Dean’s Office Renovation: Healthy Office Design with PureBond® Plywood

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PureBond®PlywoodLEED®Custom InteriorsArchitectureCommercial InteriorsNew YorkUnited States

Healthier Office Renovation at Parsons School of Design

Project Overview

Located at the Parsons School of Design in New York City, the Executive Dean’s Office renovation demonstrates how a commercial interior can prioritize both design excellence and occupant health. Completed between 2019 and 2021, the project was developed in collaboration with Healthy Materials Lab and Jordana Maisie Design Studio to serve as a real‑world example of a healthier office renovation that could be achieved within a modest budget and with minimal waste.
From the outset, the renovation focused on reducing toxic exposures commonly found in interior environments while maintaining a refined, contemporary aesthetic. Material selection emphasized transparency, durability, and long‑term performance, with particular attention paid to limiting added formaldehyde and other harmful emissions. By integrating formaldehyde‑free PureBond® plywood and other low‑toxicity materials, the project aligns with Parsons’ broader commitment to sustainability, innovation, and human-centered design, offering a replicable model for healthier commercial and educational interiors.

Material Choice

A key component of the project was the use of formaldehyde‑free PureBond® plywood, manufactured with a soy‑based binder that avoids added urea‑formaldehyde. This healthier plywood solution provides the strength, consistency, and workability required for custom interior applications while significantly reducing the release of VOCs into the indoor environment. Sustainably sourced wood veneer further supports responsible forestry practices and long‑term material durability.
Custom furniture and built‑ins were designed using mechanical fastening techniques rather than traditional lamination and gluing, a strategy that helped reduce volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during both fabrication and occupancy. This approach demonstrates how thoughtful detailing can support healthier interiors while enabling flexible, repairable design solutions.

Credit: Jordana Maisie Studio & Jonsara Ruth

Healthy Materials Lab | Healthier Interior Renovation: Parsons’ Exec. Dean’s Office

PureBond® Plywood

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