Material Bank

We are Material Bank, the world's largest marketplace for architectural, design, and construction materials. [1, 6, 34] Our journey began in January 2019, with a vision from our founder, Adam I. Sandow, to revolutionize the material sampling process. [1, 15] Before we came along, designers and architects often faced a fragmented and time-consuming ordeal, waiting weeks for samples from various suppliers and dealing with multiple shipments. We saw an opportunity to change that, to simplify and innovate this crucial part of the design journey. [3, 31]

Our platform is designed with the creative professional in mind. We offer a one-stop digital solution where architects and designers can explore a vast library of materials from hundreds of leading brands. [3, 8, 18] Think textiles, paints, flooring, wall coverings, and so much more – all available to browse and sample with ease. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to speed and efficiency. We enable designers to order samples from multiple manufacturers in a single, consolidated shipment, delivered overnight. [3, 6, 8] This means orders placed by midnight (ET) arrive by 10:30 AM the next day, always free for design professionals. [6, 12] This streamlined service has been shown to reduce material search times significantly, allowing more time for creativity and design. We're proud to have built a community of over 120,000 designers and architects who rely on us not just as a sampling platform, but as a source of discovery and connection.

Sustainability is at the core of our operations. [3, 12] We understand the environmental impact of the design and construction industry, and we're committed to making a positive difference. Our centralized shipping model inherently reduces emissions by consolidating samples into a single, efficient shipment. Furthermore, we've implemented systems to reuse and recycle materials, significantly reducing waste. [3, 12] We even ship our samples 100% carbon neutral and our proprietary packaging is designed to minimize waste, converting into a return box for unneeded samples. [8, 26] Material Bank is a Climate Pledge Signatory, committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Our story started with sampling, but it has grown into so much more – encompassing brand discovery, specification tools, and fostering human connection within the design world. [4, 23] We're driven by innovation and a passion for solving the biggest challenges facing the design industry, and we're excited to continue redefining its future. [4, 23]