Frequently Asked Questions:

Q   What is Sustainable Interiors Architecture and and how does this differ to an Interior Decorator/Designer or an Architect ?

Interior Architects   consider buildings as external envelopes for an interior narrative.  So (like sudoku) the spaces required will be stretched and tumbled, walls, windows, floors, ceilings are all a movable feast.  Everything will answer to the client’s needs (within local legislation), materials, finishes, electrical requirements, plumbing, lighting, ventilation, acoustics, ergonomics, the intelligent use of space, present and future use, the feel, the art and the science are all considered. Interior architects are usually present at all stages of the design process, from planning through to the finishing touches, but they can also consult to Architects or Interior Designers who require sustainable material metrics.  Interior Architects design structural interiors around human occupations (and usually refer to Architects or surveyors for building regs drawings).  We are happy hybrids and enjoy delivering the structure and the finish (the detail and the big picture) which clients usually prefer as it makes the project run smoothly.

Sustainable Interior Architects are usually systems or materials specialists in authentically sustainable (safe/non-toxic circular materials) design.  FreeSpace Design proudly delivered the first UK Cradle to Cradle Certified® materials retrofit in 2021 along with sister company 540 WORLD (Company of the Year 2020 and Sustainable Solutions Co of the Year 2021), currently working in collaboration with the Environment Agency on various infrastructure projects. Chaline Church, FreeSpace's Design Director has her MA in Interior Architecture and a specialisation in healthy interiors and sustainable, circular non-toxic products for the built environment.

Interior Decorators/Designers are concerned with the aesthetics of the building - colour schemes, furniture, art work, soft furnishings, decorating the (already built) interior. Anybody can call themselves an Interior Decorator since it is not a protected title. Usually, this involves decorating the internal skin of an existing building.

Architect is a protected, rigorous degree title and profession which involves foundations, electrics, plumbing, structural decisions, knowledge of the safety and legal requirements affecting human habitation, among other technical details and although there are aesthetic decisions, some call it a science due to the high level of technical knowledge required.

Q   What is Cradle to Cradle Certified®?

FreeSpace Design believe that Cradle to Cradle Certified® is currently the gold standard internationally for evidence-based product design certification. Healthy buildings are now possible because of Cradle to Cradle Certified® products.  They exist and are accessible in the UK and internationally.  FreeSpace Design is constantly updating their network as more UK Cradle to Cradle Certified® products become available, so that we can help you fast-track and future-proof your project, home or workspace.

Q   What is Conscious Design?

Conscious Designers aim to design beautiful, practical, bespoke design solutions on budget that minimize the negative impact to the planet and where possible, create a positive impact on the planet.  FreeSpace Design is aware of all the major steps to design holistically and ethically, for people and planet, ie structural frame demolition of key components and their re-use, upstream (demolition to produce recyclable scrap) and downstream systems (the system to consume the product eg steel) and the LCA (life cycle assessment) which is a tool for assessing the environmental impact of products.  The FreeSpace design group aim for a gold standard by bettering the current statistics where practicable, for example, 93-98% steel is recycled, our latest resi project achieved 100% recycled metals, 100% recycled brick, 100% soil recycled etc and the current commercial projects are mostly using Cradle to Cradle Certified® products and demountable installations so that waste is being designed out!

Q    What is the most healthy, sustainable 'eco' paint in the world and is it available in the UK?

Yes.  This game-changing paint is CO2 absorbing! It's called Graphenstone and it's genius!  If you want harm free paint, buy directly from them (and let them know you were referrred by Chaline Church of FreeSpace Design). Similarly, there is now a raft of non-toxic products available in the UK, all Cradle to Cradle Certified® - see www.540.world for your free download of the latest interactive Cradle to Cradle® Design Directory which lists a range of UK Cradle to Cradle Certified® products.