Designing in Reverse Before the Spec: Rethinking Materials in a Circular Design Economy

^{Gracia Anderson with Washington teammates Sue Parson and Allison Birkmeyer}

^{Article written by: Frances Phillips, Senior Content Marketing Manager | Published by Shaw Contract}

What if the most important part of a project isn’t what you install, but rather what you reclaim? 

As organizations rethink their spaces through renovation cycles, return-to-office strategies and rising pressure to reduce embodied carbon, a new question is emerging: what happens to everything already in place? The next frontier of sustainable design isn’t what’s new; it’s about what already exists. 

This question drives Shaw Contract reclamation specialist Gracia Anderson’s work across the Pacific Northwest. From workplace reinvestments like Sound Transit to higher education renovations, she helps teams rethink existing materials as a starting point, not a constraint. 

For Anderson, that perspective started early. Growing up, she watched a lake she loved change as development increased in the area, and this was one of her first clear connections between human decisions and environmental impact. That experience continues to shape how she approaches her work today: not just as a design problem, but as a systems challenge.  

At Sound Transit, that approach diverted nearly 34 tons of carpet tile from landfill — recovering and preparing it for new use at scale. Anderson believes these outcomes aren’t separate from design; they’re the result of it. Her work focuses on creating pathways that make reclamation practical, measurable and repeatable. 

In this Q&A, she shares how that mindset translates into action—and what it takes to turn existing materials into future-forward solutions. 

^{Reclamation Process | Driving a Circular Economy}

You’ve worked on projects that span workplace, education and healthcare environments, each with different performance demands. What drew you into this career field with Shaw Contract? 

I joined Shaw Contract in June of 2024 after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Washington. What immediately drew me to work for the company was having an entry level role that allowed me to make a real physical impact. I wasn’t just counting carbon or environmental impact but creating demand for old products. 

Did you know from the beginning that you wanted to focus on reclamation and sustainability, or did that passion evolve over time? 

My love for diverting trash really came when I was young. I grew up spending my summers in Northern Idaho, where I used to catch so many fish right off the dock at our cabin. I think I was around the age of 10 when the fish disappeared. There was more development in the area, and my dad explained how growth and change could affect the lake. That was the first time I understood how human choices can directly affect the places we love.

That experience never left me, and it definitely shaped my interest in environmental work. My passion for recycling evolved later. In college I was hired to lobby for EPR policies and learned only 11 percent of recycling in the state of Washington is recycled. Knowing that materials were marketed as recyclable but ultimately ended up in the trash felt like a betrayal to me. That is what I loved most about this role at Shaw Contract. I appreciate that Shaw Contract takes full responsibility for the entire product lifecycle.

Can you describe your role as a Reclamation Specialist and what a typical day looks like for you in the Pacific Northwest? 

I get asked this question a lot and honestly there is no typical day. As a reclamation specialist, my days are a mix of problem solving and relationship building. My work varies depending on the project happening across our region. Some days I’m out on job sites with contractors doing walk throughs. On other days I’m with designers and end users, helping them understand how reclamation can fit into their sustainability goals.  

One part of the job that people don’t always see is how much effort goes into tracking down our existing large installations. I try to be proactive with customers so they know we want their material back when it is being replaced. My days are a blend of education, relationship building and detective work. The goal is always the same: making reclamation as easy and accessible as possible. 

^{People Together, Planet Forever™}

What makes the greater Pacific Northwest region unique when it comes to carpet reclamation and sustainability efforts?

The Pacific Northwest has a culture where people genuinely care about the outdoors — the coastlines, lakes, forests and mountains. The environment is such a big part of life here. When I explain that carpet recycling can keep thousands of pounds out of our landfills, people immediately see the benefit, especially if the process is easy. The mindset is consistent across the region from Seattle to Spokane.  

What are some of the most common misconceptions you encounter about carpet recycling? 

Two of the biggest objections we hear are pace and space. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that takeback programs require huge minimums. A lot of people think we need a whole truckload. In reality, we only need one pallet, which is different compared to other take back programs. We’re able to do that because of our regional distribution centers and the trucking network we have in place. This opens the doors for smaller pickups and projects of all sizes. 

Another misconception is the idea that it is more expensive. Often tipping fees can outweigh any additional labor costs for staging materials. In Seattle we are seeing upwards of $60,000 savings by diverting materials. Often tipping fees can outweigh any additional labor costs for staging materials. In Seattle, as tipping fees continue to increase, we are seeing recycling cost savings to projects by diverting materials and participating in take back programs.

^{re[TURN] Reclamation Recycle Program}

How do you help clients understand the full lifecycle of carpet and the importance of responsible disposal?

I focus on making the impact tangible. Most people don’t realize how much carpet can weigh. I walk clients through the difference between sending thousands of pounds to the landfill versus putting it back into the circular economy. Not only do we reduce landfill consumption, but when we extract less raw materials, the embodied carbon footprint of our future products goes down.  

I also explain the practical benefits such as cost savings. I have a calculator that helps clients estimate the cost difference between recycling and landfilling. Once they understand the environmental and financial impact, they often view our program as smart business move not just an extra step.