Nothing seems beyond the grasp of Bruce Mau. Identities, books, environments, products and packaging, a 20-year plan for the Muslim holy city of Mecca — Mau and his associates design them all with a signature blend of radical optimism and regard for the planet. At the  Compostmodern 2011 sustainability conference (Mohawk was a sponsor), Mau spoke [...]

Compostmodern is not a typical conference, even a typical design conference, if only by virtue of its single-mindedness on the topic of sustainability. But realistically, it can’t be immune to the conference syndrome that results from a dizzying array of compacted brilliance, leading to a certain overwhelmed feeling. The pace of new ideas and accomplishments, while [...]

For most of us, the intent to do good for people and the planet is something we shoehorn into our work: “I’ll contribute to that charity when I get a few dollars ahead,” or “I’ll suggest that my client print the next project on recycled paper.” Well and good. But the arc of Carol Hatcher’s career [...]