Since I began working as an interior architect, I have seen the spectrum of "cheap" to "excess" in all aspects of interior design. Especially when it comes to furniture & decor.
Don't get me wrong - I love what I do - yet an inner dialogue began a few years earlier as I was able to see the consequences of unsustainable manufacturing; first-hand.
I remember a moment during a factory quality-control visit (somewhere in Asia); I was calculating the worker wages compared to the front-cost that I was paying.
Further add on the pressure designers can be under to provide more for the budget; which inevitably means pressuring those below in the chain of supply.
This had me questioning - Is there a way to balance business, design and sustainability? How do you get the money into the hands that are making the items? Where should I be buying from?
Quality costs. I don't think that should or could change. But then what does that leave that needs to change? I felt that there had to be a better way to use the unique role that a designer has verse exploiting the problem.
Imperfect progress has been my intention since then.
It started conversations with builders, makers and artisans in my own own community and then in theirs.
Somewhere in there TEPILANE® became an idea and is now a week shy of pre-launching the first collection of pillows.
My hope is that TEPILANE® can add value to your life and those around you.
Aloha, TL
(Photo is a window view from a factory visit)