Lane McNab Interiors: Sustainability&Quality Pieces That Will Last Generations with Lane McNab - a podcast by Brad Leavitt

Located ​in Berkeley, California, Lane McNab Interiors infuses a sophisticated sensibility into residential and commercial interiors. The firm specializes in primary and secondary homes, boutique retail spaces, and large scale projects with a vast knowledge of historical architecture. Opened in 2012, LMI is known for its artful approach to sophisticated living. Although each project is the reflection of a deep collaboration between designer and client, all of Lane’s projects reflect an edited warmth that highlights the beauty of everyday life.

Brad and Lane go on to talk about her firm’s best practices for environmental stewardship and the state of the industry as a whole with regard to its focus on ensuring sustainability throughout the supply chain.

Finally, Lane shares how she built her own interior design firm and lessons learned through the years on running a business, including the importance of EQ and critical thinking.

Topics Discussed: 

• 01:58] What “sustainable” means to Lane
• [06:42] Creating timeless pieces
• [11:28] How Lane built up her knowledge of the industry over time
• [13:43] Dealing with pushback from customers regarding budget
• [15:57] Meeting environmental standards in California
• [18:28] How Lane sources and manufactures her pieces to ensure non-toxicity
• [28:21] Other companies that have a sustainability focus
• [30:08] Making sure material is actually as healthy and sustainably sourced as claimed
• [36:26] Designing with purpose to make products more beneficial to the environment
• [37:32] Defining microplastics
• [41:00] Getting on the same page with architects
• [43:14] How Lane started her own interior design firm and learning about business
• [45:58] Lane’s decision to hire her first employee
• [49:12] Developing your EQ as a business owner
• [52:48] How designers and contractors can work well together in service of the client
• [53:55] Lane’s Instagram marketing strategy
• [56:56] Being represented by Sloan Miyasato
• [59:03] Lane’s upcoming projects

Connect with Guest:

• Website 
• Shop
• Instagram
• Instagram 

Connect with Brad Leavitt:

• Website
• Instagram 
• Facebook 
• Houzz 
• Pinterest
• YouTube 

Resources & People Mentioned:

• Sustainability
• Greenwashing
• Cradle to Cradle by Michael Braungart
• LEED Certification
• Net Zero Iconic Home
• ICF (Insulating Concrete Form) 
• Material Bank
• Title 24 Standard
• Greenguard Certification
• B Corporations
• FSC Certification
• OEKO - TEX
• Green Business Bureau 
• Sloan Miyasato
• Outgassing
• West Elm Sustaibale & FSC-Certified
• Crate & Barrel Environmental Initiatives
• The Citizenry
• Avocado Mattress 
• Armadillo 
• Fireclay Tile 
• Leather Working Group 
• Microplastics
• VOC
• LMI 
• San Francisco Design Center 
• Sloan Miyasato Shop
• Erik Waldorf

Key Quotes from Episode:

• We can transform any industry by ensuring that the next life of a product is planned at its inception.
• I think antiques and vintage are probably the most affordable way to add sustainability to your design.
• We have two principles in designing the line. The first is quality and the second is environmental stewardship.
• Because it is a very overwhelming amount of work to do to ensure that everything you’re offering your clients has this level of environmental stewardship, just do one part of it. Just do a piece of it, because that alone makes a difference.
• The biggest indicator of whether or not you’ll be successful in this business has nothing to do with your talent, your experience, or your education. It’s whether or not you have a high EQ.

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