As part of the ongoing lecture series at SPD, students had the opportunity to hear from DWA, a design studio known for its innovative approach to temporary installations, fashion exhibitions, and sustainable interiors. Their talk, titled InSitu, challenged conventional ideas of sustainability in design by asking a fundamental question: What if the most sustainable choice is to not build at all?
A Shift Toward Sustainability
DWA began their work in the world of fashion and exhibition design, creating temporary installations that explore how space, light, and materials shape experience. Today, they are increasingly approached by clients looking to incorporate sustainable practices into their projects.
But as the studio emphasized, sustainability is more than just material choice. It’s about rethinking how we see interior design—shifting focus from consumption to conscious construction.
Build Less, Build Better
“The most sustainable way is to not consume,” the lecture reminded students. But if something must be built, it should last. This philosophy guides DWA’s work, encouraging the use of raw, untreated materials that can be recycled, reused, or rearranged in other contexts.
They shared that sourcing from suppliers who offer reclaimed materials is one way to support this approach. Even in architecture, small details—like lighting or modular design—can dramatically impact how sustainable a space truly is.
Designing with Intention
Whether it’s an exhibition stand or a pop-up interior, DWA’s focus remains on reusability, modularity, and environmental consciousness. Their work shows that temporary does not have to mean wasteful and that design can adapt to place and purpose without starting from scratch.
A Studio Rooted in Reality
InSitu, the name of the lecture, reflects DWA’s mindset: working with what’s already there, and designing in response to context. By questioning the impulse to build new, they invite the next generation of designers to see the creative potential in the materials, objects, and ideas that already exist.
For students, the lecture was a timely reminder that sustainable design is not only about the future it’s about making better choices right now.