Streamlining the Sampling Process: Why We Invested in Material Bank

Material Sampling has Historically been Broken for Consumers and Designers Alike

The architecture, design, and construction industries are large and varied, with approximately 40k A&D firms in the US alone. Projects range in size, end industry, and complexity - but ideation, planning, and processes typically follow a similar cadence. A key piece of the design process is sampling, but sampling is frequently executed in an inefficient and environmentally damaging manner. The traditional method for an architect, designer, or developer to procure samples is to painstakingly visit individual manufacturer websites and speak with brand reps to order desired material samples or discover new products. Samples are then shipped on an ad hoc basis, in individual packaging from separate manufacturers, taking 1-2 weeks to be delivered and creating undue waste and delays. Even as one of the world’s leading developers with a multi-billion dollar pipeline, Brookfield does not have a standardized sampling process, which drove our search for a partner to fix this process and led us to Material Bank.

Material Bank Streamlines the Process with an Amazon Prime-like Experience for Material Sampling

Material Bank is the world’s largest material sample marketplace, and its unified platform is the fastest and most powerful way to search and sample materials, offering access to 450+ brands across various material types. Not only can architects, designers, and developers search for specific materials based on important specifications, but also ideate and discover new materials through the wide breadth of offerings, unleashing their inspiration and creative energy. Material Bank has also solved the logistical side of sample fulfillment, offering an Amazon-like experience through:

• Nationwide next day shipping for orders placed through 12am the day before
• Consolidation of all samples from different manufacturers into a single package, eliminating waste
• Streamlined process to recycle samples and eliminate waste – simply flip the label on the box and drop it in the mail!

This commensurately reduces waste and empowers A&D and development firms to manage their own ESG footprint in a proactive way through Material Bank’s reporting capability. Returned samples are either re-circulated for future use, donated to educational institutions, or recycled pending their residual quality level.

The step change improvement Material Bank provides in the sampling process is evidenced by the company’s incredibly efficient growth to 450+ brands since launching in 2019, and in how beloved the company is by its supplier brands and design customers alike.

The Bright Future of Sampling

As Material Bank continues to innovate, there are huge opportunities for better and more environmentally friendly sampling processes, as well as stronger relationships with A&D and development / construction firms, brands, and consumers. By reducing friction and streamlining communication & access to a broad range of SKUs, Material Bank is arming firms with the technology needed to succeed in a digital world. In turn, supplier brands are building stronger customer connectivity and getting their samples in front of more architects, designers, and developers globally.

Material Bank’s innovation isn’t limited to the realm of commercial, large-scale design, but has already started to offer innovative solutions for consumers with its patented “Peel & Stick” paint samples. Created with real paint and color matched to exact specifications, these samples replace inefficient and expensive samples from mini-swatches to painting sections of a wall — instead, allowing consumers to interact with actual colors they can easily move between spaces.

Brookfield Growth’s View

Brookfield owns and operates $251BN of assets within its real estate arm alone, and has a development pipeline of over $10 billion. With Brookfield’s commitment to ESG and providing access to exceptional properties and experiences, this partnership unlocks new opportunities for our portfolio to standardize sampling. 100% of Brookfield’s core office properties have achieved a sustainability designation and bringing this commitment to every level of our processes (while making the lives of our employees and partners easier) is the next evolution in our journey.

We are thrilled to partner with an incredible operator in Adam Sandow, who has had a successful career within the industry as an innovator across advertising, design, and media. The next chapters for Material Bank will continue to improve the lives of its users and empower the creation and use of beautiful, functional spaces.

Brookfield Growth is excited to be working with Material Bank and we’re thrilled to be a piece of the Material Bank story as Adam and team continue to drive innovation in the industry. We’re also grateful to be investing alongside new and existing co-investors in Echo Street, 9Yards, SoftBank, Fifth Wall, Bond, Durable, General Catalyst, Raine, Bain, and others.