Asparagus Interiors Inc.

The great thing about working with eco-minded clients is all the helpful tips and resources they are happy to share with you.

Over the weekend I learned about the ReUseIt Center in Batavia, IL. Servicing the western suburbs of Chicago, and anyone who wants to gander out to the burbs looking for building materials.

The ReUseIt center sells quality new and used building products at bargain prices. According to their site, “profits are used by the Mid-Valley Neighborhood Improvement Association, Inc. to help low-income homeowners make emergency repairs to their homes.”

Supporting the ReUseIt Center helps keep building costs down and tons of building materials out of landfills. I selected a lamp that was posted on the site. You never know what you’ll uncover until you make the trip.

I love quirky business names, and a friend of mine just reintroduced me to Soupcan.

Soupcan makes concrete contertops and sinks, zinc, stainless steel, and copper countertops. They are a local Chicago manufacturer contributing to an eco-friendly kitchen design.

Offering 12 colors in concrete countertops, Soupcan will customize adding bits o’metal and other items of interest to the mix. They create custom countertops and have made fireplace surrounds. I’ve posted to of my favorites from their site.

Couple design notes to mention: concrete countertops can be porous and will need to be sealed. Care should be taken when cutting on the surface.

Soupcan is eco-friendly and pet friendly. Afterall, the company was named after their dog, Soupcan.

After attending NeoCon this week and participating in an eco-friendly like minded seminar, I read the June edition of the Heath Ceramics newsletter and got to thinking…

Heath Ceramics, a favorite among many and my latest collectible, offer hand-made ceramics constructed with the same practices as defined 55 years ago.

Heath authors compared their products to the latest trend in “Green Design” stating, “reuse is necessary and extremely important but longevity will always outweigh its benefits.” They concluded by saying, “raising the consciousness level for a products longevity and inspiring them to have fewer and more meaningful possessions.”

These two statements wrap up what has been a personal mantra for sometime and a lesson that I have grown-up with. We live in a culture where we can purchase almost anything, and the ability to buy the latest and greatest is at your finger tips. I was always told to make purchases that matter, that have purpose and that are most meaningful to me.

My new years resolution was to limit my “big box shopping” and purchase from local merchants and smaller chains. I’m doing better and enjoying it.

As my husband and I are in the process of purchasing a 1955 brick ranch. A home that would normally be torn down for your typical suburban McMansion, I’m thrilled about the idea of preserving a building that was once a source of pride for a family, meaningful, and designed with purpose making its longevity the overwhelming benefit to owning a unique older home.

Today, I attended NeoCon World’s Trade Fair, in Chicago. This annual event showcases the latest and greatest products and materials in the commercial design industry.

I attended a seminar by Architect, Eric Corey Freed, LEED AP, principal, organicARCHITECT, of San Francisco, CA. “The Inevitable Architect: A Phase-By-Phase Guide To Green Building,” session covered environmentalism, how it applies to buildings and how life cycle affects the design of buildings.

I found his session to be informative and interesting taking home the following notes:
- Offer green design as a basic service of your firm
- Only show clients green materials, getting them excited from the start
- Define green standards for all projects (Ex: green applications – Low VOC Paints, etc.)

Getting Client By-In:
- Stress the life-cycle costs rather than upfront costs
- Stress the environmental benefits
- Stress the health benefits
- Stress the performance benefits
- Stress the return on investment benefits (energy savings, decreased maintenance costs, increased productivity)