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Beyond the Sample Board: The Ethics and Strategy Behind Material Selection in Interior Design

Oct 15, 2025

At LWG, we believe that form follows function, and that every element specified in a design must earn its place. It must serve the project’s performance requirements, support the client's goals and values, and be selected solely in the client's best interest — not ours.

An Ethical Foundation

As Registered Interior Designers, our ethical obligations are clear: We do not profit from what we specify. Our compensation comes from the professional services we provide — not from the products we recommend. Any product, material, or system we include in a design is selected with full objectivity, guided by research, performance data, and alignment with project goals.

This ethical stance is codified in the by-laws of ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario), and similar professional bodies across North America. It protects clients from conflicts of interest — and protects the integrity of the profession itself.

More Than Aesthetics: Performance and Purpose

Material selection isn’t about picking the "prettiest" tile or the trendiest finish. It's about understanding:

Durability and performance in the given context (high-traffic? healthcare? education?)
Health and safety implications (flame spread, off-gassing, slip resistance)
Maintenance and lifecycle costs
Availability and lead times
Sustainability and environmental impact

Every choice is made with intention. Every surface, texture, and component must meet the demands of the space, not just the desire for style.

The Importance of People Behind the Products

One often overlooked — but crucial — part of material selection is the people who represent the products. Whether it's a lighting rep, flooring consultant, or systems furniture specialist, these individuals become an extension of our team. We carefully consider who we bring into the project environment, because their reliability, responsiveness, and knowledge directly affect how we’re able to serve our clients.

In many cases, these reps build relationships with our clients that last long after the project ends — becoming trusted contacts in their own right. Their professionalism, communication, and support reflect on us. That’s why we view them not just as vendors, but as key collaborators, and we hold those partnerships to the same high standard we hold ourselves.

Specifying with Purpose

In today’s world, responsible specification also means taking a stand.

At LWG, we are making a conscious effort to:

Specify Canadian-made products whenever possible Supporting our domestic manufacturing sector is not only good for the economy, but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Select sustainable and ethically produced materials We consider how materials are sourced, how they are manufactured, and how they perform over their lifecycle.
Work with transparency We communicate clearly with our clients about why something is being specified — and we welcome scrutiny.

The Designer as Steward

As professionals, we are stewards of our clients' visions, stewards of public safety, and — increasingly — stewards of environmental responsibility. That’s why our material selections are rooted in purpose, not personal preference.

Behind every finish board is a process of rigorous assessment, ethical accountability, and informed decision-making.

Because when you entrust your space to a professional interior designer, you're not just getting something beautiful. You're getting something that works — and something that was chosen for the right reasons.

We are proud members.

613 739 3699
info@lwg-ai.com

211-2141 Thurston Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1G 6C9