Episode 79: Lane McNab Interiors: Sustainability & Quality Pieces That Will Last Generations with Lane McNab
Today Brad speaks with Lane McNab of Lane McNab Interiors, a firm based in Berkeley, California.
Listen in as Lane defines sustainability through the lens of maintainability with regard to the environment, as well as good labor practices. She also touches on why she prefers “the sustainability factor to be incidental to why they’re buying” her offerings.
Brad and Lane go on to talk about her firm’s best practices for environmental stewardship and the state of the industry as a whole with regard to its focus on ensuring sustainability throughout the supply chain.
Finally, Lane shares how she built her own interior design firm and lessons learned through the years on running a business, including the importance of EQ and critical thinking.
The Sub Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom
You are invited to experience Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove in a showroom unlike any other. Welcome to a space where conversation sparks, ideas flourish, and relationships begin.
BIO:
Lane McNab, Principal and CEO, Lane McNab Interiors
Located in a spacious light filled studio near the renowned Fourth Street Shopping District in Berkeley, California, Lane McNab Interiors infuses a sophisticated sensibility into residential and commercial interiors. The firm specializes in primary and secondary homes, boutique retail spaces, and large scale projects with a vast knowledge of historical architecture. Opened in 2012, LMI is known for its artful approach to sophisticated living. Although each project is the reflection of a deep collaboration between designer and client, all of Lane’s projects reflect an edited warmth that highlights the beauty of everyday life.
After earning advanced degrees in the arts and a career that included a busy performance and travel schedule, Lane pivoted to interior design to meet the needs of a growing family. First apprenticing with a Bay Area design and construction firm, Lane opened her own shingle in 2012 and has earned awards and press accolades ever since. Her team quickly expanded to designers and project managers and her roster of quality contractors and architects, as well as global vendors and custom fabricators, thrills her discerning clientele.
“Artful living is a deeper description than simply beautiful or elegant living and that is how I approach each project” says Lane whose aesthetic has been described as edited and calm but with a story. “Searching for elegant pieces with richness and sustainability built in has always been a challenge but something my firm strives to do with every project. I believe the best way to take care of the planet is to say goodbye to disposable culture. Invest in quality that speaks to you and will last for generations. The most sustainable design is the design you love and will keep forever. Best of all, this is the recipe for a beautiful, fulfilling and lasting home design as well! ”
Lane McNab Interiors is a member of IDS.
Topics Discussed:
[01:58] What “sustainable” means to Lane
[06:42] Creating timeless pieces
[11:28] How Lane built up her knowledge of the industry over time
[13:43] Dealing with pushback from customers regarding budget
[15:57] Meeting environmental standards in California
[18:28] How Lane sources and manufactures her pieces to ensure non-toxicity
[28:21] Other companies that have a sustainability focus
[30:08] Making sure material is actually as healthy and sustainably sourced as claimed
[36:26] Designing with purpose to make products more beneficial to the environment
[37:32] Defining microplastics
[41:00] Getting on the same page with architects
[43:14] How Lane started her own interior design firm and learning about business
[45:58] Lane’s decision to hire her first employee
[49:12] Developing your EQ as a business owner
[52:48] How designers and contractors can work well together in service of the client
[53:55] Lane’s Instagram marketing strategy
[56:56] Being represented by Sloan Miyasato
[59:03] Lane’s upcoming projects
Connect with Guest:
Connect with Brad Leavitt
Resources & People Mentioned:
Sustainability - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
Greenwashing - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenwashing
Cradle to Cradle by Michael Braungart - https://www.amazon.com/Cradle-Remaking-Way-Make-Things/dp/0865475873
LEED Certification - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leadership_in_Energy_and_Environmental_Design
Net Zero Iconic Home - https://iconiclife.com/net-zero-iconic-home/
ICF (Insulating Concrete Form) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulating_concrete_form
Material Bank - https://www.materialbank.com/
Title 24 Standard - https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards
Greenguard Certification - https://www.ul.com/resources/ul-greenguard-certification-program
B Corporations - https://bcorporation.net/
FSC Certification - https://us.fsc.org/en-us
OEKO - TEX - https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/
Green Business Bureau - https://greenbusinessbureau.com/
Sloan Miyasato - https://www.sloanm.com/
Outgassing - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outgassing
West Elm Sustaibale & FSC-Certified - https://www.westelm.com/shop/collaborations/sustainably-sourced/
Crate & Barrel Environmental Initiatives - https://www.crateandbarrel.com/environment/
The Citizenry - https://www.the-citizenry.com/
Avocado Mattress - https://www.avocadogreenmattress.com/
Armadillo - https://usa.armadillo-co.com/
Fireclay Tile - https://www.fireclaytile.com/
Leather Working Group - https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/
Microplastics - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microplastics
VOC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatile_organic_compound
LMI - https://www.lmi.org/
San Francisco Design Center - https://www.sfdesigncenter.com/
Sloan Miyasato Shop - https://sloanm.myshowroomsoftware.com/lane-mcnab-interiors#/orderby=5
Erik Waldorf - http://www.erikwaldorf.com/pnw-line-list.html
Key Quotes from Episode:
We can transform any industry by ensuring that the next life of a product is planned at its inception.
I think antiques and vintage are probably the most affordable way to add sustainability to your design.
We have two principles in designing the line. The first is quality and the second is environmental stewardship.
Because it is a very overwhelming amount of work to do to ensure that everything you’re offering your clients has this level of environmental stewardship, just do one part of it. Just do a piece of it, because that alone makes a difference.
The biggest indicator of whether or not you’ll be successful in this business has nothing to do with your talent, your experience, or your education. It’s whether or not you have a high EQ.
