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Generative impacts
We care deeply about the world next generations will inherit and know that decisions made about the built environment today will have a major impact on their future. A better building industry is better for the world and for our clients. Every project is an opportunity to transform the industry.
Available resources request form
Materials initiative
We want every material choice in our industry to be a good choice. Since this effort is bigger than any one firm, we need project owners and other design firms to work with us to change the marketplace. We have developed guidelines around transparency, sustainability, and health for our own materials library, including a one-page handout that communicates our criteria for product sales reps and a training guide for design staff. Please use the form above to receive a copy of the Sustainable Materials Action Packet.
Embodied Carbon in Commercial Furniture
In current architectural practice, embodied carbon modeling methods typically include structural and architectural design features, which raises the following questions: How much data is missing on the impact of commercial furniture? How might an accurate accounting change the perception of furniture and carbon in the design and construction industry? This new research report introduces a case study and the embodied carbon in furniture calculator tool (available to download above as part of the “MSR Design Sustainability Tracker”). The report also offers new baselines for measuring the carbon footprint of commercial furniture.
Sustainability measures in our drawing set
While architects and interior designers are increasingly designing buildings to meet high performance goals, performance metrics are often buried in spreadsheets where they are not being shared. MSR Design has created a sustainability metrics template sheet that gets incorporated into a project’s drawing set to convey performance intent in a more standardized way. Please use the form above to receive a copy of the MSR Design Sustainability Tracker.
Measurable progress
Great design is both art and science. Our research and project initiatives focus on making progress with specific metrics—including net-zero energy, net-zero water, healthy and sustainable building materials, and human well-being—all in balance with beauty and the experiential. Our goal is to measure the results of each initiative on every project so that we can continue to improve the world and the lives of our clients.
MSR Design’s Just 2.0 Label
As part of the firm’s focus on sustainability, equity, and designing for generative impacts, MSR Design is participating in ILFI’s Just 2.0 label disclosure tool program. A nutrition label for socially just and equitable organizations, Just provides a transparency platform for organizations to disclose their operations, including how they treat their employees and where they make financial and community investments. MSR Design’s Just label documents our level of performance in the areas of diversity and inclusion, equity, employee health, employee benefits, stewardship, and purchasing and supply chain.
MSR Design’s LBC petal certified studio
MSR Design’s 510 Marquette Studio has achieved Living Building Challenge (LBC) Petal Certification for the materials, beauty, and equity petals. In this video, project team members from MSR Design and Stahl Construction discuss the process and impact of designing and constructing our new studio to meet the ambitious LBC Petal Certification requirements.
Learn more about specific design features we incorporated into our new studio to achieve LBC level generative impacts.
Interested in experiencing our new space? Contact info@msrdesign.com to schedule a live virtual tour.
Next Design
A Forum for Ideas | Interchange | Inspiration
The MSR Design-hosted Next Design forum speaker series features recognized thought leaders. During these forums, we invite experts to share ideas on a variety of topics related to design and engage in lively dialogues with attendees.
We invite you to watch video recordings of past Next Design forum events.
Sustainable design achievements
Awards
LBC Petal Certification
LEED Certified Projects
Minnesota B3 Projects
Next Design Forum #8 | Water + Design | Oct 2019
Water: A Precious Resource
Location: Capitol Region Watershed District Office | Saint Paul, MN
If shapers of the built environment (e.g., policy makers, design professionals, engineers, builders, and building owners) all viewed water as a precious resource, how would this change how we design buildings and sites? Panelists address this question and more from their diverse perspectives. Watch the video.
Next Design Forum #7 | Water + Design | Feb 2019
Water as Risk + Resource: Climate, Water, and the Built Environment
Location: Public Functionary | Minneapolis, MN
This panel explores the intersection of water and design from scientific, ecological, cultural, and creative viewpoints. Watch the video.
Next Design Forum #6 | Equity + Design | Sep 2018
The Role of Public Buildings and Spaces in Creating Equitable Cities
Location: Open Book | Minneapolis, MN
How can libraries, public schools, parks, and other municipal buildings truly represent the public? Featuring experts in education and the library world, this panel explores how the design of public spaces reflects our societal values and ways to expand access to these resources. Watch the video.
Next Design Forum #5 | Equity + Design | Jun 2018
What Roles Do Urban Planning and Design Play in Creating Equitable Cities?
Location: WORKSHOP | Minneapolis, MN
Increasingly, many people who contribute to America’s leading cities through their work, cultural involvement, and talents can no longer afford to live in them. Panelists discuss the core elements that must be maintained to keep our cities affordable for everyone. Watch the video.
Next Design Forum #4 | Equity + Design | Feb 2018
How Equity and Inclusion Are Shaping the Future of Design and the Arts
Location: Public Functionary | Minneapolis, MN
Panelists explore creating communities that support diverse needs, the role of designers and artists in promoting equity and inclusion, and the role of private and public spaces in creating equitable communities. Watch the video.
Next Design Forum #3 | Oct 2017
Beyond Checking the Box: A Roadmap to Improve Sustainability in Your Organization and Industry
Location: WORKSHOP | Minneapolis
MSR Design’s third Next Design Forum features a presentation by corporate social responsibility expert Nancy Himmelfarb, who discusses how to start, accelerate, and advance an organization’s sustainability journey. Watch the video.
Next Design Forum #2 | May 2017
Natural Capital = Design Capital: How Pioneers in Sustainable Manufacturing are Transforming the Design Industry
Location: Public Functionary | Minneapolis, MN
Panelists from pioneering companies in sustainable manufacturing guide a conversation surrounding the convergence of sustainability, design, and business. Topics they cover include how companies can advocate for sustainable measures without compromising design and where the design and manufacturing industries are headed in terms of embodied carbon and climate change initiatives. Watch the videos: Part 1 | Part 2
Next Design Forum #1 | Feb 2017
The Emergence of Regenerative Design
Location: MSR Design Office | Minneapolis
Director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research Richard Graves shares his research and insights on regenerative design. Watch the video.