It’s time to bring the personal back into the process. Designing locally allows me to have more control over the outcome and process and to connect incredibly closely with my materials, and then translate them into machine-produced small runs in the same city I live in. For me, choosing to make as locally as possible is a gentle fist in the air for my values: good design, slowing down, consuming less, designing without exploitation, and using the best materials.

A recent article about a New Zealand bed company shedding glass fibre particles highlighted the critical importance of choosing the right materials and ensuring transparency in our supply chains. This issue reinforces the need for thoughtful, sustainable design that prioritizes safety and health. Natural materials like wool can offer fire resistance without the toxic treatments associated with synthetics, providing a safer option for homes. As designers and consumers, we must ask the right questions, advocate for better materials, and ensure that the products we create and buy are not only functional but also responsible.