Joel Tanner & smpl Design Studio

Joel Tanner, is the CEO and Creative Director at Hamilton based, smpl Design Studio. The business launched in 2010 with a goal of bringing sustainable, modern, practical and livable solutions to the forefront of residential design. smpl is a relatively new donor to WPC connecting to our mission through 1% for the Planet, an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their gross annual revenue to environmental causes to protect the environment. 

Inspired by 1% for the Planet’s mission and to join a global network committed to working together to support people and the planet, smpl joined the 1% membership in 2021 where WPC is recognized as Environmental Partner.

Committed to the greater good and an advocate for planet Earth, Joel encourages the smpl team to get involved in selecting the environmental organizations who benefit from their support – emphasizing the importance of making a positive impact and how every little bit makes a difference. smpl has supported over 25 environmental organizations through their involvement with 1%.

“As CEO of smpl Design Studio, being a passionate lover of our environment for years and years, I made the decision 24 months ago for our firm to join 1% for the planet. We firmly believe in Yvon Chouinards guidance and all that he’s done for society over the last several decades, and we wanted our firm to be a part of that positive change. With that commitment, we donate 1% of our company’s gross sales to amazing organizations that mean the world to not just me personally : but our team members as well. In December of last year, to top up our donations for the 2023 Calendar year, we reached out to our 20 team members and asked them who THEY wanted to support. Alyssa Mirizio, a junior designer here at smpl, picked Wildlife Preservation Canada. It is so powerful for us as a team to make a difference, and make a difference TOGETHER!! Every small step that we all take can make a massive difference as a whole for our society.” – Joel Tanner

Joel’s passion for the environment was cultivated at a young age. His parents instilled in him the value and importance of giving back and being a good environmental steward. He continues to emphasize these values within his family, educating his kids on issues related to our planet and its people.

 We are grateful to Joel and the smpl team for their generous support and commitment to Canada’s endangered species, and to 1% for the Planet for creating a platform for businesses to join together in an effort to maximize positive environmental impact.