"Environments that withstand the wear and tear of the eye and hand - that's sustainable interior design"

We have a future and a generation ahead of us that will not accept throwing away and replacing. So says Lisa Mannheimer, architect and head of the Interior Design competence area at FOJAB.

What is a good interior design for you?
- A good interior design should contain something for the eye, the hand and the soul. Well-designed interior environments play an important role in the development of businesses and brands. In today's complex construction and change processes, the soft values are often forgotten. The result is often generic and impersonal. The human scale, the tactile and the caring are missing.

- Investing in quality and eco-labeling in furniture and materials always pays off when you think more long-term. My experience is also that a well thought-out, long-term designed interior environment also provides a good economy, which is often forgotten when looking for short-term savings. We have a future and a generation ahead of us that will not accept throwing away and replacing. When we can create an environment that can withstand the wear and tear of the eye and hand over a long period of time - that's sustainable interior design.

- The coronavirus pandemic and social distancing, when many of us spent a lot of time at home, reminded me of the importance of the sensual and sustainable. What qualities do we want? Is it the comfortable wooden chair or the beautiful views? As interior designers, we must always look at the big picture when planning our interior environments. The pandemic has brought about a change and shift in values and made it even more important to create beautiful and functional everyday environments. Caring spaces for the body and mind where light, materials and proportions are in balance.

Can interior design make the world a better place?
- Yes, absolutely. Our most important starting point in all design is human needs and experiences. We analyze, structure and create beautiful, functional and sustainable environments that also show attention to detail. Rooms where people want to be, thrive and feel good. We always work in close dialog with the client and look at the special needs of each assignment. Each client is unique and our mission is to highlight the values that enhance their business. We aim to work with long-term solutions and sustainable materials.

What is the most important part of your job as an interior designer?
- We see our main task as asking questions, listening, watching and being curious. We look at the big picture. This means looking at projects from many angles, but always with a focus on the people who will use the environments.