At Jute, we prioritize the use of natural materials and artisanal techniques without sacrificing aesthetics.
How do you define sustainability?
When it comes to sustainability, we’ve found that term means different things to different people—and there’s no wrong answer. For us at Jute, it means making decisions in the earth’s best interest. What’s good for the environment will, in turn, be good for you, your health, and your home.
How does that translate to your design philosophy?
In broad strokes, that means choosing natural materials over manmade, reframing what we think of as disposable in an effort to reduce waste, and making everyday conscious decisions that support those two things.
What sets Jute apart from other design firms?
We have an aesthetic point of view, but we take it one step further and address energy, breathability, and functionality. We get to the bottom of what’s really important to a client from a holistic perspective.
What does your process look like?
We start by exploring what sustainability means to each client. How they want it woven into their home and how important it is to them. We also get to know the ergonomics of their daily lives and aesthetic and tactile preferences. Our goal is to foster self-awareness about an individual client, their project, and how they want to live. We then deliver on the healthiest version of that using all of the knowledge and techniques we’ve honed over the years.
Do you have strict standards in terms of sustainability?
There are so many ways to do your part, and anything you are willing to do for the benefit of your health and that of the environment is helpful. It’s our job to help you determine what matters most to you, then execute it in the most approachable, relaxed way.
Mindful of the impact our homes have on the environment, we believe in constructing purposeful spaces made to last a lifetime.
What types of goals do you tend to address?
Everyone’s version of sustainability is unique to them. Some clients want to lower their energy footprint, others want to reduce waste and reuse as much as possible, and others have specific health issues and want their home to be as nontoxic as possible. People are just starting to make the connection between their homes, their health, and the environment, and we are here to help them figure out where they want to draw the line.