Health + Climate Impacts

Learn how chemicals in common building products contribute to disease, poor air quality, and carbon emissions.

Transparency + Justice

Understand how life cycle, sourcing, and policy affect people and the planet - and why it matters in design.

Design Strategies

Gain actionable strategies to choose healthier materials and design for sustainability, equity, and circularity.

"This course transformed how I think about material health, environmental justice, and design responsibility.  I now have the confidence to avoid toxic materials, promote reuse, and center community in my work. I feel empowered to advocate for healthier, more equitable design practices that benefit everyone."

- Amabel, Designer

WHO SHOULD ENROLL

Architects, Interior Designers, and Product Designers

Gain strategies for selecting materials and designing spaces that prioritize human well-being and environmental health.

Manufacturers and Material Researchers

Learn how to develop toxic-free materials and products that align with global sustainability goals.

Policy Makers, Sustainability Advocates and Anyone Interested in a Sustainable Future

Understand the latest research and solutions to influence policies and drive meaningful change.

CURRICULUM

8 Chapters · 13 Lessons

  1. 1

    INTRODUCTION TO STRATEGIES

    1. Setting the Stage: Why Materials Matter Free preview
    2. Learning Objectives Free preview
  2. 2

    MATERIAL ORIGINS

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Built by Nature: Ancient Wisdom and Local Materials

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      From Molecules to Materials: The Rise of Synthetics

  3. 3

    MATERIAL CHOICES AND HUMAN HEALTH

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Unseen Risks

  4. 4

    THE PRICE OF PROGRESS

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Toxic Exposure in our Home

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Petrochemicals: Convenience at a Cost

  5. 5

    EXAMPLES OF EVERYDAY EXPOSURE

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      The Hidden Layers of LVT

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Paint: The Plastic on our Walls

  6. 6

    A NEW MATERIAL PRACTICE

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Disrupting the Status Quo: Principles for Healthier Design Practice

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Healthy Housing in Action

  7. 7

    DESIGNER'S DILEMMA

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Post-Presentation Conversation w/ Industry Experts

  8. 8

    WHAT'S NEXT?

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Exit Survey (+CEU Application)

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Our instructors are a diverse group of practicing interior designers, architects, and material experts who bring years of experience and innovative building knowledge to MasterClass. 

Jonsara Ruth

As Executive Director and co-founder of Healthy Materials Lab, Jonsara leads research and design focused on circular, low-carbon materials and healthier interiors. She is a Founding Director of the MFA Interior Design program at Parsons School of Design. She is ASID- and IIDA-accredited.

Leila Behjat

As Director of Material Ecology at Healthy Materials Lab, Leila advances circular renovation strategies and healthier material practices across architecture and interiors. She holds a Diplom-Ingenieur (M.Arch) in Architecture and is training with the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

Catherine Murphy

As Director of Education at Healthy Materials Lab, Catherine leads curriculum development and teaches strategies for healthier, regenerative design. Her design practice focuses on renovation, reuse, and human & environmental health. She holds an MFA in Interior Design and an Hons. degree in Fine Craft Design.

"It was incredibly eye-opening how little regulation is applied to the chemical industry, and how many dangerous materials we are all living with.  This course helped me consider the long-term effects of exposure, which can be easy to ignore in a country where so little is regulated with human health in mind."

- Jenn, Product Designer

The future is built on the actions we take today.

Design has the power to heal. Enroll now to learn how to choose materials that protect human health and the planet - starting with your next project.

$75.00

Enroll now Free preview

Resources to Design a Healthier Future

We are Healthy Materials Lab, a design research lab at Parsons School of Design. We’re here to help you design and build healthier homes, communities and environments.