in San Francisco
Top design professionals enjoyed insightful discussions, trend reports, and a showcase of innovative materials.
By NKBA Staff
The intersection of high-end design and environmental responsibility was the focus of a recent Sustainable Luxury Micro-Conference, presented by Fabuwood and hosted by NKBA | KBIS at Cosentino City in San Francisco. The four-hour event on Thursday, May 29, brought together design professionals for insightful discussions, trend reports, and a showcase of innovative materials.
The afternoon commenced with a welcome address and a trend report from Angela Rath, Director of Brand Development at NKBA | KBIS, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of sustainable luxury design. This was followed by a “Spotlight Conversation” featuring Moses Brach, Head of A&D Partnerships at Fabuwood, who shared valuable insights on current innovations driving the movement. Brach shared, “This is where Fabuwood shines—we’re at the forefront of technological innovation, digitally tracking every component of cabinetry, ensuring there’s never any waste. We also have an entire department dedicated to wood recovery, recycling, and reuse.”
A central highlight of the micro-conference was the panel discussion, “Elevated, Responsible, Beautiful: Designing for a Greener Future.” Moderated by Kelly Buchsbaum, Director of Chapters & Learning at NKBA | KBIS, the panel featured experts Nureed Saeed, Owner/Creative Director of Nu Interiors, and Kathryn Soter, Executive Director of Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA), who explored strategies for incorporating sustainability without compromising aesthetic appeal.
Saeed inspired the designer audience with her signature strategy on beginning every new client meeting with her commitment to reuse furnishings and materials. An award-winning interior designer, Saeed is also NKBA Northern California Chapter President. Soter explained how GFDA prioritizes low-waste design practices to reduce construction waste and aims to educate designers, architects, and builders as well as encourage recycling as a line-item on every bid.
Carolyn Flannery joined Saeed and Soter on the panel and shared the latest news from her charitable organization Make It Home, which she founded in 2020 after working as an interior designer in the Bay Area for 25 years. She saw a lot of waste, such as clients replacing perfectly good furniture, and at the same time she volunteered with foster kids who often had nowhere to go after aging out of the system. She created Make It Home so that the problem of furniture waste could solve the problem of furniture poverty.
Following a brief break, the conference continued with a panel, “The Conscious Luxury Conversation.” Moderated by Alisa Carroll, West Coast Contributing Editor for Veranda—along with luminary designers Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab CEO/Creative Director and NKBA Board of Directors Vice Chair; and Elma Gardner, CMKBD, By Design Owner and Principal Designer—the panel delved into the evolving expectations of discerning clients who prioritize both elegant interiors and environmental consciousness.
Attendees also had the opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge, planet-friendly products during a “Materials & Innovation Showcase Walkthrough” with Fabuwood. The event concluded with a networking session, complemented by light bites and refreshments, allowing participants to connect with design industry peers, brand representatives, and fellow NKBA members.
The Fabuwood Sustainable Luxury Micro-Conference served as a significant platform for exploring the growing demand for environmentally sound practices within the luxury design sector, providing valuable knowledge and fostering connections among industry leaders committed to a greener future.
To learn more about Fabuwood, please visit fabuwood.com, and for more information on upcoming events or to connect with an NKBA Chapter, please email chapters@nkba.org.
