One of the highlights of our professional trip to Amsterdam was undoubtedly our visit to the Interface manufacturing facility. Organized by Prointerier and Interface, we travelled for about an hour before arriving at the Dutch production site of one of the world’s leading manufacturers of modular carpet tiles and LVT flooring. The visit offered a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the philosophy and technology behind Interface’s products.
During a presentation led by the design team, we gained insight into how a new collection—or even a custom carpet pattern—is created. It was fascinating to discover how closely the design process is connected to observing nature, exploring the urban environment, and studying human behaviour and the way people interact with spaces. Behind every colour palette or pattern lies extensive research and a compelling story, offering us a new perspective on the role of flooring in interior design.
In the second part of the visit, we were introduced to the company’s sustainability strategy. Interface has long been recognised as one of the industry’s pioneers in this field. Following the success of its Mission Zero programme, the company has now set an ambitious goal of becoming carbon negative by 2040. What we found particularly inspiring was that this objective is not based on purchasing carbon credits, but on fundamentally transforming manufacturing processes, raw materials, and the entire supply chain.
Today, Interface increasingly relies on recycled and bio-based materials, and its latest developments have already made it possible to manufacture selected carbon-negative carpet collections. Circular economy principles also play a key role in the company’s strategy through extensive take-back and recycling programmes.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the visit was witnessing the manufacturing process itself. It is rare to have the opportunity to follow a product’s complete journey—from the arrival of raw materials to the final packaging stage. The factory operates with an exceptionally high level of automation. In many production areas, only a handful of employees supervised the entire process, focusing mainly on machine setup and handling occasional technical issues. The production itself is almost entirely automated, ensuring not only remarkable efficiency but also consistently high product quality.
Beyond the impressive technology, it was equally inspiring to experience the professionalism and commitment that define Interface’s corporate culture. It is rare to encounter a company where sustainability is not simply a marketing message but an integral part of strategic decision-making and everyday operations. After the visit, it became even clearer how a global manufacturer can successfully combine innovation, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
And while we were in Amsterdam, one thing became immediately apparent: sustainability is not treated as a separate initiative but as a natural part of everyday life. The city’s ambition to become fully circular by 2050 closely mirrors the mindset we experienced at Interface—thinking long-term, using resources responsibly, and creating lasting value while keeping future generations in mind.
As architects, it was particularly inspiring not only to hear about these ideas during presentations but also to experience them both throughout the city and behind the scenes of the manufacturing process. Walking through Amsterdam, you find yourself wondering how centuries-old buildings have remained standing above water for generations. At Interface, the question becomes how the environmental footprint of a flooring product can be continuously reduced. Two completely different scales, yet ultimately the same story: how we build for the future—preferably on solid foundations, even when those foundations happen to be wooden piles.
