FF&E Circularity: Sustainable Furniture Planning & Specs

Think sustainable furniture planning has to be overwhelming, costly, or impractical? Think again! This session empowers facility owners, designers, and specifiers with tools and strategies to simplify sustainability and make a measurable impact--and (gasp!) maybe even enjoy the process.

Discover how informed selections, certified materials, and sustainable practices lead to smarter choices that boost durability, extend furniture life, and keep items out of landfills--while saving money and improving budget efficiency. We'll guide you through RFPs, procurement, and change management, transforming these steps into powerful tools for creating healthier spaces and minimizing environmental harm.

Whether you're tackling large-scale projects or refining your specification process, this session offers practical strategies to achieve financial savings. Leave with fresh ideas, useful tools, and the confidence to make impactful decisions that save resources and create lasting value.


Caryn Ogier, AIA, LEED AP, RID, PMP

Director of Furniture Planning

Kimiko Designs

Caryn is a Registered Architect, Interior Designer, and Project Management Professional (PMP) with extensive experience in the healthcare, corporate workplace, and energy sectors. She began her career as a practicing architect before transitioning to advisory roles focused on the owner’s perspective. Caryn has leveraged her past positions as a Project Manager, Owner's Representative, and Corporate Asset Manager to bridge the complexities of large organizations with the agility of smaller project environments, ensuring strategic alignment and execution at every scale. As Director of Furniture Planning at Kimiko Designs, she helps organizations optimize their furniture investments at both project and program levels. An active member of the American Institute of Architects, she has held leadership roles at local and state levels and is committed to mentoring emerging design professionals.

Amanda Epplin, NCIDQ, WELL AP

Furniture Guru

Kimiko Designs

Amanda serves as a key leader in Kimiko’s sustainability initiatives, bringing extensive experience as a dealer specifier, furniture representative, and expert in commercial furniture project management. Amanda has established herself as a trusted voice in sustainable furniture practices. She played a pivotal role in developing Kimiko Green’s playbooks on sustainable decommissioning and specifications, helping clients reduce waste and drive greener outcomes. Amanda’s passion for sustainability, coupled with her practical expertise and collaborative approach, empowers organizations to achieve their goals while making smarter, more responsible choices in furniture planning.

Dianne Murata

Founding Principal

kimiko designs

Dianne Murata is the founding principal of kimiko designs, a team of furniture planning, specification and technology experts specializing in commercial furniture projects. A graduate of the University of Manitoba, Dianne has led kimiko as an industry innovator and visionary builder of exceptional teams since 1999. Her passions are keeping used office furniture out of the landfill and rescuing pups from the puppy-mill.

This content will not be available until 06/09/2025 at 8:00 AM (EDT)