Designing Sustainably: The Power of Sourcing Locally in Central New York
At Lion 8, sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a guiding principle that informs every decision we make. From interior architecture to adaptive reuse, from interior branding design to environmental graphics, one of the most impactful choices we can make as designers is to source materials and talent locally. Based in Honeoye Falls, New York, we’re fortunate to be surrounded by a wealth of regional resources, craftspeople, and makers who share our values of integrity, sustainability, and resilience.
Why Local Sourcing Matters in Interior Architecture & Design
In a time when global supply chains dominate the design industry, choosing to work with local vendors, fabricators, and materials is a conscious act of environmental and social responsibility.
Here’s why local sourcing is a game-changer for sustainable design:
1. Reduced Carbon Footprint
When materials are sourced locally—from Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, or even artisan hubs like Skaneateles, Mendon, Brighton, and Pittsford—we dramatically cut down on emissions from transportation. Less shipping = less environmental impact.
2. Strengthening Regional Economies
Every time we choose a local woodworker, graphic fabricator, or metal artisan over a distant supplier, we’re investing in our community. Supporting small businesses in Western and Central New York fosters economic resilience and creates a ripple effect of sustainability across sectors.
3. Celebrating Regional Identity
Using local materials—such as reclaimed barn wood, Finger Lakes stone, or regionally quarried tile—adds a distinct sense of place to every space. This is especially powerful in adaptive reuse projects, where honoring the history of a building and its surroundings enhances both function and storytelling.
4. Better Communication and Collaboration
Working with local fabricators and suppliers allows us to build strong relationships, monitor quality closely, and respond quickly to changes. In projects involving interior branding or environmental graphics, this agility is critical to success.
Local Design, Global Impact
Designing from Mendon and Honeoye Falls, we’re deeply connected to the landscape and people that shape our practice. Whether we’re revitalizing a historic building in Rochester, crafting experiential graphics for a retail environment in Buffalo, or branding a wellness studio in Syracuse, we prioritize sourcing that is site-specific, sustainable, and story-driven.
We’ve collaborated with:
Toronto and Upstate New York-based furniture makers for custom, sustainable pieces
Syracuse sign fabricators for eco-conscious environmental graphics
Finger Lakes artisans creating tile, textiles, and artowrks using traditional techniques
Rochester-area craftspeople who reclaim and repurpose materials for lighting and interiors
Buffalo based energy workers that focus on healing the self and spaces through energy work
These choices don’t just align with our sustainability goals—they make the final product richer, more meaningful, and more enduring.
Adaptive Reuse & Local Integration
In adaptive reuse projects, where older buildings are transformed into vibrant new spaces, local sourcing becomes even more essential. Preserving the architectural DNA of a space while integrating modern function requires sensitivity, context, and a commitment to craft.
In Pittsford, Brighton, and surrounding towns with deep architectural heritage, we’ve worked to integrate local history with forward-thinking design. By reusing materials found on-site and working with nearby fabricators, we’re able to reduce waste, preserve embodied energy, and create interiors that feel authentic and grounded.
Interior Branding & Environmental Graphics, Rooted in Place
Interior branding is more than logo placement—it’s the immersive identity of a space. Whether we’re designing a cafe in Skaneateles or a creative studio in Mendon, our environmental graphics and brand expressions draw from the aesthetics, values, and textures of the region.
We source:
Sustainable substrates from local sign shops
Locally printed graphics on non-toxic materials
Art and installations by Upstate New York artists
This place-based approach ensures that every space tells a story that is both personal and ecological.
What It Means to Design Intentionally in Central New York
Living and working in Honeoye Falls and Mendon, surrounded by the woods, waterfalls, rolling hills, lakes, and historic towns of Central and Western NY, we feel a responsibility to design in harmony with our region. That means:
Using local expertise whenever possible
Prioritizing adaptive reuse over new construction
Embracing the natural materials and aesthetics of our environment
Supporting community-based economies
Reducing environmental impact at every stage of the project
We believe that truly sustainable design is site-sensitive, human-centered, and ecosystem-aware. It’s not just about LEED checklists—it’s about crafting experiences that honor the land, the past, and the people who live and work there.
Let’s Create Together
If you're located in Honeoye Falls, Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, or anywhere across the Finger Lakes, Great Lakes, Hudson Valley, or New England, we’d love to collaborate. Whether you're envisioning a space transformation, reimagining your brand, or revitalizing a historic site, Lion 8 brings creative expertise grounded in sustainability and local engagement.