From individual frustration to collective force. This is how the Nr 17 network is growing – with clear parallels to the HI movement in Sweden.
An interior architect had grown tired of the throwaway culture in the industry. Together with Kirsti Svenning, a circular economy advisor, they launched a transformation initiative where the goal quickly became to speak openly about their ambitions and experiences with change. A webinar on the frustrations and desire for transformation marked the beginning. Today, this has grown into a national network with around twenty member firms, as well as numerous individual members and students: Nr 17 bærekraftsnettverk for interiørarkitektur.
The core of the network is to create conditions that enable interior architects to take a more defined role in climate and sustainability efforts – to build confidence, expand knowledge, and shift working processes. In the beginning, only interior architects were allowed to participate in the meetings – a deliberate choice to create a safe space where people could speak freely about the challenges of the green transition, without falling silent when a building architect entered the room. Today, Nr 17 is an open and growing network that spans the entire value chain of interior architecture, where knowledge-sharing and collegial support have become core values.
A training ground for argumentation and courage
Kirsti describes how a large part of the work has involved equipping interior architects with concrete arguments for sustainable decisions – and giving them the courage to stand firm when others think differently. Through practicing responses, exchanging experiences, and sharing dilemmas, members have developed both knowledge and confidence.
“It was clear that many felt uncertain at first. Now we see that the network provides a collective strength where people dare more, share more, and collaborate across studio boundaries. That wasn’t the case just a few years ago.”
A model for circular tenant adaptations
Nr 17 is currently leading a collaboration with Grønn Byggallianse (the Norwegian counterpart to SGBC), focusing on circular tenant adaptations. The aim is to develop a new model that clarifies the tenant’s role and responsibility in projects involving reuse, preservation, and climate goals. The working group includes representatives from the entire value chain and will culminate in a seminar in spring 2026. The project was recently presented at the National Knowledge Arena for Reuse in the Construction Sector.
Parallels to HI – but in network form
While Nr 17 is not a certification system like HI, there are clear connections between the two. Both initiatives emerged from practice. Both address the often-overlooked climate impact of interiors. And both aim to build structures and language that make it easier to make sustainable decisions in real-world projects.
In Sweden, HI has evolved into a certification and methodology with verifiable criteria. In Norway, Nr 17 is building a network and a collective cultural shift. HI follows the Norwegian initiative with great interest and sees many opportunities to learn, share, and strengthen the role of interior architects as agents of change in the circular transition.
Kirsti Svenning. Photo: Christine Wiig
“It was clear that many felt uncertain at first. Now we see that the network provides a collective strength where people dare more, share more, and collaborate across studio boundaries. That wasn’t the case just a few years ago.”
– Kirsti Svenning, circular economy advisor.
Back
Next