Every great interior designer knows when it comes to working with clients they need to think about more than just the right colors, fabrics and functionality. They understand it’s their professional responsibility to take the safety and health of those who will utilize the space into consideration.

A large part of that consideration deals with the types of materials they use in their design. From furniture, flooring and wallcoverings, all of these can contribute to the safety of a workspace. Interior designers should be knowledgeable in regards to the laws and regulations that govern the types of materials they choose to use in their designs and which ones meet or exceed those codes.

Two big issues to address when choosing design finishes are levels of toxicity and flammability. It’s always optimal to use only materials that exceed safety standards in these areas. Statistics show these two factors can potentially cause the most harm to those who inhabit any commercial environment.

Use materials that are chlorine phenol free and/or emit Low VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This is a critical feature that can affect the air quality in an office or other workspace. This is especially true since ventilation in these environments is not always optimal.

Also, making sure a high level of hygiene can be easily maintained throughout the life of the materials used. A surface that allows mold & mildew to steadily grow can affect air quality as well as cause illness in those occupying the space. This is particularly important when designing for a health center or any children’s space, since they are the most vulnerable. Interior designers can literally help their clients breathe a little easier.

Fire safety is another big concern when designing for clients. Using materials that don’t burn or keeps flame spreading to a minimum is key. Most injuries or death in fire situations are caused by smoke inhalation therefore finishes that don’t create a lot of smoke should be a priority.

We rely on interior designers to be responsible for designing a space that is beautiful and functional but also for the health, safety and welfare of the people that will be working in that environment. Any truly great interior design will incorporate all of these factors.