Redesign Collective · University of Washington Global Innovation Exchange Research
Developing the Future of Local, Sustainable Product Sourcing for Commercial Interiors
Local workrooms hold remnant textiles and the skills to make products from them. Redesign Collective and UW GIX are working to bring both into the commercial interior design workflow.
Research focus
Our research explores the materials and fabrication potential of remnant textiles.
- Why are fabric accessories and wall panels for commercial interiors with sustainability objectives being ordered from abroad?
- Which product categories are a good match for remnant textiles, and what is the demand for them?
- What are the realities of workrooms making textile-based, non-furniture products in the Puget Sound region?
- Could remnant textiles be viable for smaller-scale products made in the U.S.A., and could technology aid in the selection, ordering, and manufacturing process?
The initiative
Conversations Across the Interior Design Supply Chain
The goal is to find new uses for the remnant textiles that local workrooms already hold. Redesign Collective and UW GIX are speaking with the people who specify, manage, buy, and make commercial interior products. Findings will be presented at the UW GIX campus at Microsoft in March 2027.
Architects & Interior Designers
Share how interiors are designed, materials are specified, products are chosen, and substitutions are approved.
Construction Project Managers
Describe the construction administration process, how substitutions are managed and determined, and the budgeting and prioritization of textile-based products across categories.
Procurement Professionals
Provide context on how products are sourced and purchased, and how installation and delivery are coordinated.
Workroom Owners
Describe how fabric is received, stored, and cut into product, along with how excess material is managed.
Get involved
Ways to Take Part in the Project
Firms, workrooms, and supporters can take part in several ways.
Research Conversations
Architects and interior designers, construction project managers, procurement professionals, materials librarians, manufacturers, and product representatives are invited to share their experience.
Material & Fabrication Partnerships
Workrooms are invited to provide remnant textiles or add fabrication capability to the project.
Architecture & Design Pilot Project
Architects and interior designers are invited to give input on interface design or take part in the feasibility demonstration by including a product made from a regionally available textile remnant in a current furnishings project (December 2026 to February 2027).
Project Sponsorship
Financial support for the project is recognized with logo placement on the UW GIX poster and in select print and web materials. Contributions may be tax deductible.
A case study will be developed on the project, and participating firms will be recognized for advancing circular interior design and technological innovation at conferences and in print materials.
Let the team know how you would like to be involved.
Contact
Contact the Project Team
Complete the form to learn more about the project and ways to participate.
Location
241 S. Lander St #116
Seattle, WA 98134
Inquiries
Use the form on this page to reach Redesign Collective.
About
Redesign Collective
Redesign Collective is a woman-owned circular design organization in Seattle, WA founded by Lisa Hilbert on a simple realization: there are pristine remnant and sample textiles which could be regionally fabricated into products with a local, sustainable origin story. Since 2022 she has kept over 5,000 lbs of fabric out of landfill while focusing on ways to develop connections, infrastructure and visibility to reintegrate these materials. Her efforts have been recognized through grant funding from Seattle Public Utilities, King County, WM, 4Culture, and Path With Art, and she was awarded the 2026 Washington State Recycling Association's Recycler of the Year - Innovation.
Redesign Collective is conducting research with the University of Washington Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) from 2026 to 2027. GIX faculty members Dr. Luyao Niu and Mark Licata are the faculty supervisors of the project.
University of Washington GIX
The University of Washington Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) is the UW's engineering and business institute for emerging and established technology leaders. Located on Microsoft's Redmond, WA campus, GIX offers hands-on prototyping labs and is jointly supported by the UW College of Engineering and the Foster School of Business.