Working with a B Corp has been an inspiring challenge. The primary goal? Keeping carbon emissions under control while designing retail spaces and visual merchandising. As we dove into the first project for our client, we quickly realised that every decision —down to the smallest detail—mattered. Here are five key lessons we learned along the way.  

Materials matter more than you think  

For projects in the past, we might have defaulted to metal fixtures for durability and style. But with carbon reduction as the focus, we swapped metal for FSC-certified timber—a sustainable, responsibly-sourced material that works well for this specific setting whilst being kinder to the planet. The change wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about rethinking the way we approach design from the ground up.  

Raw finishes: Less is more  

Sustainability is not just about the materials, but how they’re treated. Paints, sprays, and finishes may look sleek, but they come at an environmental cost. We decided to keep things raw and natural. No paints, no chemical sprays—just the material in its purest form. By avoiding harmful chemicals, we could maintain the material’s natural integrity while keeping emissions in check. Plus, this approach aligns with the growing consumer preference for organic and authentic design elements.  

Design with the end in mind  

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the installation phase. We had to think about what happens when the displays are no longer needed. The solution? Modular designs that can be easily disassembled and recycled. By planning for the end of a product’s life, we ensured that the materials could live on in future projects, reducing waste and emissions long-term.  

You don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability  

One of the biggest challenges was maintaining the high standard of visual merchandising while adhering to sustainable practices. But we found that creativity thrives under constraints. We discovered new ways to create stunning retail environments that felt fresh, modern, and sustainable—all without compromising on style.  

Collaboration is key  

Sustainability is a team effort, and success is only possible when all stakeholders are committed to the same goal. We worked closely with our B Corp client and partners who shared the same sustainability goals. Every decision was a collaborative process, from choosing the right materials to ensuring our partners aligned with the B Corp’s ethical standards. It was a great reminder that teamwork is essential when it comes to sustainability.  

This project opened our eyes to how much is possible when you commit to reducing your environmental impact. Designing for a B Corp pushed us to innovate, to think outside the box, and to create with the planet in mind. The results? Retail spaces that look great, perform well, and leave a lighter footprint. And we couldn’t be prouder.