/Principal Designer of Annabode Interior Design
Colleen Johnson, Owner/Principal, In-Site Design Group
Jeff Hindman, Founder and CEO of Cottonwood Custom Builders
Travis Hendrix, Associate Principal, KGA Studio Architects
Hosted by Kravet, dedicated to conducting business with a focus on providing a sustainable future in a worldwide effort to protect the planet. Kravet is a proud sponsor of the GFDA.
SF Climate Week Talk: PFAS “Forever Chemicals”: A $250B+ Frontier of Sustainable Innovation
Greenhouse gasses are not the only ubiquitous, toxic pollutants.
Our Executive Director, Kathryn Soter, will be joining industry-leading founders, scientists, investors, and environmental advocates at a talk during San Francisco Climate Week 2024. The panel will break down PFAS (pun intended) and the $250B+ market opportunity for systemic impact and collaboration across science, innovation, markets, and policy.
PFAS chemicals are ubiquitous, and are now linked to serious health problems. Policymakers across the world are taking action: in the last two weeks, the Biden Administration passed the first regulations and limits on PFAS in drinking water.
About our Host: Claros Technologies is a deep-tech start-up harnessing green chemistry and advanced materials science to develop scalable platform technologies enabling clean, sustainable, and fully closed-loop industrial processes. Our mission is to solve problems without creating new ones.
Zero Waste Organizing: DIY and When to Hire an Expert.
Tuesday, April 23rd | Webinar: 12 PM – 1 PM PDT (1PM MT | 2PM CT | 3PM ET)
Meet our very fun guests and organizing experts, Lauren West, founder/owner of Next Highest Good, and Jeannie Fraise, principal designer at Lotus Bleu Design, who will share strategies we can all use, and how best to work with clients. Next Highest Good collaborates with interior designers to revolutionize renovation projects with detailed visual diagrams that streamline unpacking, saving you time and hassle.
As a women-owned, eco-certified business, NHG is dedicated to minimizing waste and maximizing sustainability. From pre-renovation purging to post-renovation unpacking, learn how to transform spaces with the planet in mind.
Lotus Bleu Design is known for exquisitely layering color, pattern and texture and bringing inspiration from the over 60 countries Jeannie has visited. She’ll share her experience working with Lauren and some very colorful examples of storage solutions. Organizing never looked so good!
Climate Week Happy Hour!
Sunday, April 21st | Southern Pacific Brewing | San Francisco |5-8 PM PT
Mark your calendars!
In honor of Earth Day, join us as we kickstart SF Climate Week, at a fun happy hour with Climate Designers on Sunday, April 21st, at Southern Pacific🍻 Meet and greet liked-minded designers from all industries and share ideas and expertise to energize us
Save the date and get ready to connect with fellow sustainability champions!
Member Mixer: Deconstruction vs Demolition
Thursday, April 18th | Parachute Store | Colorado | 4 PM – 6 PM
Join us at the Parachute Store for an insightful conversation on Deconstruction vs Demolition, featuring representatives from Perks Deconstruction and Tectonic Design Build. Whether you’re in the construction industry or simply intrigued by sustainable building practices, this event promises valuable insights.
Enjoy drinks, charcuterie, and engaging conversations with industry professionals and like-minded individuals.
Feel free to bring a friend who might be interested in learning more about the GFDA
Tackling our Wicked Waste Problem – Practical tips for Architects.
Tuesday, April 16th | 12:00 PM | 140 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94104
OR Attend the Virtual Webinar
We’re partnering with the AIA SF Committee on the Environment for a special presentation on April 16. This event is designed for architects and designers passionate about understanding how our industry impacts downstream waste issues.
Whether you’re an architect or designer, this event at the stunning AIA Center for Architecture + Design (SF) is for you! Can’t make it in person? No worries, tune in via zoom!
The GFDA will explore important insights and strategies in hopes of having a meaningful conversation with our architecture community about shaping a more sustainable future together that can help drive positive change.
UWN CO Urban Wood Showcase
Thursday, April 11th | CSU Spur Hydro building | Denver | 5 – 8 PM
We’re excited to share an event featuring representatives from the local Colorado chapter of the @urbanwoodnetwork .
The Urban Wood Network is a collaborative alliance formed in 2017 to unite professionals and stakeholders in the urban wood industry across the United States and beyond. Its mission is to enhance confidence in the urban wood sector through information sharing, collaboration, and networking. By consolidating efforts, the network aims to support comprehensive urban forestry management. From municipal bodies to design professionals, members benefit from shared resources and connectivity to advance the industry.
Join and explore sustainable sources for urban lumber, discover partnerships in urban wood recycling, and learn about initiatives from municipalities nationwide!
The What, How and Why of Impact Reporting Webinar
Wednesday, April 3rd | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET | Virtual Webinar
Curious about how companies can effectively track their environmental and social impacts to pave the way for greater sustainability? Join a webinar series that demystifies the impact reporting process, offering practical insights and expert guidance.
Discover the significance of impact reporting for businesses and the furniture industry, and explore key questions such as the business benefits, the voluntary nature of reporting, scalability, and improvement strategies.
A panel of industry experts, including Lucy Crane from @Modus, Mark Tremlett from @naturalmatuk , and Mona Chun from @mebltransformingfurniture , will unravel the reporting process, sharing valuable insights, benefits, and challenges.
Each 60-minute webinar is followed by an optional 30-minute virtual networking session, providing opportunities for further discussion and collaboration. Plus, access a digital Action Guide to support sustainability initiatives.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a real difference in the furniture industry – join this transformative journey towards sustainability!
How To Operate As A Low-Waste Designer
Thursday, March 21st | 4 PM – 6 PM | Denver
Join us for an exclusive alumni gathering at Heritage School of Interior Design – Denver! We’re thrilled to announce that our Executive Director, Kathryn Soter, will be a guest speaker at this special event. Mark your calendars and get ready for an inspiring evening of insights and connections. Discover the reasons why sustainable design matters and how it benefits all of us and our businesses. Learn about the financial perks of low-waste design and start changing your habits. Don’t miss out on discovering the three phases of success: start early, plan carefully, and shift your thinking! See you there!
What to know about performance fabrics, leathers and PFAS.
Tuesday, March 19 | 4:00 PM
Explore Sustainable Textiles in Furnishings with The GFDA: Join us for an enlightening discussion led by industry experts, covering topics such as navigating Colorado’s new legislation banning PFAS in textiles, sustainable material sourcing, and waste reduction strategies. Presented in partnership with Design Wright Studios, Meno Home, and Studio M Denver, this networking event promises valuable insights. Stay tuned for further details on this informative session, and don’t miss out on light bites, refreshments, and a delightful interactive surprise following the talk. Keep an eye on our LinkedIn and Instagram for updates!
JOHI Open Studio – Celebrating 5 Years!
Saturday, March 9th | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Watsonville, California
Join us at the JOHI Open Studio event as we celebrate 5 years of creativity, innovation, and community building!
Explore the evolution of a local furniture design and manufacturing studio. Step inside our studio, mingle with the team, and witness the journey of JOHI’s growth over the past 5 years. Admission is free, so don’t miss out on this special celebration!
Spread the word and let’s make this celebration one for the books!
Empowered Design Summit
Friday, March 8 | 12 PM – 5 PM | Los Angeles, CA
Join The Pacific Design Center and Women in Luxury Design (W.I.L.D.) for a day of inspiration to commemorate International Women’s Day! We celebrate the strength of empowered women, supporting one another while navigating the balance of business and life in the 21st century. Kathryn Soter, GFDA Executive Director, will speak with W.I.L.D. founder, Jennifer Convy, at this event featuring other short savvy segments with remarkable female leaders in the luxury design trade. Speed mentor networking, health and wellness gurus, lunch, happy hour and more!
Design San Francisco | Sustainability & Design
Wednesday, March 6 | San Francisco
Mark your calendars!
We’re only three weeks away from Design San Francisco – Spring. This year, the focus is on sustainability in the design world. Don’t miss out on three days packed with exclusive programming, product launches, educational sessions, and festivities.
Stay tuned for updates as we’ll be engaging in the conversation on Sustainable Design practices on March 6th, with members Revitaliste and Make it Home joining us on this panel discussion on sustainability and design, moderated by Erika Heet from Interiors Magazine.????
NoHo Member Mixer – with AWA+D
Tuesday, February 27 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Los Angeles, CA
We’re excited to partner with AWA+D for a Member Mixer. ???? Join us!Learn more about the Association for Women in Architecture + Design, which is committed to advancing women in the architectural and design professions. GFDA host and Chapter Lead, Greg Roth (of Carbon Shack Design) will share how the GFDA is fostering education in sustainable interior design and architecture. He may even buy you your first drink!
Non-members $5. GFDA members free. Mix and mingle with fellow designers–and it’s not just for women!
Denver Member Mixer!
Feb. 9 | 4-6PM
Margarita Bravo’s beautiful studio in the Denver Design District is host to our February mixer with guest speaker, Batya Stepleman from WallTawk who will discuss how to specify wallpaper with a focus on sustainability, health, and social responsibility. We look forward to connecting with you and kicking off our year. It’s a chance to learn and network with your fellow design community.
Bring a friend who might be interested in joining the fun Colorado chapter! Enjoy snacks and drinks on us. Free event.
RSVP: Bailey Konieczka: Bailey@baileykatherineinteriors.com
Meet the Robots! Member Mixer
Thursday, Feb 1 2024 | 4-6PM | Oakland, CA
Meet the Machine that uses AI to remove staples and nails from reclaimed wood and turns it into premium lumber. See first hand, the robotic technology that literally saves millions of tons of old lumber from going into landfills. Find out how the supply chain works. Learn from designers and contractors who use this premium reclaimed wood in projects.
Demonstration, education, beverages + snacks, mix + mingle! Perfect for sustainably minded contractors, developers, architects, makers and anyone curious to learn more. For a peek at what you’ll see visit urbanmachine.build
Reuse Talk: Bringing Your Things Full Circle
Resilient Edge Salon Series #1
Wed. Jan 24th | 5:30-7PM San Francisco
We’re diving deep into the essential question of what truly constitutes circular versus linear systems. Together, we’ll explore ways to cultivate a healthier relationship with our belongings and discuss the concept of the doughnut economy. But that’s not all – we’ll also be delving into how we can actively advocate for and contribute to a greener, more creative planet.
In conversation with:
Mark Miller: (our host) architect, inventor, and founder of Ocean Plant.
Phoebe Schenker, Reuse Alliance
Amy Frederickson, Revitaliste
Kathryn Soter, GFDA
Bay Area Holiday Housewarming!
Join us for holiday drinks and appetizers! Thursday, Nov 30, 4-6PM
Don’t miss our celebration of sustainability featuring Masaya + Co.and eco-champion FireClay Tile! MasayaCo. specializes in crafting heirloom furniture and gives back through their Reforestation campaign. Co-host, FireClay, is a certified B Corp, and devoted to sustainable manufacturing practices.
It’s our treat. So bring a friend, mix and mingle! RSVP through Eventbrite link.
Los Angeles Chapter Launch Conference | Morning Session (10AM-11AM)
Deconstruction is a key part of the ways new builds and renovations can be low-waste. Join this timely conversation, and learn about what these experts and innovators are doing differently to model this whole systems approach. Coffee service provided by our host sponsor, CarbonShack.
Host: The GFDA + CarbonShack Design
Los Angeles Chapter Launch Conference | Afternoon Session (4PM-5PM)
Luxury can be low waste – because low waste is becoming synonymous with high-quality, great design. Come hear about beautiful interiors that are stunning, fresh, and have minimal impact on our planet’s resources. Refreshments provided by GFDA corporate sponsor, Kravet, Inc.
Host: The GFDA + Kravet
Los Angeles Chapter Launch Conference | Evening Session (6PM-7:30PM)
The Design + Build industry has a waste problem. Learn why we should care and how the GFDA is providing tools and resources to help us find solutions. Networking reception and conversation. Appetizers and drinks provided by our hosts, Fisher & Paykel and Fireside BBQ & Appliances.
Host: Fisher & Paykel + Fireside BBQ & Applicances
8/31 Discover The GFDA: Free Webinar for New Members about Low-Waste Design
Can’t make it on the 30th? We’re doing it all again on the 31st!
Come meet our team at our second virtual salon to learn more and learn about how to you can help build a more sustainable future through design!
In this interactive webinar, you’ll get a chance to learn about the challenges of waste in the built environment, the ways in which the GFDA is tackling that problem, and a deeper dive into our initiatives that are designed to help you on your journey to a better future. . . better for our health, the planet and your business.
Host: The GFDA
8/30 Discover The GFDA: Free Webinar for New Members about Low-Waste Design
Eager to learn about how to you can help build a more sustainable future through design?
Meet our team at our first virtual salon to learn more. In this interactive webinar, you’ll get a chance to learn about the challenges of waste in the built environment, the ways in which the GFDA is tackling that problem, and a deeper dive into our initiatives that are designed to help you on your journey to a better future. . . better for our health, the planet and your business.
Host: The GFDA
A 360 Look at Low-Waste & Sustainable Design Practices – Denver Conference
Volunteer Opportunity at the Red Dot Ranch
Would you like to help Red Dot Studio, a founding member of the GFDA, this summer? Check out their Summer Volunteer Opportunities at the Red Dot Ranch!
Saturday Aug 5 | Sunday Aug 6
Saturday Aug 26 | Sunday Aug 27
RSVP to info@reddotstudio.com more information.
No experience necessary but let them know if you have mad skills or a truck/vehicle with a trailer hitch.
Host: Red Dot Studio
Member Mixer at The House – San Francisco
Join us at The House by Tracy Simmons for our San Francisco Member Mixer! Explore a stunning collection of furniture, ceramics, photography, and accessories sourced from talented local artisans. Connect with other local GFDA Members and invite your friends to enjoy a summer night at this beautiful boutique!
Host: The House by Tracy Simmons + The GFDA
Annex Sale at FYRN Studio
Fyrn is going to be having their first Annex Sale ever!
Find items from the Fyrn Annex up to 50%, shop local wildflowers care of Marigold + treat yourself to Astranda Bakery ‘s acclaimed cinnamon Rolls! They’ll be pouring wines from Martha Stoumen + coffee at their espresso bar.
Reach them at info@fyrn.com for more details.
Host: Fyrn
Member Mixer at WallTawk Studio – Denver
Join us for our monthly mixer at WallTawk Studio Denver! Enjoy drinks and snacks while connecting with like-minded individuals from the community. Feel free to invite friends in the industry who might be interested in joining the GFDA as well! Expand your professional network, see some new faces, and unwind Thursday evening. Hope to see you there!
Please contact Bailey Konieczka at bailey@baileykatherineinteriors.com for more information.
Host: Walltawk Studios + The GFDA
“Do I Need This?” – Private Screening Fundraiser at Make It Home Bay Area
Joining our friends at Make It Home on for a private screening fundraiser of this award-winning documentary film created by Kate Schermerhorn and stick around for a Q&A session with Kate!
Experience a captivating exploration of American excess and the true essence of happiness.
All proceeds will benefit the clients they serve.
Host: Make it Home Bay Area
Climate Designers Community Gardening Day – Berkeley Spiral Gardens
Join our friends at the Climate Designers’ Community Gardening Day to get your hands in the dirt Sunday afternoon. Spiral Gardens Community Food Security Project transforms former railroad land into a resilient local food system, improving community health and sustainability through access to nutritious produce and promoting productive use of urban soil.
Host: Bay Area Climate Designers
Interactive Brunch at Fireclay Tile Showroom
Join us for a fun interactive brunch at Fireclay’s new Berkeley showroom. Fireclay is known for designing and hand-making tile in Northern California, while actively incorporating environmentally sustainable practices. Not only will you see their beautiful collection and learn from designers who specify custom tile for their projects, you’ll also get to design (and paint) one of your own!
Fireclay Showroom – Host: Emily Beal and The GFDA
The GFDA 2.0 Spring Conference – San Francisco
Join us for lively panel discussions on topics such as The Role of Low-Waste Products in our Built Environment, GFDA 2.0 and beyond: The Size of the Problem, and why should we care? Practical Strategies for Implementing a Low-Waste Design Project.
The GFDA Q&A with Claudia Afshar
How did she do it? Listen in as Claudia Afshar shares how she tackled the waste problem in a huge reno project, & successfully diverted excess materials.
The GFDA | Monthly Expert Q & A: with David Charne of Fyrn
We sit down with David Charne, one of the co-founders of Fyrn, to chat about the integral concept of prioritizing sustainablity.
The GFDA | Monthly Expert Q & A: with Imani Hamilton
Network with Imani Hamilton — a sustainable design consultant for products and interiors. Hamilton utilizes sustainable design, materials, manufacturing, construction, and supply chain strategies to optimize for low carbon, low toxin, low waste, and circular outcomes.
Q+A – Recapturit | Larry LaMotte
SALVAGING & RECLAIMING – In Seattle, this team is finding a solution to a big waste problem.
LIVE 0&A with Larry LaMotte of Recapturit
The GFDA | Àplat – Shujan Bertrand
Product Designer Shujan Bertrand believes in zero-waste practices in her daily work. She also want to make products for others to do the same.