PORTRAIT BY SCOTT SIMPSON DESIGN + BUILD
Amy Mangold, principal architect at Scott Simpson Design + Build, owes a lot to her high school guidance counselor. She grew up dreaming of becoming an artist, and it took an outside source to recognize that her natural talent for math, science and the visual arts would make architecture an ideal fit—so, at his urging, she applied to architecture school.
Going in with no expectations, she fell in love with it. Today, she still starts every project with that fresh attitude. “Each site, house and client comes with their own set of expectations and challenges,” Mangold says, “and we get to creatively solve each project.”
Besides designing homes that are never alike, another one of her passions is sustainability. She strives to find ways to reduce energy use, salvage materials, remodel rather than build new, and buy quality furniture that’s made to last. “There is no planet B. We all must do our part to reduce our footprint,” she notes.
Here, Mangold shares her top three Chicago vendors for sustainable materials.
PHOTO COURTESY SALVAGE ONE
SALVAGE ONE
“This is my go-to for vintage doors and door hardware. While you’re there, have a look at their amazing collection of vintage and contemporary lighting.” There’s also a workshop and on-site resident craftsmen. salvageone.com
PHOTO COURTESY GREAT LAKES YARD
GREAT LAKES YARD
“Need reclaimed heritage wood boards or timber beams? Great Lakes has it all in its massive warehouse. Plus, all of the lumber is sustainably harvested through deconstruction and demolition.” greatlakesyard.com
PHOTO COURTESY EVANSTON REBUILDING WAREHOUSE
EVANSTON REBUILDING WAREHOUSE
“This non-profit warehouse is packed with reclaimed building materials. You can find everything here from late 19th-century to brand-new items, including the kitchen sink, and proceeds support its workforce job-training program.” evanstonrebuildingwarehouse.org
