Many US architects and designers have limited knowledge of endangered and threatened wood species and often do not know which alternative species or materials to use. Even if they do know that a species is endangered, 40% would still chose the wood if a client requested it.
These are the findings of a national survey of architects and designers that was commissioned by laminate manufacturer Wilsonart. The survey results were presented at an event for architects in New York.
The survey also found that almost none of the survey respondents could correctly identify most endangered wood species from a list provided but 70% agreed that using responsibly sourced wood is a priority.
Potential legal liabilities under Lacey Act are not well understood by architects and designers.
Producers and suppliers of tropical wood products have a significant opportunity and challenge to educate designers in the US about tropical species, sustainable tropical forest management and legal procurement.
The survey respondents were designers, architects and specifiers who work on a wide range of building projects, including residential, office and hospitality.
