The Green Route with MAREDI Design

Ashlee Piper, sustainability expert, explains why choosing to consume less is both empowering and practical. She shares how she turned research into clear, attainable actions, her “no new things” process, and what a less-consumptive future could look like. Mentioned in this episode: Ashlee Piper Ashlee Piper on IG The Ethical Edit (Substack) No New Things by Ashlee Piper Give a Sh t (Do Good, Live...

In this insightful and forward-looking conversation with Taleen Josefsson, Principal of TAJ Architecture Studio and Founder of Holistic Design Consultancy, we explore what it truly means to design and build healthy homes. Taleen shares how her holistic approach to architecture, shaped by her multicultural background and international experience, blends aesthetics, performance, and wellness to crea...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode of The Green Route, we sit down with Fernando Ramirez and Justin 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 inspire...

In this engaging and insightful discussion with Rachael Meyer, Principal Landscape Architect and Director of Sustainability 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 environmen...

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 ENVIRONMEN...

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...

An inspiring conversation with Elisabetta Quarta Colosso, founder of El Fil 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 - Hou...

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 Campai...

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 tw...

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 expe...

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 deep...

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...

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 cons...

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 v...

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...

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...

As a market-trend insider and observer, Haley Chouinard has built her journalistic career working at the top interior design publications and platforms. Now, as the managing editor of Business of Home, the daily publication of record for the design industry, Haley describes the moment she became interested in sustainable design. Her passion has fueled her quest in exploring how manufacturers are p...

Deeply impassioned by the low-waste movement, Sasha was inspired to create Green Life Trading Co., a refillery and low waste e-shop and brick-and-mortar shop in Madison, WI in her journey to reduce her own environmental impact. She believes in a balanced approach in consumption management and low-waste habits and is a major proponent of "progress over perfection.” This is exactly why Sasha be...

As the boss [lady] on many construction sites in the Midwest, Allyson Case Anderson , founder of Integro Builders, has a thing or two to say about the importance of assembling the ideal design team to ensure a successful project. She also believes in empowering the homeowner through education about the process in her quest to create transparency and build trust. With significant experience in the...