Shaping Sustainable Futures Through Design
Our Philosophy
At MIO, we see design as a powerful catalyst for change. We’re committed to shifting cultural values towards sustainable and equitable systems, utilizing design, artistry, and science to address complex global challenges and inspire creativity across communities.
Our Journey
From a one-bedroom start-up in 2001 to a trailblazing leader in sustainable design, our journey is a tale of passion, innovation, and resilience.
Discover Our Story
Jaime Salm: Creativity Without Limits
Jaime was always the artistic one in the family, exploring every creative outlet his parents encouraged—ceramics, painting, engraving, carpentry, music, and sculpture. As a teenager, sculpture became his passion. He spent weekends scouring junkyards in nearby towns, removing the passenger seat of his car to haul home rusted gears, beams, and rebar—his raw materials for creation. With an arc welder gifted for his birthday, he transformed metal scraps into art, plugging into the clothes dryer’s 220-volt outlet whenever he had the chance. This was the start of Jaime’s lifelong journey in the art of repurposing.
Isaac Salm: Business for Good
Isaac was sharp, pragmatic, and always a step ahead. As a kid, he kept his growing collection of CDs and model cars in perfect order, untouched by his brothers' chaos. He had an instinct for business—spotting opportunities where others didn’t. During the holidays, he and Jaime repurposed the silicone packaging from imported chocolates into molds for handmade candles, which Isaac sold effortlessly. Navigating deals with older kids and adults, he quickly learned how to read people, anticipate needs, and turn ideas into action. He understood systems—how things worked and how they could work better. These early experiences shaped his empathetic management style and his talent for bridging ideas, industries, and people—skills that would later define MIO’s approach to sustainable design and innovation.
The genesis of MIO was marked by innovation, a bold vision, and a touch of audacity. At their first tradeshow, the Salm brothers proudly introduced their debut collection—thoughtfully designed, sustainably crafted, and unlike anything else on the market. When visitors inquired about their "green products," Isaac quickly realized that sustainability, at the time, was still seen through a narrow lens. People expected muted tones, raw textures, and an aesthetic that signaled eco-consciousness in the most obvious ways. Instead, MIO’s designs were vibrant, modern, and meticulously crafted—not green in color, but green in philosophy. That moment underscored what would become a defining principle of MIO: sustainability doesn’t have to look the way people expect it to. It can be bold, refined, and full of life. It’s not just about the materials used but about rethinking processes, repurposing resources, and challenging conventions. What began as a small, unconventional debut has since evolved into a brand that refuses to compromise between design and responsibility. MIO continues to push boundaries, proving that sustainability is not a limitation—it’s an opportunity to create better products, smarter systems, and a more thoughtful future.
The Hat Trick: A Lesson in Reinvention
A chance visit to a Philadelphia hat shop sparked one of MIO’s most unexpected breakthroughs. Among rows of felt and straw hats, the Salm brothers saw more than headwear—they saw untapped potential. When they learned the hats were handcrafted upstairs using century-old molds, curiosity took over. What if hats weren’t just for heads? That question led to a creative experiment. Instead of shaping the felt into traditional brims and crowns, they flipped the forms upside down, transforming them into sculptural bowls and lampshades. A single-purpose object became something entirely new. This "hat trick" became more than a clever design solution—it defined MIO’s philosophy. Rethink. Repurpose. Reimagine. A hat could be a bowl, just as a factory could be adapted for unexpected possibilities. Sustainability wasn’t just about materials; it was about seeing beyond limits. That mindset still drives MIO today—proof that sometimes, the simplest shift in perspective leads to the most extraordinary ideas.
Our Commitments
MIO’s guiding principle, Responsible Desire, makes sustainability something people genuinely want—not out of guilt, but because it enhances their lives. Through good design, eco-efficient manufacturing, and storytelling, we shift perceptions and values, inspiring choices that naturally lead to reduced waste, smarter consumption, and a healthier planet.
We source with purpose.
Material selection is the foundation of sustainable design. We prioritize mono-materials for easier recyclability and reduced waste contamination while sourcing certified materials like FSC-certified wood products, Red List-free components, and recycled or upcycled resources. Beyond environmental impact, we seek materials with social and ecological benefits, supporting fair labor practices, regenerative production, and waste diversion initiatives. By partnering with manufacturers who share our values, we ensure that every material contributes to a more responsible and sustainable future.
We design for circularity.
Sustainability isn’t just about responsible materials—it’s about designing for longevity, adaptability, and the full product lifecycle. Our products are intentionally crafted to integrate into industrial or natural cycles, ensuring that resources remain in use for as long as possible. We carefully match materials to their use cycles, balancing durability with end-of-life solutions that allow for easy disassembly, reuse, or recycling. By prioritizing modularity and material selection, we create products that not only last but also evolve with changing needs.
We close the loop.
A circular future is only possible if sustainable choices are accessible and intuitive. That’s why we focus on designing for disassembly, material recovery, and responsible disposal. We make it easier for consumers and businesses to participate in circular systems—whether through recycling, upcycling, or return programs. Sustainability shouldn’t be complicated or costly; it should be a seamless part of everyday life. By designing products with clear, actionable end-of-life solutions, we help bridge the gap between good intentions and real environmental impact.
Our Blog
Acoustic Art Panels vs. Traditional Wall Art — What’s Best for Sound & Style?
We adorn our walls to reflect who we are, set a mood, and bring visual harmony into a space. Traditional wall art—prints, tapestries, canvases, and soft furnishings—can offer emotional warmth and some acoustic softness. But when it comes to sound performance, these elements often fall short. If your space has echo, background noise, or lacks sonic comfort, it's time to improve room acoustics with solutions designed not just to look good—but to sound better too What Traditional Wall Art Can Do From gallery walls to vintage textiles, traditional décor adds personality and texture. Pieces made from soft, plush, or layered materials can absorb a small amount of sound, especially in more intimate spaces. A woven tapestry will always do more acoustically than a framed photo—but performance is typically minimal. What It Can’t Do In spaces with tall ceilings, glass, concrete, or minimal furnishings, flat decorative surfaces can actually bounce sound around. That means traditional wall art might amplify echo instead of softening it. If you’re noticing muddled speech during video...
How to Use Cardboard Room Dividers in Classrooms or Shared Offices
Creating dynamic and private learning environments is an ongoing challenge in both educational and professional settings. Whether in classrooms or offices, there's a growing need for flexible solutions that help organize space, support focus, and improve acoustics, without relying on permanent construction. Cardboard room dividers present a lightweight, sustainable option that meets these needs while adapting easily to changing layouts and uses. At MIO, we believe that materials are only as limited as the imagination shaping them. When we first began developing what would become our Nomad System, it wasn’t with cardboard in mind as the final solution. It was a sketch of an idea—a screen. A boundary. A way to create space where there was none. To test scale and form quickly, we mocked it up in cardboard. It was easy, familiar, accessible. But when we assembled the full-size prototype, something clicked. It felt sturdy. It looked beautiful. It felt light and effortless. In that moment, we asked the question that would redefine the project: What if we just...
Best Ceiling Tiles for Drop Ceilings – Soundproof & Sustainable Options
Drop Ceilings: More Than Meets the Eye Let’s set the scene: you walk into a garage, basement, or office and glance up. Odds are, you’re met with a drop ceiling. And if you just cringed a little, we get it. But before you write off those familiar 2x2 or 2x4 panels nestled in 15/16" T-bar grids, hear us out—because the drop ceiling is quietly staging a design comeback. Originally devised to hide pipes, ductwork, and wiring while offering easy access to it all, drop ceilings have been the unsung heroes of practicality. But function doesn't have to mean frumpy. With the right designer ceiling tiles, they’re shedding their fluorescent-lit office vibes and stepping into a whole new light. Redemption for the Ceiling Underdog We know the reputation: yellowing tiles, sagging panels, bad basement flashbacks. But drop ceilings have evolved. Now, they’re blank canvases for design-minded renovators and forward-thinking creatives. Done right, they can elevate your space acoustically and aesthetically—especially in those "I-never-know-what-to-do-with-this" rooms like garages and basement media lounges. [products...
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