Rachel Forster

Every few weeks, the same headline appears: Is the office dead? Cue the predictable debate. One side demands everyone gets back to their desks, while another argues that flexibility has transformed working life for the better. Five years after Covid disrupted the traditional working model, we are still having the same conversation: where should people work? But I think we have been asking the wrong question. The real question is much more uncomfortable: have we created workplaces that are...

Part of my mission is to help clients think more sustainably, and while most are very open to this, we’re still not creating as much positive impact as we could. When we talk about ‘sustainable interior design’ or ‘sustainable business’, the implication is very optimistic and indefinite. It seems to suggest that if a project can start sustainably, then it will sustain itself forever. In reality, all things come to pass. A project is truly sustainable only if materials are sourced in a...

In the world of sustainable interior design, understanding the lifecycle of construction materials, textiles, and furniture is paramount. Not only does this knowledge inform our choices in selecting eco-friendly materials, but it also helps us minimise environmental impact. From production to decomposition, every stage in a material’s life cycle has ecological implications. Let’s delve into the decomposition timelines of common construction materials, textiles, and furniture, and explore how...