Spring '08
Laura Birns Named One of 10 Top Green Gurus
by Innovative Home

Back when the world was much more me-focused, "low impact" was an ever-present expression used to describe a brand of bodily motion that was easy on the joints. These days, however, it's taken on a modern meaning with a decidedly earth-centered slant as people are realizing that sheltering the planet - and not just themselves - is a must-do. In fact, this global approach is on a roll, thanks in part to the profusion of up-and-coming conscientious creators who focus on offering easy-on-the-earth products and services cloaked in stylish sensibility. An outgrowth of this new mind-set: Green-focused dwellings are cropping up from coast o coast, with a raft of pro-planet builders, architects, and designers showcasing their eco-responsible practices in ways that typify a sustainable tableau. These clever design pros guide clients to the perfect montage of low- to no-impact materials and help them balance their desire to create a cheerful, vibe-boosting space with their commitment to fostering a friendlier environmental footprint. Not only are they steadfast in their pledge to discover ways to diminish their designs' effects on the world, but they also conceive of imaginative ways to help clients green up their interiors in sophisticated style.
As it is our goal at Innovative Home to arm you with smart solutions and envelope-pushing ways to create a domestic extension of your eco-consciousness, we'd like to introduce you to 10 of the ASID's top green interior design pros. These esteemed echo-experts are a veritable think-tank of genius advice on all the issues that interest you. From repurposing resources and remanaging materials to retooling rooms and refurbing entire residences, these talented pros provide us a pitch-perfect peek into their private info stashes - they reveal their fave products - and share what fuels their planet-preserving passion. Feeling green? Then read on for all their high-impact advice!

LAURA BIRNS,
Laura Birns Design, LLC

Laura Birns says she is a socially responsible designer because, simply put, "It is the proper thing to do." But don't get the wrong idea about her work--don't expect a prim and proper (aka, stiff) style out of her. Instead, Birns is known for her use of color and form to create contemporary, colorful, eco-friendly spaces injected with smart artistry.
Birns has honored her craft through participation on organizations, training, and her fair share of hands-on work. She is a member of the ASID, USGBC, and Build It Green. She is a Certified Green Build Professional, haven taken LEED workshops. And she has completed a whole slew of eco-friendly interior renovations over the past eight years--several which won her kitchen, bath and furniture design awards.
Product choice is an important task when it comes to interiors, and Birns names Braewood and Echowood Forest Stewardship Council recomposed veneers and Sherwin Williams low- and no-VOC paints and finishes as a few of her prime picks. For others working to create a healthier habitat for themselves and the planet, Birns has a few simple and straightforward tips: "Demand eco-friendly products from your suppliers, including cleaning supplies, cabinets, and furniture. Stop using bottled water, use water, less hot water tanks, use Energy Star appliances, and install low-flow pluming features."

Laura Birns, ASID is now Certified Green Building Professional through BUILD IT GREEN:
"Build it Green" is a professional non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy and resource-efficient buildings in California. Supported by a solid foundation of outreach and education, Build it Green connects consumers and building professionals with the tools and technical expertise they need to build quality green buildings

profile (top)

Laura Birns, ASID, CCIDC, US Green Building Councilmember, is the principal of Laura Birns Design. She has twenty years of experience in both residential and commercial interior design. Laura is a professional member of The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), which is the largest professional interior design organization in the world. She is also a CCIDC certified interior designer in the state of California. She is an active member of the US Green Council and incorporates use of sustainable materials in her unique designs.

LAURA BIRNS DESIGN specializes in unique and creative solutions for custom homes, remodeling and commercial interiors, since 1985. Unique furniture design and graphic ability have been a key distinction in all projects. Her original furniture, carpet, bedspread and signage designs can be seen in various hotels, such as the Long Beach Hyatt, Disneyland Hotel, Hyatt New Brunswick, as well as in her custom residential projects.

She has been a consultant to architects in the planning and design of various commercial spaces and religious institutions, including Temple Solel, Congregation Beth Am, Church of St. Timothy and St. Vincent De Paul Men's shelter. She did the successful remodel of a senior living complex for the City of National City.

LAURA BIRNS began her interior design career in Los Angeles in 1978. Her college education includes fine art and interior design training through the Corcoran School of Art and George Washington University, Washington, D.C., School of Visual Arts, New York, UCLA, Los Angeles. She is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Design, (ASID), certified by the National Council for Interior Design, (NCIDQ), and is certified by the California Council for Interior Design Certification, (CCIDC). She was on the faculty of FIDM, an accredited FIDER school.

 

philosophy (top)

At Laura Birns Design we believe that the most important part of our job is the building of a relationship with our clients. This relationship must be based on confidence and trust. This process begins with an open dialogue with our clients regarding their ideas, desires, creative preferences, and budget constraints. With all of this information in mind we design a master plan that meets the client’s particular and unique lifestyle or working environment, transforming the client’s ideas into reality. The result of this interaction is a unique, functional, aesthetically pleasing, environment that reflects the personalities of its occupants.

As designers, we feel it is our responsibility to educate the public and promote designs that assist in the quality of life. We research and incorporate as many renewable, inert and/or recycled materials as possible. Our commitment to the environment drives our selection of materials as well as the design concept.

Our goal is that when the project is completed, you are pleased with your new environment, and that the project was completed on time.

Better Homes And Gardens Kitchen and Bath Ideas, May/June 2008
'GREEN WE ENVY'

San Diego Magazine - April 2008
'Greener Pastures'

Better Homes And Gardens Kitchen and Bath Ideas, May/June 2007
'GREEN GETAWAY'

San Diego At Home Magazine - April 2007 'GOING GREEN'

San Diego Home & Garden/Lifestyle - August 2006 'LUSHLY GREEN'

Laura presented "Defining
Style - Create, Innovate - Finish It Green" at the National ASID Conference "Interiors '06"

ASID ICON for 'Green Design'

Better Homes & Garden Special Kitchen Issue - "50 Dream Kitchens" will feature the Fagan Kitchen

Better Homes & Garden, October 2005, 'Green Design'

For more articles, please visit Laura's ARCHIVED ARTICLES

Laura Birns has also been a contributor in the following books:

"New Kidspace Idea Book" by Wendy Jordan, Taunton Press, March 12, 2005



"Big Ideas for Small Spaces"
by Christine Brun Abdelnour, Rockport Publishers, 2000

"Harmonic Interiors"

veneered wood coffee table

granite-topped coffee table

entertainment center (closed)

entertainment center (open)

award-winning bar
ASID "Best Furniture", August 2005