Designing for Place: Rethinking “Made in the USA”
Rethink Design
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Rethink Design 〰️
As designers, we often overlook the origins and ecological impact of the materials we use. “Made in the USA” is more than a label—it’s an opportunity to engage with local resources, ecosystems, and communities. It’s not about patriotism or prioritizing one region over another; it’s about thoughtful design that adapts to and supports the environment in which it is created.
Reframing Local Design
Design isn’t just about solving user needs—it’s about addressing ecological and systemic challenges. Imagine designing a sustainable and regenerative product in the Northeast Coastal Forest region (DC, Baltimore, Michigan, New york). How much do we know about the materials, industries, or communities thriving there?
What tree species or sheep breeds are native to this region?
What waste streams—plastic, fiber, or wood—are readily available for reuse?
What industries and trades are part of the local culture and economy?
Designers are uniquely positioned to integrate these factors into their work. By prioritizing bioregional considerations early in the design process, we can create products that not only serve users but also contribute to ecological health and local economies.
Designing with Bioregions in Mind
True sustainability comes from understanding the places where our products are made. It’s about embracing the materials, skills, and waste streams specific to a region. When design gives equal weight to ecological and human production alongside market needs, it fosters sustainability and builds a deeper connection to local contexts.
At COMMON OBJECT, this thinking has shaped our approach.
our OkaTerra line focuses on using regenerative materials and local resources.
Inspiration from Others
Here are some inspiring examples of bioregional design:
Emeco Industries (Pennsylvania): Navy Wood and Su Collection, crafted from local resources.
Minus (Norway): Furniture that improves biodiversity in local forests.
Fibershed: Compact supply chains utilizing wool, cotton, and hemp.
Cambium: Urban wood waste scaled up for valuable reuse.
Sebastian Cox (UK): Furniture that supports wild landscapes and local biodiversity.
At COMMON OBJECT, we’re rethinking “Made in the USA” as a call to align design with bioregions. By doing so, we enhance sustainability, support local economies, and build products with a deeper story.
How has your perception of design, supply chains, or environmental concerns evolved? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
