5 Key Insights from Crypton + Metropolis Austin Design Roundtable

We’re constantly listening to the design community to better understand how we can be of service and make their jobs specifying textiles easier. This is why we partnered with Metropolis Magazine and Editor in Chief Avinash Rajagopal to host our 3^rd  exclusive roundtable discussion, which was graciously hosted at the Cushing Terrel design firm in Austin, Texas. Crypton selected eight distributor brand partners (Burch, Fabricut Contract, KB Contract, Momentum, Mayer Fabrics, DesignTex, United Fabrics, and CF Stinson) to participate in the roundtable discussion as well as the opportunity to showcase their newest Crypton Fabric or Nanotex by Crypton collections.  Here are a few highlights and a peek at our brand partners’ latest fabric collections.

Sustainability & Wellness 

Sustainability and wellness for client projects continue to be at the top of mind, and many firms have created sustainability teams to monitor materials, taking firm-wide sustainability pledges, and even hiring sustainability officers. Designers are looking for materials that meet rigorous standards for low chemical emissions, transparency in manufacturing processes, and reduced environmental impact. 

They trust Crypton because our performance fabrics help create healthier indoor environments.  Our textiles are GREENGUARD Gold Certified and PFAS-free. We also use Silver Ion technology meaning our manufacturing process does not leach antimicrobials. You can read our company eco-statement here.  

We also talked about product transparency and how it has enabled us to work together. Platforms like Mindful Materials, Sustainable Minds, and Material Bank, provide product documentation, and companies that can provide HPDs make it easier for firms to specify sustainable materials.  

The Appeal of Domestic Sourcing 

The conversation inevitably turned to the growing request for domestic manufacturing. During both our Chicago and Austin meetings, designers emphasized how their clients are requesting products and fabric made in the USA. 

This preference isn’t just about patriotism (although avoiding tariffs is nice); it’s the advantages that matter during the specification process. Domestically produced textiles typically offer faster lead times (because who likes to wait) and a reduced carbon footprint.  

Quality That Doesn’t Compromise 

Obviously, quality remains a non-negotiable, but designers are doubling down on sustainability standards in conjunction with high-quality products. If a fabric doesn’t meet the firm’s standards, it simply won’t be considered. 

Our weavers and scientists work hard to develop fabrics that meet and exceed durability and performance standards all while meeting sustainability and transparency standards. It’s not enough to make a fabric that can withstand spilled red wine (although we love that party trick); our fabrics need to perform for people and the planet. 

Embracing Reuse, Recycle, Reupholster 

One exciting new topic that emerged in Austin was the growing interest in furniture reuse and reupholstery. Designers are encouraging clients to consider reupholstering existing pieces. 

This approach supports sustainability by reducing waste and cost and allowing the client to personalize a piece that may have sentimental value.  

Because reupholstering furniture is so popular, it’s almost become a challenge. Upholstery shops can handle most residential jobs, but they are not staffed for large commercial projects. To stay ahead of this emerging idea, furniture manufacturers are starting to create pieces with removable seats making reupholstery projects easier, and a few have a dedicated reupholstery program where they’ll take furniture back for reupholstering.  

It’s so exciting to watch the design and furniture industry evolve and embrace the reuse, recycle, reupholster concept. Our performance fabric is ideal for upholstery, so we might be biased, but we love watching designers transform and breathe new life into furniture to create something fun and custom.  

What Happened Next? 

After our roundtable, our brand partners shared their latest collections with our guests. Special shoutout to Burch, Fabricut Contract, KB Contract, Momentum, Mayer Fabrics, DesignTex, United Fabrics, CF Stinson, and Cushing Terrell for hosting us.  

Evenings like this are invaluable, and we’re committed to continuing the conversation with designers and developing products that meet the evolving needs of their clients.

A special shoutout for those who shared their knowledge with us: Metropolis, PPDS, Gensler, Perkins&Will, STG Design, Page Home Design, University of Texas at Austin, Edwards + Mulhausen, Abel Design Group, Corgan, Lake Flato Architects, Parkhill, Studio8 Architects, DLR Group, and Cushing Terrell.

Drop us a comment below to share your experiences with sustainability, domestic sourcing, performance requirements, and furniture reuse. We’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Stay tuned for announcements about our next design community event! 

Learn More About Our Upholstery Fabric

Refresh your room with these floral fabrics from Arhaus.

United Fabrics‘ latest vintage-inspired fabric collection, Heirloom Archive, took our breath away. See the patterns.

You can now find our upholstery fabrics on the Four Hands Furniture Spring 2025 collection.