Cleveland Foundation, Ohio, by Vocon. Photography by David Joseph.
Of the 100 Sustainability Giants, one-third are new to the rankings, which we attribute to increased recognition of this newest Giants category initiative, now in its second year. To be considered for the list, firms need to report fees garnered from projects that had “measurable” sustainability goals—a somewhat flexible definition that includes both official certification and other assessments.
In both the inaugural year of data-collection and this one, the percentage of projects attaining WELL or LEED certification was low (although the latter is up from 2 to 5 percent), which we chalk up to clients’ interest in environmental consciousness—but not in investing extra for the rubber stamp. More specifically: Designers said 37 percent of their clients follow LEED or WELL principles but don’t want to pay for the certification, an increase of 10 percent year-over-year. Mentions of ESG as the client’s primary project goal is flat as well, at 29 percent.
As for fees: Defying this group’s expectations, sustainability income is solid, having risen from $1.8 to $2.4 billion between 2022 and 2023—a 33 percent year-over-year increase, surpassing predictions. Sustainability Giants do forecast a small 8 percent decline for 2024, a figure that’s in line with Giants’ overall predictions.
Other metrics indicate how tough sustainability efforts remain in our industry. For instance, percentage of projects tracking embodied carbon is 7 (up from 5), so not many folks onboarding. Last year, when we asked Giants what was interfering with their ability to do so, most responded they didn’t have the technology or a system in place, or even the right team of people. (Perhaps relatedly, the percentage of LEED- or WELL-accredited staff is flat at about one-quarter of employees.) We do know anecdotally that Giants are seeing an uptick in projects designed with the health of people and planet in mind, but the certification and tracking numbers don’t reflect that enthusiasm—yet. We’re encouraged, however, by No. 1 and 2 firms Gensler and Perkins&Will reporting that more than 88 percent of their fees derive from projects with measurable sustainability goals, and by Giants’ and urgent commentary regarding the importance of working together to address climate change—and how well positioned the industry is to be a leader in that cause.
Sustainability Giants Rankings 2024
“blank cells” = did not report data
Top Firms Based On Fees From Projects With Measurable Sustainability Goals
Note: Rankings are based on firms’ total fees deriving from sustainable projects. Gensler has the leading dollar amount and Perkins&Will the highest percentage of fees.
Firms With The Most Projects Achieving WELL
Firms With The Most Projects Achieving LEED
Firms With The Most Projects Tracking Embodied Carbon
Percentage Of Projects For Which Firms…
Methodology
The Interior Design Giants annual business survey comprises the largest firms ranked by interior design fees for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2023. The listings are generated from only those surveyed. To be recognized as a top 100, Rising, Healthcare, Hospitality, or Sustainability Giant, you must meet the following criteria: Have at least one office location in North America, and generate at least 25% of your interior design fee income in North America. Firms that do not meet the criteria are ranked on our International Giants list. Interior design fees include those attributed to:
1. All aspects of a firm’s interior design practice, from strategic planning and programming to design and project management.
2. Fees paid to a firm for work performed by employees and independent contractors who are “full-time staff equivalent.”
Interior design fees do not include revenues paid to a firm and remitted to subcontractors who are not considered full-time staff equivalent. For example, certain firms attract work that is subcontracted to a local firm. The originating firm may collect all the fees and retain a management or generation fee, paying the remainder to the performing firm. The amounts paid to the latter are not included in fees of the collecting firm when determining its ranking. Ties are broken by rank from last year. Where applicable, all percentages are based on responding Giants, not their total number.
All research conducted by ThinkLab, the research division of SANDOW Design Group.