WHO: Interior designer Andrea Kantelberg, the mastermind behind the green beauty emerging inside condos, hotels and luxury homes all over the city. 

WHAT: Sustainable interior design illustrating that beauty does not have to come with negative environmental effects.

THE STORY: Canadian condominium developer Tridel unveiled its first Eco-Suite last May at 20 Blue Jays Way, as part of a commitment to invest in sustainable development. Designed by Kantelberg, a graduate from the interior design program at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Toronto, the eco-chic living space proves that environmentally friendly isn’t a synonym for ugly.

“My goal as an interior designer is to transform the way individuals perceive eco-friendly interiors, to create spaces that are luxurious and healthy to live in,” says Kantelberg. She’s one of three interior designers nominated for an award at this year’s Green Toronto Awards, being held April 25 at the Direct Energy Centre (Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.).

Since the launch of the Tridel Eco-Suite condo, for which she was awarded a Smart Environments award from the International Interior Design Association, Kantelberg has continued to spread her green love to other locations such as 1 Bloor, an 80-storey condominium by Bazis International.
Kantelberg selects her materials based on a number of criteria, using goods that are local, durable, recycled, repurposed, energy efficient, low emitting and, of course, have sustainable manufacturing properties. In her green living spaces, you’ll find Forest Stewardship Council–certified wood (which supports responsible forestry worldwide), LED lighting (guaranteed to last 10 times longer than standard fluorescent lighting), ENERGY STAR–approved appliances and completely recyclable carpet.  

In addition to her interior design, Kantelberg has also been busy designing a collection of eco-friendly home products, the Andrea Kantelberg Ecollection. “Ecollection will introduce a high quality, sustainable product to the marketplace — something that we have been looking for, but haven’t been able to find yet,” Kantelberg says. Coming later this spring, the collection will be available on her website, www.andreakantelberg.com.