Sustainability in architecture and design has become an essential focus as we face pressing environmental challenges. The built environment significantly impacts our planet, from energy consumption to waste generation. As architects and designers strive to create spaces that harmonize with nature, the integration of sustainable practices is no longer optional but a necessity. This shift toward eco-friendly design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our surroundings but also promotes healthier living conditions and reduces our carbon footprint.

In this blog post, we interviewed Monika Budniak, an expert in the area of sustainable design, to explore key concepts such as the balance between elegance and functionality, innovative technologies in sustainable design, and the role of community collaboration in achieving sustainability goals.

 

 About Monika Budniak

Monika Budniak specializes in elegant yet functional interior design solutions within residential and corporate projects across the globe. Monika is accredited in sustainable design, LEED AP BD+C and Construction LCA Specialist. Her active and strong involvement in the professional community around sustainability ensures to stay up to date with advanced technology and design methodology. She holds a chair on the Leadership Board of the USGBC Michigan.

Monika lived and worked in four different countries on three continents: Poland, China, Mexico and the U.S. This unique global experience allows her to enlarge creativity and get broader thinking skills. She very often helps her clients to discover their own original design language. She focuses on creating human centred spaces. She is sharing her knowledge and passion by serving as a judge for several design competitions. Her work is driven by curiosity, powered by research and technology, and fueled by grit and ingenuity. 

 

 What inspired you to specialize in sustainable design, and how has your global experience influenced your approach? 

“I believe that the spaces we spend so much time in should enhance our health and well-being, while also making us feel good, inspired, and connected to nature—even when we are indoors. I learned this especially during my time working in Mexico, where the boundary between indoors and outdoors is much more fluid. Outdoor spaces are treated as equally important as interior ones, with rooms often extending seamlessly outside, and vice versa.”

 

“I also see design as a process of shared responsibility, similar to fashion or beauty products where customers want transparency and the ability to make environmentally conscious decisions. This is a major reason why I’ve focused my work around sustainability. I don’t believe there’s an alternative at this point—too often we’ve used excessive finishes or materials without considering what happens to them during renovations, which occur every five to seven years.” 

 

“I’m grateful for my international experience because it expanded my perspective on how different cultures approach living spaces. For example, in Asia, homes are extremely efficient and ergonomic—there is no wasted or unnecessary space. In Mexico, as I mentioned, the connection to nature is essential. Collectively, these experiences have given me the ability to design thoughtful, sustainable spaces that prioritize well-being, efficiency, and beauty.”

 

 Can you share a project where you successfully integrated sustainable practices into your architectural or interior design work?

“A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to the Indian side of the Himalayas to do charity work for a local organization. The project focused on elementary school buildings and housing for doctors (see left photo). We implemented passive sustainability strategies—such as natural ventilation, solar heating, rainwater collection, and of course, maximizing the beautiful mountain views. I’m very proud of this experience because it challenged me to think about architecture at its core: can we design successfully without relying on advanced technology or AI tools? It really grounded me in the fundamentals of sustainable design and reminded me what ‘sustainable architecture’ truly means.”

 

“More recently, I worked on a project that is still in development: converting an old church into a restaurant space (see right photo). For this, I conducted embodied carbon calculations and applied a circular design approach to the interiors. It was a very successful process, but what made it even more meaningful was the client’s eagerness to learn. They were curious, engaged, and wanted to be part of making environmentally conscious decisions. That experience showed me that private clients are increasingly open to sustainable solutions—it’s our role as architects not just to design, but also to educate and guide them toward those opportunities.” 

 

 How do you balance elegance and functionality while ensuring sustainability in your designs? 

“I often think of a quote from David Attenborough: ‘With biophilia comes a restless curiosity, an urge to investigate and discover the elusive places where we meet nature, where she plays on our senses with colours and forms, perfumes and smells.’” 

 

“For me, that captures the essence of design. When we design with nature in mind, we naturally become more curious, more investigative, and more engaged in finding new solutions. At the same time, I believe simplicity is the most powerful form of design—it creates clarity and impact.” 

 

“So, my approach is about finding the balance: creating designs that are in dialogue with the environment, while also using advanced technologies to support functionality and enhance the user experience. To me, that balance is the most exciting part of design—it’s both a journey of exploration and an opportunity to make spaces truly meaningful.” 

 

 What are some of the most innovative technologies or methodologies you've encountered in sustainable design? 

“In my design process, I’ve found Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for interiors—particularly stages A1 to A3—combined with a circular design approach, using the 4 R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink, to be very effective tools. They not only guide my design decisions but also open conversations with clients about the broader environmental impact of their projects.” 

“On one project, I introduced this in a more playful way by creating a ‘clean product’ chart. I borrowed the visual language of a nutrition facts label you’d see on food packaging and used it to illustrate embodied carbon. What I noticed was that clients immediately connected with it— the graphic and language felt familiar and accessible, which made the concept of embodied carbon much easier to understand. For me, that was a great lesson in how communication is just as important as design when it comes to sustainability.” 

 

 In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing architects and designers in achieving sustainability goals? 

“First, I see it as a labor-intensive process. On a simple project, it’s still manageable—we can select finishes, gather data on embodied carbon, check product origins, and confirm whether they have EPDs. But with more complex projects, the challenge grows. We often need to provide alternatives so that clients—or really the entire design team—can make informed choices that balance aesthetics with sustainability.”

“Ideally, for each product we should be presenting at least two sustainable alternatives. That way, the selection becomes a conscious decision rather than just a default choice. But this requires significant time, effort, and expertise. It also raises important questions about responsibility— who is going to do this work, and how do we fairly price it for our clients?” 

“The positive side is that I see more and more manufacturers embracing this shift. They’re eager to provide EPDs and other transparency data because they want to be part of the change. That gives me optimism that sustainable product selection will become easier and more integrated into the design process over time.’

 

 

As we conclude our interview with Monika Budniak, several key takeaways emerge that highlight the importance of sustainability in architecture and design. First, the need to balance elegance with functionality is paramount; sustainable solutions can be both beautiful and practical. Monika emphasizes the role of innovative technologies, such as energy-efficient materials and smart design practices, in creating spaces that minimize environmental impact. Additionally, collaboration within communities and industries is essential for driving meaningful change and achieving shared sustainability goals.

Monika's insights remind us that sustainable design is not merely a trend but a vital responsibility for architects and designers. By embracing eco-friendly practices, we can create spaces that not only enhance our quality of life but also protect the planet for future generations.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Monika for sharing her expertise and vision with us. Her dedication to sustainability inspires all of us to think critically about our own practices and strive for a greener future. We look forward to seeing how her contributions continue to shape the architectural landscape!

 

 

Connect with Monika on Instagram and visit her website to learn more about her innovative design approach.

 

  

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