Green design is on everyone’s minds these days. Everything from choosing reclaimed lumber from responsibly managed forests to the perfectly placed window that takes advantage of sunny days affects a house’s eco footprint. NKBA 2017 Green Design Competition winner Cassandra Nordell is an advocate of design that’s both carefully considered and eco-friendly. We caught up with Nordell to discuss her passion for going green.
Nordell, co-founder and CEO of William Standen Co. and a former NKBA 30 Under 30 professional, has been designing green spaces for 12 years. Her passion for sustainable design began while still in school. As she began researching building materials and interior finishes such as cabinetry, flooring and fabrics, Nordell was astonished by how many toxins were used in some products. “As someone who suffers from asthma and allergies it was important to me to find a way to make interiors safer for myself and my clients,” she says.
According to Nordell, every project and product at William Standen Co. is green. Their cabinetry, flooring and appliances are all Energy Star and FSC certified and CARB (California Air Resource Board) compliant, as evidenced by her entry in the NKBA Design Competition. For her winning project, Nordell needed to increase the space and functionality of a country kitchen to better accommodate the busy lifestyles of the homeowners, a family of four. She removed a wall in the kitchen, adding room for more storage and an eat-in bar. She also incorporated a galley sink and docking drawer, allowing the kids to help with cleanup while providing a clutter-free space for homework. In addition to the smart, space-saving design, she used green products such as soy-based adhesives, zero-VOC water-based paint and incorporated LED lighting. Even the quartz countertop is radon-free and Greenguard certified.
“I want to educate homeowners on the effect products can have on their indoor air quality and ultimately, their health,” says Nordell, who entered her project in the Green category to raise awareness for eco-conscious design. “Their homes should be their sanctuaries.”
To learn more about sustainable design, check out these upcoming NKBA courses:
Make-up Air: Codes & Solutions will help you identify the need for resupplying the home with fresh air and determine how much make-up air is required for a range hood installation.
Cover the basics of sustainable building principles, including energy usage and product lifecycle analysis and how to incorporate those principles into your business in Sustainable Design Principles – Beyond Eco-Friendly Products.
In Sustainable Techniques for Kitchen & Bath Design you’ll learn how to pitch sustainable design to clients, and also educate yourself on the basic guidelines for green kitchen and bathroom design.
To view all virtual instructor-led courses & webinars, visit the NKBA Certification + Design Calendar.
