Presenting Interior Design’s 2024 Sustainability Giants

Of the 100 Sustainability Giants, one-third are new to the rankings, which we attribute to increased recognition of this newest Giants category initiative, now in its second year. To be considered for the list, firms need to report fees garnered from projects that had “measurable” sustainability goals—a somewhat flexible definition that includes both official certification and other assessments.

In both the inaugural year of data-collection and this one, the percentage of projects attaining WELL or LEED certification was low (although the latter is up from 2 to 5 percent), which we chalk up to clients’ interest in environmental consciousness—but not in investing extra for the rubber stamp. More specifically: Designers said 37 percent of their clients follow LEED or WELL principles but don’t want to pay for the certification, an increase of 10 percent year-over-year. Mentions of ESG as the client’s primary project goal is flat as well, at 29 percent.

As for fees: Defying this group’s expectations, sustainability income is solid, having risen from $1.8 to $2.4 billion between 2022 and 2023—a 33 percent year-over-year increase, surpassing predictions. Sustainability Giants do forecast a small 8 percent decline for 2024, a figure that’s in line with Giants’ overall predictions.

Other metrics indicate how tough sustainability efforts remain in our industry. For instance, percentage of projects tracking embodied carbon is 7 (up from 5), so not many folks onboarding. Last year, when we asked Giants what was interfering with their ability to do so, most responded they didn’t have the technology or a system in place, or even the right team of people. (Perhaps relatedly, the percentage of LEED- or WELL-accredited staff is flat at about one-quarter of employees.) We do know anecdotally that Giants are seeing an uptick in projects designed with the health of people and planet in mind, but the certification and tracking numbers don’t reflect that enthusiasm—yet. We’re encouraged, however, by No. 1 and 2 firms Gensler and Perkins&Will reporting that more than 88 percent of their fees derive from projects with measurable sustainability goals, and by Giants’ and urgent commentary regarding the importance of working together to address climate change—and how well positioned the industry is to be a leader in that cause.

Sustainability Giants Rankings 2024

“blank cells” = did not report data

Top Firms Based On Fees From Projects With Measurable Sustainability Goals

Note: Rankings are based on firms’ total fees deriving from sustainable projects. Gensler has the leading dollar amount and Perkins&Will the highest percentage of fees.

Methodology

The Interior Design Giants annual business survey comprises the largest firms ranked by interior design fees for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2023. The listings are generated from only those surveyed. To be recognized as a top 100, Rising, Healthcare, Hospitality, or Sustainability Giant, you must meet the following criteria: Have at least one office location in North America, and generate at least 25% of your interior design fee income in North America. Firms that do not meet the criteria are ranked on our International Giants list. Interior design fees include those attributed to:

1. All aspects of a firm’s in­terior design practice, from strategic planning and programming to design and project management.

2. Fees paid to a firm for work performed by employees and independent contractors who are “full-time staff equivalent.”

Interior design fees do not include revenues paid to a firm and remitted to subcontractors who are not con­sid­ered full-time staff equivalent. For example, certain firms attract work that is subcontracted to a local firm. The originating firm may collect all the fees and re­tain a management or generation fee, paying the remainder to the performing firm. The amounts paid to the latter are not included in fees of the collecting firm when determining its ranking. Ties are broken by rank from last year. Where applicable, all per­cent­ages are based on responding Giants, not their total number. 

All research conducted by ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group.

5 Giants of Design Craft Artful Interiors

Whether an apartment building in Massachusetts, a Vermont music hall, or a law office in Washington, five top firms infuse their work with the beauty and stimulation of art—and nature.

Marlboro Music Reich Hall in Vermont by HGA

After completing a series of residential buildings for this nonprofit classical music retreat nestled amid 360 verdant acres, the firm returns for a multifaceted encore that is harmonious with the area’s vernacular and environmental stewardship. Presenting as a simple cedar-clad Cape Cod–style cottage, the 12,000-square-foot hall encompasses three rehearsal rooms and an archive library, all outfitted with large, operable windows affording woodsy vistas, ceilings and paneling of locally sourced, acoustically sound white pine, and a passive solar-gains strategy.

See where HGA ranks on three of Interior Design‘s recent Giants of Design reports, including Top 100 Giants; Healthcare Giants; and Sustainability Giants.

Williams & Connolly in Washington by HYL Architecture

The 290,000-square-foot headquarters of a leading litigation firm exemplifies the consideration of setting and sustainability. Poised on the Potomac River, the interiors incorporate sweeping curves and Jae Ko’s Riverine, a commissioned artwork of swirling paper, both reflecting the motion of the water, while the project’s LEED Gold certification resulted from employing such Living Building Challenge–supporting natural materials as limestone, marble, and quartered walnut; daylight harvesting; and lighting controllability, public-transportation access, and a café addition providing healthy snacks for all staff.

See where HYL Architecture ranks on Interior Design’s Rising Giant report.

7INK in Boston by Elkus Manfredi Architects

Somewhere between an upscale dorm room and a boutique hotel is this 14-story rental property that offers Gen Z tenants “inclusive living,” meaning cooking classes in the communal kitchen, lounges, coworking, fitness facilities, and housekeeping services for the 180 furnished apartments. Even though marketed as affordable, an offbeat luxury pervades via white oak millwork, sophisticated wallpapers and lighting, Modernist- inspired furniture, and commissioned contemporary art, while a 15-foot scoreboard salvaged from the former Boston Garden brings local spirit.

See where Elkus Manfredi Architects ranks on three of Interior Design‘s recent Giants of Design reports, including Top 100 Giants; Hospitality Giants; and Sustainability Giants.

550 Madison in New York by Rockwell Group

A repositioning of this landmarked office tower, completed in 1984 by Philip Johnson and John Burgee as the AT&T headquarters, entails a new lobby by Gensler, an enlarged public garden by Snøhetta, plus 35,000 square feet of fitness and amenities spaces by this firm. Joining the latter’s café and lounge is a library and a billiards room encased in bleached European walnut, which surround the grand hall, a sunlit gathering spot featuring the original rose-window oculus, a custom chandelier in bronze and opal glass, and a pair of Dorothea Rockburne murals that bring the project’s total number of artworks by women to 13.

See where Rockwell Group ranks on Interior Design‘s Top 100 Giants and Hospitality Giants reports.

Finance office in San Diego by IA Interior Architects

Archways of quarter-cut American walnut nod to the region’s architecture at this 15,400-square-foot executive center, concepted during the early phase of the pandemic to radically reimagine and anticipate the future of workplace. Free-address desking; flexible collaboration rooms able to accommodate intimate gatherings as well as larger TEDx talks; and lounge and pantry spaces appointed with artworks by local and national creatives, mohair-upholstered seating, and recycled-content watercolor carpets blur the lines between client-hosting and employee zones.

See where IA Interior Architects ranks on three of Interior Design‘s recent Giants of Design reports, including Top 100 Giants; Healthcare Giants; and Sustainability Giants.

Interior Design Unveils the 2023 Sustainability Giants

Sustainability matters to design firms. It’s big business because it’s good business. Although we’ve gathered data on green practices in the past, last publishing the results in 2016, this year we’ve given the top 100 environmentally focused studios a list of their own—allowing us to better track trends in this all-important sector. The big news: In 2022, total fees for the Sustainability Giants were $1.8 billion. Gensler accounted for $563 million of that, making the firm easily the largest by fees.

Many firms integrate environmentalism into their plans; indeed, some 60 percent of projects completed by the Sustainability Giants have measurable environmental goals. Specific targets have a lower percentage of follow-through, however, either because clients don’t request it—or they balk at the cost. Indeed, only 37 percent of clients mention environmental, social, and corporate governance reporting as integral to their project goals.

In other cases, firms embrace some but not all sustainability practices. Roughly a third of respondents’ projects include green design elements but don’t go all the way to achieving certification, again because the client doesn’t want to foot the extra expense. Measurable sustainable initiatives include tracking embodied carbon as well as WELL, LEED, and Fitwel certifications, but most firms track these at low percentages. Where these firms do well is in specification. About half of FF&C products are chosen based on environmental factors, plus some 26 percent of designers are LEED AP or WELL AP accredited.

Given these considerations, we’ll continue to refine what we track and how we gather data. As for next year, the Sustainability Giants predict a comparable $1.8 billion in fees for 2023. We’ll enjoy seeing how this new group evolves.

Number of Projects Tracking Embodied Carbon

Methodology

The Interior Design Giants annual business survey comprises the largest firms ranked by interior design fees for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022. The listings are generated from only those surveyed. To be recognized as a top 100, Rising, Healthcare, or Hospitality Giant, you must meet the following criteria: Have at least one office location in North America, and generate at least 25% of your interior design fee income in North America. Firms that do not meet the criteria are ranked on our International Giants list. Interior design fees include those attributed to:

1. All aspects of a firm’s in­terior design practice, from strategic planning and programming to design and project management.

2. Fees paid to a firm for work performed by employees and independent contractors who are “full-time staff equivalent.”

Interior design fees do not include revenues paid to a firm and remitted to subcontractors who are not con­sid­ered full-time staff equivalent. For example, certain firms attract work that is subcontracted to a local firm. The originating firm may collect all the fees and re­tain a management or generation fee, paying the remainder to the performing firm. The amounts paid to the latter are not included in fees of the collecting firm when determining its ranking. Ties are broken by rank from last year. Where applicable, all per­cent­ages are based on responding Giants, not their total number. 

All research conducted by ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group.

Full Coverage From Interior Design’s Giant Ideas 2023

See event highlights from Interior Design‘s Giant Ideas conference in Encinitas, California. The three-day design extravaganza took place March 5-7, 2023, at the Alila Marea Beach Resort hosted by editor in chief Cindy Allen. From discussions about surf culture to the digitization of design, attendees left the event with an abundance of inspiration and connections for the year ahead.

Video Highlights: From Dreamy Sunsets to Conversations and More

Event Kick-Off: Architects and Designers Convene in Encinitas

The party kicked off with a cocktail hour hosted by Cindy Allen Sunday, March 5, followed by a beach clean-up Monday morning. Read more.

Read the Full Report: a Play-by-Play of Conference Festivities

What’s your biggest, boldest design vision? That question hung in the air throughout Interior Design‘s Giant Ideas event. Read more.

Research Insights: 3 Prescient Topics in Design

Sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, and Web3 are driving change—in and out of the industry—but how do design firms and projects measure up? Read more.

Get a Closer Look at the Building of the Resort

In 2018, Zeff evoked this history in a pitch to design the Alila Marea Beach Resort—the locale of Interior Design‘s 2023 Giant Ideas conference—in Encinitas, a beach city in San Diego County. Read more.

A very special thank you to our 2023 Giant Ideas partners: Alila Marea, Andreu World, ASID, Bernhardt Design, Cosentino, CR LAURENCE, Craftmade Woodard, Designtex, IIDA, Janus et Cie, Keilhauer, Kinon, Lutron, Material Bank, Momentum, Parador/Matter Surfaces/Bolon, Pure + Freeform, Shaw Contract, Tarkett, THE MART, TURF, Tuuci, Williams-Sonoma, Yellow Goat Design.

Interior Design’s Giant Ideas Event Invites Play—and Innovation

What’s your biggest, boldest design vision? That question hung in the air throughout Interior Design‘s aptly named Giant Ideas event, a three-day extravaganza celebrating the magazine’s Giants of design March 5-7 in Encinitas, California—and the answers did not disappoint. From Interior Design Hall of Famer Mark Zeff’s call to tap into the essence of surf culture sans any visible boards for the design of the Alila Marea Beach Resort, which played host to this year’s event, to an imaginative workshop led by writer and creative Ayse Birsel, attendees were challenged to think outside the box.

Watch the Event Recap 

A Closer Look at Interior Design’s 2023 Giants of Design

“We’re back everybody!” editor in chief Cindy Allen said, kicking off the first full-day of festivities March 6 following an early morning beach clean-up. “I’m so happy to see you all in the flesh,” she added, noting that the magazine’s Giants are a “special community within the community”—and one that’s constantly growing. For 2023, Interior Design expanded its Giants pool to include Sustainability Giants—each demonstrating measurable goals in that area—as a well as a new listing for International Giants. Not to mention, longer lists for some categories, like Healthcare Giants, which grew from 40 to 50 firms this year. “It’s hard to even imagine the power you have,” Allen told the crowd, noting that the Giants group completed nearly 90,000 projects last year.

Allen also touched on two key industry shifts: the seamless merging of residential and commercial design (she tried to trick attendees into guessing whether a photo depicted a residential or commercial space—harder than it seems!) and the next frontier, Web3. “How do you want to use it?” Allen asked the group, referencing a question many are grappling with as they explore Web3 and the metaverse. Looking ahead to the industry’s first Metaverse Architecture and Design (MAD) Awards, which will be hosted by Interior Design April 4 in a metaverse space (of course), Allen encouraged attendees to get curious about how design can evolve beyond physical spaces.

Behind the Design of the Alila Marea Beach Resort

Then she welcomed Zeff, founder of MarkZeff, and James Chatfield, SVP construction at JMI Realty, to the stage to share insights into the making of the Alila Marea Beach Resort–a commission that did not come easy! “I put together an essay about the ocean,” shared Zeff, explaining that some partners for the project were skeptical he’d be the right fit for the design, questioning his understanding of the Encinitas community. But Zeff responded with authenticity and assurance, explaining his own ties to the sea. “I have lived by the ocean all my life. I grew up in South Africa, I’ve surfed in Cape Town, I have always lived in the ocean,” he recalled, current address included in New York’s Hamptons.

But it was hardly smooth sailing from there. Building a resort on a cliff presented its own set of challenges—as did the onset of the pandemic, which occurred shortly after construction began. “This project was approved in 1992 and no one has been able to get this to work for various reasons,” Chatfield said, noting the difficulty of building in the locale—sand poses its own challenges. After altering the nearly 30-year-old plan to ensure the new structure honored its surroundings, the team got to work. “Mark said, this needs to feel organic,” asserted Chatfield. “He carved the resort out of the bluff… it’s just beautiful and simple.”

A Cliffside Resort Without a Surf Board in Site 

The team also enlisted help from local artists and craftspeople throughout, including surfboard artist Brian Szymanski and photographer Aaron Chang—both on site at Giant Ideas—to pay homage to the community. “One of the mantras we started off with was, under no circumstances were we going to have surf boards on this property,” Zeff said. That did not mean, however, that the hotel wouldn’t nod to surf culture. Zeff and his team approached the project with a disciplined use of material and color. “I felt like it had to be organic and it had to link from the inside to the outside,” he offered, referring to the minimalistic color scheme as a marriage between the natural landscape and the hotel interior.

Szymanski and Chang further solidified that connection. Working with Szymanski, who grew up surfing in the exact locale of the current resort, the idea to create a room that reflected the history of surf culture, drawing on the traditional methods of creating boards in California, began to take shape. “We created all different patterns representative of different times in surfing culture from the 1960s, ’70s, 80s, and 90s,” Zeff said, noting the signature use of natural wood in California boards. “There’s a language of history in that room.”

Chang, who revolutionized the field of surf photography by creating a protective case for his camera and getting off the beach and into the water to snap images, also added local flair to the hotel. “Aaron is an innovator—he’s not just a photographer,” Zeff said. “I told him, I want the stuff you almost don’t remember doing, which shows the essence of this area and the power of the ocean.” Throughout the resort, Chang’s images are on display. As are biophilic touches, such as carpeting that reflects the patterns of kelp forests that once filled the area. “The idea of using underwater nomenclature was very important to me,” Zeff continued, reminiscing about his own scuba diving adventures. With careful planning and execution, the team ensured the design of the Alila Marea Beach Resort pays respect to the real showstopper—the ocean itself, visible throughout the property.

Ayse Birsel Shows Designers How to Find Fresh Inspiration

Up next, Birsel led attendees through an immersive workshop using techniques from her latest book, Design the Long Life You Love: A Step-By-Step Guide To Love, Purpose, Well-being And Friendship. “The next 90 minutes are dedicated to playing together,” she said. “Playing means we’re going to have fun!”

Throughout the session, Birsel, who first came to the U.S. from Turkey on a Fulbright scholarship and has built an illustrious career designing for Herman Miller and other greats, challenged designers to step outside of their comfort zones and imagine new possibilities. “Who is your hero?” she asked, a question that opens doors to examining qualities each proclaimed hero possesses and, in doing so, ways to cultivate those aspects within.

“Humans are extraordinarily creative. You don’t need to be a designer to design your life—you just need to think like one,” reads an excerpt from the book. Of course, Giant Ideas attendees have a head start there.

A performance by movement artist and documentarian, Quentin Robinson, followed, shedding light on how design—and interactive spaces—can impact people in settings as diverse as schools, offices, and refugee settlements. Robinson, also known as SpecialFX, even shared a few moves with attendees, encouraging them to leave their chairs behind and try out some unexpected shapes.

Those who especially enjoyed Robinson’s session participated in a movement workshop with him later in the day while others embarked on a tour of local art with Chang and Szymanski before coming back together for evening cocktails and dinner.

ThinkLab Spotlights Design Trends as Giant Ideas Comes to a Close

On the final day of Interior Design‘s Giant Ideas event, ThinkLab founder and president Amanda Schneider offered attendees invaluable insights to take with them long after the conference ends. Some guests also took home physical tokens to remember the event following the morning raffle, from a weekend getaway to a Kelly Wearstler-designed property in Houston courtesy of Lutron to a Designtex throw, polaroid bundle from Material Bank, and more. 

During her morning presentation, Schneider referenced ThinkLab’s extensive research on what matters most in design today, touching on trends to watch this year, including the importance of creating spaces that go beyond what’s expected, offering people truly unique experiences. 

Schneider also touched on top challenges design firms are facing, from recruiting and retaining qualified staff to an uncertain economy. On the upside, the industry is seeing positive upticks this year, especially for the U.S. and Canada, which see strong potential for domestic growth. We’ll cheers to that, and another great Giants event for the books! Read more from Schneider’s talk here.

Event Highlights from Giant Ideas 2023

A very special thank you to our 2023 Giant Ideas partners: Alila Marea, Andreu World, ASID, Bernhardt Design, Cosentino, CR LAURENCE, Craftmade Woodard, Designtex, IIDA, Janus et Cie, Keilhauer, Kinon, Lutron, Material Bank, Momentum, Parador/Matter Surfaces/Bolon, Pure + Freeform, Shaw Contract, Tarkett, THE MART, TURF, Tuuci, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. B2B, Yellow Goat Design.

Healthcare Giants 2022

We gather here today to look back at the stabilizing effects 2021 had on the Interior Design Healthcare Giants. But in doing so we find we just can’t quit 2020. In our tracking of business trend data for the group of top 40 firms doing significant work in the healthcare arena since 2019, we have seen huge fluctuations driven by the pandemic. But within those ups and downs, we are just now beginning to see what normal business for the sector might look like. 

Movers and Shakers Convene in Palm Springs, California for Giants of Design 2022

Marking a long-awaited reunion, designers and manufacturers gathered at The Parker Palm Springs in California, for Interior Design’s three-day Giants of Design event, last held shortly before the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Here is a look at the event kick-off, which included a cocktail party under the stars and a celebratory dinner, and the days that followed.

Night 1: Cocktails and Dinner

Day 2: Speakers and Events

Day 2: Cocktails and Dinner on the Great Lawn of the Gene Autry House

Full Coverage From Giants of Design 2022

Check out full coverage of Interior Design‘s Giants of Design three-day event in Palm Springs, California.

> Read the full report on the three-day event

> International Women’s Day Highlights

> View the slideshow for event images

> Watch video highlights from Giants of Design

Here’s the agenda:

Arrival, Monday, March 7

Guests check-in at the hotel, then meet for cocktails and dinner.

Day One, Tuesday, March 8

Breakfast begins at 7:30, followed by a formal welcome from Interior Design Editor-in-Chief, Cindy Allen.

Sessions continue from 9:15-12:45 with short breaks throughout.

Lunch is at 1:00, then guests enjoy excursions from 2:30-4:30.

The day wraps up with dinner and cocktails from 7:30-9:30.

Day Two, Wednesday, March 9

Breakfast begins at 7:30, followed by Day Two remarks from Interior Design Editor-in-Chief, Cindy Allen.

Sessions are active from 9:00-11:40.

Cindy adjourns Giants and wraps up the event.

Guests check out.

A special thanks to our Giants of Design 2022 sponsors: