The Green Route with MAREDI Design

In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation with Lindsey Tramuta, journalist and author based in Paris, we explore the evolving landscape of conscious tourism and what it means to experience travel more mindfully.Lindsey shares her insights on how social and cultural shifts are transforming Paris and beyond, the role of social media in shaping perceptions of place, and why slowing down can lead to deeper, more authentic connections with the places we experience. Mentioned in this episode: Lindsey Traumuta's Portfolio Lindsey Tramuta on IG The New Paris Podcast The New Paris Dispatch Newsletter *The World is Drowning in Tourists. Who Should Pay the Price? (*Bloomberg Article) Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

In this engaging and insightful discussion with Kyle Preuss, head of marketing at Block Bins Chicago, we discuss the uniqueness of the Block Bins composting model, the critical importance of composting for urban sustainability, and efforts to democratize access in Chicago. Kyle is a dedicated advocate for community-driven waste diversion and a pioneer in crowdfunded curbside composting, known for this innovative shared-bin system that fosters neighborhood buy-in to reduce landfill waste and reinvest scraps locally. Mentioned in this episode: Block Bins Block Bins on IG Green Era Campus Feed and Conserve IL Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

In this episode with Carla Bruni, an architectural preservation and resiliency specialist, educator, and author of Chicago Homes: A Portrait of the City’s Everyday Architecture, we explore the role of preservation in shaping a sustainable future. We discuss why Chicago’s architectural identity matters, how history can inform modern design practices, and why education and advocacy are essential to building more resilient communities. Carla shares her perspective on connecting the past and future of architecture to inspire design that lasts. Mentioned in this episode: Carla Bruni on IG Chicago Bungalow Association Chicago Homes: A Portrait of the City’s Everyday Architecture by Carla Bruni & Phil Thompson Wonder City Studio Event: Bungalow Book Club Event Series Unblocked Englewood Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

In this thought-provoking episode with Nathan Kipnis, principal of Kipnis Architecture + Planning and founder of NextHaus Alliance, we dive into the promise of resilient and energy-conscious design. We discuss how the Passive House model is shaping the future of the built environment, the importance of thinking ahead to meet emerging climate challenges, and how Nathan’s award-winning projects are setting new standards for endurance and adaptability in architecture. Nathan also shares his journey as a founding member of the AIA’s 2030 Commitment Working Group, and how advocacy continues to shape national dialogue around climate action and design excellence. Mentioned in this episode: Kipnis Architecture + Planning Kipnis Architecture + Planning on IG Nexthaus Alliance Nexthaus Alliance on IG AIA National Committee for Resilience and Disaster Response Committee Webinar: Architecture as Environmental Art, Architectural Record x Vectorworks Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

In this inspiring conversation with Carlo Battisti, President of Living Future Europe, we explore what it truly means to move beyond sustainability toward a regenerative and positive future in the built environment. Carlo shares insights on the Living Building Challenge, the world’s most rigorous framework for sustainable design, and discusses how its principles offer a blueprint for transforming our industry. We dive into why these frameworks are so foundational, how they are reshaping the way we think about buildings and communities, and what motivated Carlo to bring this powerful movement from the US to Europe. Mentioned in this episode: Living Future Europe Living Future Europe on IG Living Building Challenge Biophilia Summit 2025 - Italy Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

In this episode of The Green Route, we sit down with Fernando Ramirez and Justine Beitzal, the founders of Common Object Studio — an industrial design firm pioneering regenerative design. From their furnishing line Okaterra to their collaborations with design-driven companies, they embed sustainability, community, and radical intentionality into every step of the process. We talk about what inspired their purpose-driven approach, the challenges of regenerative design, and how they’re creating products that give back more than they take. Mentioned in this episode: Common Object Studio Common Object Studio on IG Okaterra Okaterra on IG Metropolis's Sustainability Lab at NeoCon Azure Emerging Design Awards Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

In this engaging and insightful discussion with Rachael Meyer, Principal Landscape Architect and Sustainability Director at Weber Thompson, we discuss her work as a clean water advocate and the impact of in the world of landscape architecture. Rachael is a dedicated advocate for clean water and a pioneer in green stormwater infrastructure, known for her innovative projects that blend environmental stewardship with urban design to create healthier, more resilient communities. Mentioned in this episode: Weber Thompson Weber Thompson on IG The Watershed Building Northlake Commons Bioswales Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

A deeply insightful and encouraging conversation with Katherine Tellock, Co-founder and Executive Director of Chicago Environmentalists, a dynamic nonprofit building an inclusive community dedicated to sustainability, environmental justice, and empowering Chicagoans at every stage of their eco-journey to make meaningful change in their city and beyond. Mentioned in this episode: CHICAGO ENVIRONMENTALISTS CHICAGO ENVIRONMENTALISTS ON FACEBOOK CHICAGO ENVIRONMENTALISTS ON IG Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impact Ordinance “Setting Your Eco Goals for the Year” by Katherine Tellock Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

A meaningful conversation with Mallory Solomon, co-founder and CEO of Salam Hello, a Morocco-based rug company focused on sustainable, ethical production. Mentioned in this episode: SALAM HELLO SALAM HELLO ON IG Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

A thoughtful and profound conversation with Alison Mears, architect, Associate Professor of Architecture, and Director and Co-founder of Healthy Materials Lab, a design research lab at Parsons School of Design, who's goals aim for healthier spaces and healthier lives. Mentioned in this episode: Healthy Materials Lab Healthy Materials Lab on IG Material Health: Design Frontiers by Parsons Healthy Materials Lab 6 Classes: Chemicals of Concern Hempitecture Keim Paint Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

An inspiring conversation with Elisabetta Quarta Colosso, founder of El Vil Verd, a Barcelona-based architecture practice that embodies values like creativity, responsibility, and respect to deliver projects that leave a lasting positive impact on both individuals and the planet. Mentioned in this episode: El Fil Verd El Fil Verd on IG Some Work of El Fil Verd YouTube Channel - FairCompanies - House in the Woods YouTube Channel - FairCompanies - Passive House in Barcelona Trombe Wall - Arch Daily The Eyes of the Skin - Juhani Pallasmaa Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

An insightful conversation with Aleksandra Plewa, founder and CEO of the Chicago non-profit, EcoShip. With a mission to support small-businesses in the community, they aim to collect gently-used shipping supplies and packaging for redistribution, saving costs for business owners while also diverting waste from the landfill. Mentioned in this episode: EcoShip EcoShip on IG Holiday Collection Campaign - Applications Open October 29th Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

Reporting on the latest and most significant developments and stories in the design industry via Business of Home, both Haley Chouinard, Managing Editor, and Caroline Biggs, Market Editor, have seen it all. But one thing that they both agree on is that sustainability is much more than a buzz word in interior design - it is becoming the set standard for industry trends moving forward. With these two market insiders, they talk to us about the products and brands that are on their radar that are actively working on creating more sustainable home design solutions. Of particular note, according to these two journalists, is circularity and how this concept is becoming more of a common practice for many brands in product development. Their observations go beyond the American market, as they frequent fairs in Europe and explain the impact of sustainable home design and the brands that are making the biggest waves. Mentioned in this episode: Business of Home Fyrn Ikea Buy Back Sabai Mushlume Lighting HeimTextil M&O Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

As an eco-conscious global citizen, Caroline Morrison's ultra environmentally-forward Californian upbringing informed her foray into entrepreneurship in the French capital by way of Landline, a general supplies store. Determined to leverage her own long-held beliefs about sustainability and positive change, she created a space that allows people to enjoy a bit of retail therapy through an experience focused on conscious consumption. A place where people can invest in well-made household products, toys, clothing, and many other objects, she built a community where the concept is about buying better and less. Caroline explains the importance in creating a shop that is accessible and relatable, while also presenting utilitarian, well-crafted products all made in Europe, to inspire better consumption habits for her customers. She believes that everyone can make positive change on their own micro level by making an effort in how they consume everyday goods. Mentioned in this episode: Landline Landline on IG Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

As an expert in the built-environment, Gabriel Wilcox leverages his role as an architect through focusing on projects where he can integrate sustainable frameworks. Motivated to find solutions for some of the most pressing issues we are faced with in society, his work continues to center around improving the conditions of our buildings and spaces. One element that he believes has the power to deeply improve our built environment is by integrating more nature in design. Gabriel explains how this can be an extremely powerful and influential tool in reconnecting ourselves back to the natural world, which can provide better solutions for how we build and construct our spaces moving forward. He believes that the profound impact that biophilic design can have on humans, buildings and our health is undeniable and that by applying this philosophy more widely and with urgency, we will be able to establish a better future for generations to come. Mentioned in this episode: Krueck Sexton Partners International Living Future Institute Biomimcry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine Benyus Biomimicry, an Operating Manual for Earthlings - Interview with Janine Benyus A plant's-eye view - TED Talk, Michael Pollan Books by Douglas Farr How to grow clean air - TED Talk, Kamal Meattle Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation by Paul Hawken Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

As a well-seasoned expert in the field of sustainability and climate advocacy, Sarah Lazarovic has spent much of her career focused on building public awareness on the topic through various endeavors and creative projects. At Rewiring America, where she is Vice President of Communications + Creative Strategy, her work continues to grow in the organization's mission to electrify all 124 million homes in America. Their goal is to educate and inform all homeowner's of the benefits in electrification, some of which include cost savings, better indoor air quality and overall improved efficiency in energy consumption. They aim to transform norms and the market so that electrification becomes the best and most direct choice for the end-user. Sarah believes that the public will continue to be impressed by the results and solutions that electrification provides, both to our communities as well as to our planet. She shares insight on her positive outlook on our fight in the climate crisis and how we can all adopt a similar attitude. Mentioned in this episode: Rewiring America Rewiring America on IG Sarah's Website Minimum Viable Planet (Sarah Lazarovic) A Bunch of Things I Did Not Buy by Sarah Lazarovic PNNL Report Findings Pace of Progress Report (Rewiring America) Ayana Elizabeth Johnson Venn Diagram The All We Can Save Project Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

As a leader in the field of sustainability, Stephen Filyo cofounded BlueEarth Deconstruction with the intention of using innovative business as a tool to protect the longevity of the planet. Faced with the harsh reality that about one third of all landfills are consumed by demolition and construction debris, his company aims to create incentives for people to consider a different path to more conscious building and renovation work. By focusing on everything that is reusable in a building, they are able to divert these materials from the waste stream by donating them to local nonprofit organizations for reuse. Stephen believes that we should all be building for reuse and not just single use in order to avoid producing these large volumes of waste. He shares his insight on the value of a deconstruction project and the urgency and importance of spreading the word on how we can shift from demolition to sustainable deconstruction collectively. Mentioned in this episode: BlueEarth Deconstruction BlueEarth Deconstruction on IG BlueEarth Deconstruction on Facebook Chicago Furniture Bank The WasteShed BMRA (Building Materials Reuse Association) Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

As someone impassioned by sustainable principles and who has built a career on that foundation, Caterina Romanelli is a leading force behind her family's organic farm in the Northeastern corner of Italy, in a city called Udine. Balancing multiple roles, she is a lead ESG strategist in her professional life, while also forging her own path as the third generation and current visionary of that very farm, L’Orto Felice. As a self-proclaimed food lover, her passion for biodiversity and ecological preservation has inspired her hopes for the future of agriculture, and she is taking action in her daily role. Reinventing the farm as a community hub, filled with experiential (and experimental) events, Caterina believes in the power that food and agriculture have on individuals. She discusses the challenges of urban farming and shares actionable ways that we can all support local farmers (and eat delicious food), all while emphasizing the importance of seasonality throughout the process. Mentioned in this episode: L’Orto Felice CSAs La Ruche Qui Dit Oui FoodHub AMAP USDA Local Food - CSA US Directory Eat Well Guide - CSA US Directory Local Harvest - CSA US Directory Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

As the ones who are typically the hosts and interviewers of this podcast, this episode is exploring new territory for us: Marc & Dijana as the interviewees! We wanted to properly wrap up this very first season of our podcast and decided that there was no better way to do so than to share a bit more about our story and how we got here with all of you. Even though we know each other pretty well and established that there would be no curveball questions per-say, we found that there was even a thing or two to discover from this conversation and some surprise nuggets for both of us. We'd be delighted to have you all tune into the conversation to learn more about our own individual origin stories as they relate to interior design, why we are so passionate about sustainability and all the reasons why we felt it was so necessary to launch this podcast! Mentioned in this episode: MAREDI Design MAREDI Design Highlights What’s So Luxurious About Luxury Vinyl Tile - Architizer article (Burgess Brown) Chicago Environmentalists (Chicago area) EcoShip Chicago WasteShed (Chicago area) Compost Basics Compost Resources - Chicago Chicago Citywide Service Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com

As a small-space and sustainable living expert, Laura Fenton has spent the better part of her career writing about homes within these contexts. Both a journalist and author, Laura's book The Little Book of Living Small along with her Substack newsletter Living Small, offer insight, ideas, actionable items and inspiration for those of us interested in this concept and lifestyle. Laura shares what she believes are the biggest levers that we can pull as individuals to lighten our carbon footprint. Not only does occupying a smaller space reduce your footprint, but she argues that less consumption is also key in this journey. She shares ideas for how we can all approach this notion of less consumption and why it is vital if we really want to effect change. Mentioned in this episode: The Little Book of Living Small by Laura Fenton Living Small (Laura Fenton) Young House Love (Sherry & John Petersik) Give a Sht (Do Good, Live Better, Save the Planet)* by Ashlee Piper *Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle* by Lloyd Alter Carbon Upfront (Lloyd Alter) Rewiring America Have thoughts or comments to share? Feel free to reach out to MAREDI Design at hello@maredi-design.com