Studio Meanwhile is a Certified B Corporation, committing to sustainable design, social impact, and ethical business practices.
B Corp certification reflects our ongoing commitment to designing spaces and places that make life better for people, communities, and the planet. So, what does it mean to be a B Corp? B Corp Certification is awarded to businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. For us it’s about how we operate, make decisions, and measure impact. Being a B Corp reflects our dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical practices across everything we do.
Becoming a B Corp means we’ve been rigorously evaluated across five key areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers. This assessment ensures that the choices we make as a business have a positive ripple effect, from the communities we serve to the planet we share. It validates our belief that great design doesn’t just look good, it does good too.
Achieving B Corp status is an exciting milestone, but it’s not our finish line. It motivates us to continuously improve, innovate, and hold ourselves accountable to even higher standards. We’re committed to creating meaningful impact through our work, whether it’s developing thoughtfully designed products and places while fostering strong community connections and operating responsibly and ethically as a business.
Being a B Corp aligns with our core values and vision for the future. Together with our clients, collaborators, and partners, we’re building a world where design is more than aesthetics; it’s a force for positive change. This certification strengthens our commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of people and the communities we serve. Curious about what being a B Corp really means? Learn more about Meanwhile's B Corp Impact right here.
Meanwhile supports The Ron Finley Project and sustainable urban gardening through 1% for the Planet, promoting healthy, thriving communities.
Designing for Change: Studio Meanwhile Backs The Ron Finley Project Through 1% for the PlanetAt Studio Meanwhile, our commitment to sustainability and community extends beyond our design projects. We’re proud to announce that we’ve joined the 1% for the Planet network, pledging to donate at least 1% of our annual sales to environmental causes. This partnership reflects our dedication to creating spaces that are not only innovative but also contribute positively to the world around us.
Founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard of Patagonia and Craig Mathews of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet is a global movement that encourages businesses to contribute a portion of their sales to environmental nonprofits. Members are required to donate at least 1% of their annual sales to approved environmental partners, ensuring a direct and measurable impact on the planet. This initiative fosters a community of businesses committed to environmental responsibility and accountability.
As part of our 1% for the Planet membership, we’re excited to support The Ron Finley Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming urban spaces through gardening. Founded by Ron Finley, known as the “Gangsta Gardener,” the project empowers communities to take control of their food sources by teaching urban gardening techniques. Finley’s mission is to turn food deserts into food forests, promoting healthy eating and environmental stewardship. The Ron Finley Project offers workshops, resources, and community gardens that inspire individuals to grow their own food and engage in sustainable practices. By supporting this initiative, Studio Meanwhile contributes to the creation of vibrant, self-sustaining communities that prioritize health and environmental well-being.
Our partnership with 1% for the Planet and support for The Ron Finley Project align with our core values of sustainability, community engagement, and innovation. We believe that design has the power to influence positive change, and by supporting organizations like The Ron Finley Project, we extend our impact beyond physical spaces to the communities that inhabit them. This collaboration underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility and our belief in the importance of giving back to the planet and its people. Together with our partners and clients, we aim to foster a future where design and sustainability go hand in hand, creating spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also contribute to the greater good.
Designing a Better Future: How Studio Meanwhile & City Blocks Champion the UN Sustainable Development Goals
At Meanwhile, we believe design has the power to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. One where communities thrive, and every decision reflects environmental and social responsibility. Guided by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we integrate sustainability into our strategy, processes, and products. Here’s how our approach supports these global goals.At Meanwhile, SDG’s aren't a trend. It’s the foundation for everything we do. We believe great design should create real impact, not just beautiful places. That’s why every decision, from material selection to community engagement, reflects our commitment to people and the planet. By working closely with clients, partners, and stakeholders, we design urban spaces that are not only functional and inclusive but also built to last. Together, we’re shaping cities that are greener, stronger, and more resilient because SDGs aren't a checkbox, they are a call to action when building urban space for all.
At Meanwhile, we believe cities and nature belong together. Our work is guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG 15: Life on Land, which calls for protecting, restoring, and sustainably using our ecosystems. Every plaza, bench, and street corner we design is an opportunity to reconnect people with the natural world — not as decoration, but as a living system that supports community health and resilience.
That’s why we’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, dedicating a portion of our revenue to organizations protecting biodiversity and cultivating green futures.One of the programs we support is the Ron Finley Project, led by the “Gangsta Gardener” who turned food deserts into food forests in South Central LA. His philosophy — that planting a garden is a radical act of reclaiming land, culture, and community deeply inspires our practice. By contributing to his work, we’re investing in a global movement that sees urban land not as wasted space, but as fertile ground for possibility.
Through our urban design and our product line with City Blocks Urban Furniture, we transform ordinary streets and public areas into welcoming, functional, and inclusive spaces. Our designs encourage connection, accessibility, and social engagement. Thereby creating vibrant environments where people feel they belong.
Urban spaces need adaptable solutions. Our modular, multifunctional urban furniture systems provide flexibility for planners, cities, and developers. Whether it’s reconfiguring a plaza or adding new features to an existing installation, our design approach supports evolving community needs without unnecessary waste.
Our furniture is designed to last. High-quality materials and thoughtful engineering mean our pieces don’t need frequent replacement, reducing long-term waste. While we source from both local and trusted international partners, we prioritize responsible suppliers and maintain rigorous quality control to ensure durability and sustainability and circular design practices in the projects and products we build.
We foster knowledge-sharing through stakeholder consultations, lunch-and-learn sessions, and design briefings that make sustainability practical and actionable. By engaging decision-makers, community groups, and project partners, we ensure that sustainable design principles are embedded from concept to completion.
Every design decision we make considers impact reduction. From selecting materials with a lower carbon footprint to minimizing unnecessary transport through strategic supply chains. By creating long-lasting products, we lower life-cycle emissions and contribute to a more climate-resilient built environment.
At Meanwhile, we believe cities and nature belong together. Our work is guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goal SDG 15: Life on Land, which calls for protecting, restoring, and sustainably using our ecosystems. Every plaza, bench, and street corner we design is an opportunity to reconnect people with the natural world — not as decoration, but as a living system that supports community health and resilience.That’s why we’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, dedicating a portion of our revenue to organizations protecting biodiversity and cultivating green futures.One of the programs we support is the Ron Finley Project, led by the “Gangsta Gardener” who turned food deserts into food forests in South Central LA. His philosophy — that planting a garden is a radical act of reclaiming land, culture, and community deeply inspires our practice. By contributing to his work, we’re investing in a global movement that sees urban land not as wasted space, but as fertile ground for possibility.
