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Natasha Usher, founder and director of NUDE design, has designed for some of the leading companies in both hospitality and real estate industries in Asia. Hong Kong born, award-winning interior architect Natasha shares her thoughts on how she incorporates sustainability into her design projects.

“When building a house from the ground up, we would recommend waste management solutions to review recycling waste water, air circulation management, solar powered equipment and efficient cooling and heating systems” shares Natasha. It can be a challenge to source solely recycled end products as they can be costly or limited in selection. Using natural materials generally that have a lower carbon footprint, and that produce lower toxicity levels such as cotton, linen, hemp, recycled decorative glass, ceramic or clay tiles and genuine leather are best.

When it comes to energy management, Natasha suggests investing in double or triple glazed windows in homes and buildings to maintain a constant temperature that reduces energy waste. Investing in good air-conditioners with energy saving functions, installing ceiling fans for air circulation, and using oil radiators to heat spaces can help to provide as simple and achievable solution. For lighting, she always uses LED option bulbs that emit low heat with longer life span. She also avoids built-in LED light fixtures that need to be thrown out after the bulb dies to reduce waste as bulbs can also be recycled.

Waste management should be conscientiously applied when it comes to sustainability, so for most projects, we apply designs methodically to reduce waste. When using natural materials, like natural stone or prefabricated material sizes, her team uses the least wasteful size and pattern ratios. 

“When possible, I like to repurpose vintage furniture or use antiques that have historic or sentimental value to my clients. There are always opportunities to be more pro-active both professionally and personally to also influence others. We have also had projects that when undergoing soft renovations, we retain the architectural lighting fixtures if they are not damaged and generic in style to save waste and unnecessary cost,” Natasha adds.

Natasha is a passionate advocate for the environment and sustainability. She incorporates these practices into her everyday lifestyle and adopts these principles in her food choices, clothing materials and general consumer goods. “I strongly believe we are beyond the point of personal choices on this subject, we need urgent government mandates to enforce sustainable and environmental preservation. COVID is a bleak reminder of how the community as a whole affects us in a global level and it’s a realistic catastrophe if we don’t actively help preserve the environment we all depend on.” Natasha Usher concludes. 

Photo Credits: Lusher Photography