Purple’s Design Director Karry Larkin has earned the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate certification for sustainable design.
Larkin now joins an elite network of design professionals that are trained to help projects focus on energy conservation, minimal use of resources and reducing pollution, as well as contributing to healthier environments for their users and the community.
The LEED Green Associate programme is administered by Green Business Certification Inc.
The scheme’s rigorous testing standards ensure that trained professionals keep up with the latest industry trends and remain well-informed about sustainable design, construction and operation.
Larkin recently led the end-to-end sustainability strategy – from sourcing eco-friendly materials to design – for Purple’s project with Distell Global Travel Retail (now CVH Spirits). She was involved in developing the Amarula retail toolkit for the brand’s installation at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Terminal 1A. As reported, the display featured an elephant sculpture made entirely out of recycled plywood and without the use of glue.
The integrated retail marketing, design and communications agency noted that Larkin’s new capabilities enable them to implement new sustainable strategies and promote energy-efficient practices across global marketing channels.
It also said that it now offers its clients, partners and contractors sustainable design recommendations, as well as guidelines for enhancing existing designs to minimise the environmental impact of brand storytelling.
Larkin said: “As the alarming impact of humanity on the planet becomes more evident, we as designers have an essential role to play in building a cleaner, greener future for those that come after us. 
“I am proud to be part of a group that is leading from the front, and I’m eager to use my knowledge from the LEED Green Associate programme to inspire Purple’s creative team, clients and contractors to make sustainability a key consideration in retail design projects across the globe.”
Purple Managing Partner Olivier Grometto also commented: “We are delighted that Karry has received the LEED Green Associate credential from Green Business Certification Inc.
Karry’s passion and commitment is exemplified by this industry-leading accreditation that positions her as a genuine authority in green design and will assist Purple in helping its clients meet their own sustainability targets. This certification is a testament to Purple’s ambitious five-year goals and inspires us to continue our journey towards a Purple World and a greener future.”
Commenting on the increased importance of sustainability in partnership with Purple, Penfolds Global Marketing Manager for Global Travel Retail Lina Lim said: “Treasury Wine Estates has made ongoing commitments to sustainability that touch every aspect of the business, including the way we package and activate our products.
“Given our responsibilities, as well as the increasing importance of sustainability to global shoppers, we’re excited to have a design partner in Purple that is so clearly invested in the future of green design.”
As reported, the Purple brand was introduced in 2022 by the combined agency group FILTR.QINGWA, and is independently owned by Olivier Grometto, Alex Cook, Nick Sutton and Lucy Hillyard.
In 2022, it was awarded a Bronze Sustainability Rating, placing it in the top 50% of sustainable businesses according to business sustainability ratings company, EcoVadis.
Looking ahead, the global agency group said that it is targeting ISO 14001 and B Corp certifications, and is further investing in its team to acquire the LEED AP Interior Design + Construction certification. ✈
