What is Grain?
Grain is a design practice deeply rooted in social and environmental responsibility, founded back in 2008 by Chelsea and James Minola. Their work is a unique blend of modern manufacturing technologies and timeless craft techniques. Everything is made-to-order, either at their Bainbridge Island, WA studio or through special collaborations with skilled artisans across North America. Their range includes furniture, lighting, textiles, and objects that have found homes in both residential and commercial projects, specified by notable architects and interior designers like Brian Paquette, DISC Interiors, and Roman & Williams. It’s a majority woman-owned, family-run business committed to making a difference.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
Grain stands out not just for its beautiful designs but for its strong commitment to sustainability and community. Here are some key points that highlight what makes Grain special:
- Climate Neutral certified brand, actively working to mitigate and eliminate its entire carbon footprint.
- Certified B Corp since 2022, joining over 4,000 businesses worldwide balancing purpose and profit.
- Majority woman-owned and fully family-owned, addressing underrepresentation in design and manufacturing leadership.
- Products made predominantly in their Bainbridge Island shop or with small North American manufacturers.
- Use of Forest Standard Certified (FSC) domestic hardwoods, ensuring sustainable forest management.
- Eco-friendly materials like cork, harvested sustainably every nine years without harming trees.
- Vegan, water-based, low-VOC wood glue that’s FDA approved for indirect food contact.
- Energy-efficient LED lighting to reduce lifetime energy consumption.
- Employee benefits include fair wages starting 33% above living wage, healthcare contributions, paid medical leave, and a strong diversity, equity, and inclusion commitment.
- Annual investments in environmental nonprofits such as Surfrider Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.
Design Philosophy and Material Reverence
At the heart of Grain’s work is a deep respect for materials. The team spends a lot of time thinking about what goes into each product, designing with intention and reverence. Their American-made goods are crafted with care, using domestic hardwoods that meet FSC standards, which means the wood comes from forests managed to preserve biodiversity and support local communities. Cork, another favorite material, is sustainably harvested from cork oak trees that can live up to 200 years—harvested by hand every nine years without any harm to the tree. This thoughtful approach to materials ensures that every piece is purposeful and built to last.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
Grain’s commitment goes beyond just the environment. They’re serious about supporting their team’s health, safety, and well-being. Employees receive fair salaries starting well above the living wage for Kitsap County, healthcare contributions, workers’ compensation, and up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave. There’s also a policy supporting breastfeeding mothers, 24 days of paid vacation and holidays, and a culture of partner mentorship to encourage growth and education within the studio. This holistic approach reflects Grain’s belief that a responsible business nurtures both people and planet.
Roots and Recognition
Chelsea and James Minola met as industrial design students at the Rhode Island School of Design, bringing together diverse backgrounds—Chelsea with a BFA in Interior Design from Pratt Institute, and James with studies in mechanical engineering and wooden boat building. Their combined expertise fuels Grain’s innovative approach to product design. The brand proudly acknowledges that their studio operates on the ancestral land of the Coast Salish and Suquamish people, surrounded by the Salish Sea. Grain’s work is also represented year-round at the Colony co-operative showroom in New York, connecting them to the broader independent American design community.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – through fair wages and safe working conditions.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by combining modern manufacturing with traditional craft.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – via sustainable materials and made-to-order production.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – as a Climate Neutral certified brand actively reducing carbon footprint.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – through sourcing FSC-certified wood and supporting biodiversity.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with artisans and environmental nonprofits.
Looking Ahead
Grain continues to evolve, embracing the idea that perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. They’re constantly learning and improving how they operate, always striving to be as environmentally and socially responsible as possible. Each product they create is more than just an object; it’s a small step toward designing a more sustainable future. With a strong foundation in American design and a clear vision for impact, Grain is carving out a meaningful space in the furniture and home goods industry, proving that thoughtful design can truly make a difference.
