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.

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!

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.????

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

We sit down with David Charne, one of the co-founders of Fyrn, to chat about the integral concept of prioritizing sustainablity.

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.

SALVAGING & RECLAIMING – In Seattle, this team is finding a solution to a big waste problem.
LIVE 0&A with Larry LaMotte of Recapturit

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.