Discover how GWI integrates wellness principles to enhance employee well-being and sustainability.
Our ASID Industry Partners and design members weigh-in on the importance of WELLness today.
written by KAREN HICKEY6
Nature-Inspired Home: West Coast Wellness
A connection to the natural world encourages wellness, and a sustainable home benefits the environment.
written by SARAH BARNARD11
Wellness in Business Starts at Home… Companies must embrace wellness by developing holistic solutions.
written by JENNIFER BERTHELOT-JELOVIC12
Discover how GWI integrates wellness principles to enhance employee well-being and sustainability.
written by NATHAN TURCZAN, GWI - PRODUCT MANAGERDesigners must adopt a people-centric style to enhance one’s physical and mental experience of a space.
written by GAIL E. JAMENTZ
Designers must acknowledge the impact of workplace design on overall wellness.
written by JACQUELINE STEINBERG, ASIDMark your calendar for our many exciting events, meetings and conferences.
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Editor-in-chief: Karen Hickley, Allied ASID
Contributing Writers:
Karen Hickey
Gail E. Jamentz
Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic
Jacqueline Steinberg, ASID
Anna Strain, Sarah Barnard Design LLC
The California Los Angeles Chapter of ASID covers a geographic area extending from San Luis Obispo in the north down to the Orange County line, and from the Pacific Ocean east to Palm Springs and the desert communities. With over 500 interior designers, 270 industry partners and 200 student members, ASID Los Angeles is one of the largest ASID chapters. We represent some of the most influential and trendsetting interior designers in the United States. As a chapter, we strive to increase and enhance interior design practice skills through continuing professional education, and ensure designers’ right to practice through state and national advocacy. We also educate consumers on the value of hiring an interior design professional to protect their health, safety and welfare. Finally, we aim to expand markets for all members and provide and promote opportunities and incentives for active participation of our membership.
The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) advances the interior design profession and communicates the impact of design on the human experience.
We collaborate with others to promote the value of interior design. We prepare our members to excel in a dynamic and evolving profession. We generate, collect and disseminate applied knowledge.
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PLEASE NOTE: Editorial and contents of this magazine reflect the records of the ASID Los Angeles (ASID LA). ASID LA has done its best to provide useful and accurate information, but please take into account that some information does change. E&M Consulting, Inc., publishers, and ASID LA take no responsibility for the accuracy of the information printed, inadvertent omissions or printing errors. We take no responsibility regarding representations or warranties concerning the content of advertisements of products/services for a particular use, including all information, graphics, copyrighted materials, and assertions included in the advertisements. The reader is advised to independently check all information before basing decisions on such information. Any views or opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of E&M Consulting, Inc., publishers.
ASID CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
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President
Karen Hickey, Allied ASID
President-Elect
Julie Arcelay
Director At-Large
Jacqueline Steinberg, ASID
Professional Development Director
Shelby Fowler, Allied ASID
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Susan McIntyre-Young, Allied ASID
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For this issue, we asked our ASID Industry Partners and design members to weigh-in on the importance of WELLness today and how the principals of such are used in their philosophy and practice of business and design.
LA’s award-winning designer, Sarah Barnard, ASID, LEED and WELL AP, showcases a beautiful home for a family that incorporates sustainable products and energy.
ASID designer Gail E. Jamentz, of Soul Interiors Design, not only practices the principals of WELLness in her daily life, but emphasizes its importance and incorporates it into her projects.
Elsewhere in these pages, our own Board Member Jacqueline Steinberg, ASID, explores ways that designers can help impact a healthy workspace.
Finally, while our chapter was searching for local companies who embrace WELLness, we were introduced to GWI, a team of experts dedicated to providing the best-in-class low-voltage technology integration services and promoting sustainability.
I hope these stories inspire you to incorporate WELLness into your services.
Best,
Karen Hickey, Allied ASID ASID Los Angeles Chapter President
Aconnection with the environment that surrounds us encourages wellness; this can manifest within the home in multiple ways. Biophilic design incorporates aesthetic elements of the outdoors into the home. Using natural, organic, sustainable and ethically sourced materials contributes to a healthy living environment that promotes eco-friendly production methods. Also, considering sustainable, functional elements for the household benefits the environment and contributes to selfsufficiency for contemporary living.
The owner of this West Coast residence considered all of these elements when remodeling their oceanside home. Being naturalists and environmentalists, they wanted their home to reflect their passion for nature while contributing to conserving it through sustainable materials and energy sources. Pollination was chosen as a cohesive concept throughout the house, as it is a crucial component of our environment which is also beautiful. This house achieves a dual function of being practical/sustainable and also aesthetically pleasing. Visual signifiers
of pollination, such as flowers, bees, moths and birds, appear within functional and decorative elements throughout the house.
The wellness room has a beautiful view overlooking the ocean. Interior designer Sarah Barnard, WELL and LEED AP, took a minimalist approach to this room, using fine yet simple materials to highlight the beautiful outdoor surroundings and existing architectural features such as the ceiling beams. Barnard’s design practice focuses on wellness, and this simplicity helps to create a relaxing and soothing environment. This approach also utilizes the ample natural light of the space, while large articulating sconces are a functional design feature within the room that offer alternative lighting options. This room also features a moth collage by Karen Sikie. Sikie creates a form of collage called “paper mosaics” made from an array of recycled decorative papers; her work takes inspiration from the beauty of nature and our connection to it. Her work is featured throughout the house.
The primary bathroom incorporates natural materials through bespoke design elements developed with meticulous attention to detail. These include tailor-made stone moldings and found stones used as faucet handles.
The rough-hewn quality of the wall tile creates a 3D texture that highlights the earthy qualities of its material. These tiles are a specialized form of ceramic that was traditionally used for Japa -
“ Interior designer Sarah Barnard, WELL and LEED AP, took a minimalist approach to this room, using fine yet simple materials to highlight the beautiful outdoor surroundings and existing architectural features such asthe
ceiling beams.A Calacata Avorio marble island offers a large surface to prepare food or enjoy breakfast while admiring exterior views.
A bromeliad in a deep wooden planter welcomes visitors to the top floor. nese roofing; the firing process makes each tile unique, adding to the overall hand-made feel.
This balance between luxury production and rugged, natural materials are echoed in the custom vanity hand-made by a local artisan. The soft curve of the cabinet corner creates a soothing and calm aesthetic. Built elements such as outlets are recessed into the vanity and camouflaged by the same wood veneer covering the outlet plate, minimizing the intrusion of functional elements within the space.
The full entry closet is tailor-made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified Ash, chosen for its beautiful sheen. This specialized cabinetry features built-in drawers for storing clothes and a mirror framed in the same woodwork. This cabinetry also conceals functional features such as a safe for keeping cherished family heirlooms/valuables.
The owner studies and photographs birds and wanted to reflect this passion in their home office space. The rustic shape of reclaimed wood is integrated into the design of the desk, transforming its natural form into a functional object. An assort-
ment of eco-inspired objects, such as a vintage brass bird lamp, frog bookends and mineral specimens, decorate the room. This room also features a fabric Roman shade made from Tradescant’s hummingbird stripe fabric. Hummingbirds not only relate to the client’s interest in studying birds, but they also play an important role in pollination.
A prominent feature of the living room is a custom-built concrete fireplace with a copper inlay inspired by Japanese Kintsugi pottery. Thought to have originated in the 15 th century, Kintsugi is the practice of repairing broken pottery with metal staples, gold or gold/lacquer compound. The repairs become a beautiful design element of the restored piece. The copper inlay within the concrete fireplace touches on this aesthetic and philosophical view, connecting the house’s architecture to ideas of sustainable practices such as repairing objects and recycling materials. These ideas carry through in the hand-crafted coffee table made from repurposed wood, the imperfections of its natural form reclaimed and celebrated as a piece of furniture.
This room also features a painting by Ivy Jacobson, whose work seeks to reflect the feeling of peace and calm experienced when surrounded by nature. The wall sconces in the living room made from poured porcelain were specially designed by Barnard, who worked with a local artisan to fabricate them. They take inspiration from the calming ocean view seen from the client’s home. This influence of the ocean continues within the living room light fixture, hand-made from washi paper; this feature is light and airy, giving the feeling of floating in the sea and subtly resembling a seashell.
The porcelain flower lighting fixtures in the family room create an organic flow from the living room as their shape and material are harmonious with those in the former. Barnard customized the color temperature of these pendant lights from 3,000k to 2,700k. This room also features a painting of birds by Kaoru Mansour, reflecting the homeowners’ interest in ornithology.
Barnard designed the kitchen to be an ergonomic space with counter heights customized to meet the owner’s functional needs. Fine quality details such as solid bronze cabinet handles and recessed shelves made from slabs of glass combine beauty with functionality. The pantry was designed with additional cold food storage concealed within specialized cabinetry, contributing to the household’s self-sufficiency.
The second bathroom draws from the home’s proximity to the ocean; the sink features a raised pattern of Koi fish, and kelpinspired glass mosaic tiles adorn the wall.
This bathroom features details such as bronze cabinet hardware, custom stone molding and a round soaking tub, making economical use of limited space. The drop-down shower seat is made from FSC Certified, responsibly harvested teak.
The entryway to the house features two bronze wall sconces by David Weisman, an American designer whose work draws deep inspiration from the natural world. The simplicity of the entryway brings attention to the subtle elegance of these sconces, which examine the beauty in something as humble as the Geranium leaf.
The stairway features a one-of-a-kind railing designed by Barnard; the cutouts are silhouettes of Queen Anne’s Lace, a plant favored by pollinators. The stairwell also features wall sconces shaped like abstracted tulips.
Even though the laundry is a functional space, Barnard gave much consideration to the aesthetic elements of this room. The artisanal floor tile is an 8-inch hexagonal shape made from concrete and recycled clay; this tile is subtly reminiscent of a honeycomb, while its materials are also sustainable. The terrazzo counter is made with recycled materials produced from factory leftovers. The existing footprint of the laundry was reconfigured to include a laundry sink, washer and
two dryers to facilitate the self-sufficiency of the owner and their family.
The half bath features a flower field wall tile, creating an immersive abstract floral space. The floor, vanity and molding are tailor-made from onyx, highlighting the natural beauty of these fine materials.
The guest bedroom features hand-crafted cabinetry made from FSC Certified Elm. Details within this room, such as bronze cast drawer pulls shaped like moths and specially designed vents in the shape of a honeycomb, summon the presence of pollinators as we encounter them in the outside world.
Barnard customized the flower-shaped ceiling light, working with the manufacturer to make the stamen in a personalized copper finish. The scale of this flower light almost creates a surrealist element within the room, as the person inhabiting this space experiences the pollinators’ perspective.
The guest bathroom is perhaps the most visually striking within the residence. This room features cabinets hand-made from locally salvaged sycamore and bronze cast moth-shaped hardware.
The hexagonal floor tiles were crafted specially for this residence from a piece of marble sourced by Barnard specifically for its golden honey tones. This material was shaped
into hexagonal tiles, some of which include a golden bee inlay. The copper-tone tile within the shower itself creates a luxuriously ornate, glimmering collection of textures.
The dining room features a delicate handmade porcelain illuminated Ginkgo leaf sculpture specially crafted for the room. The custom dining table partners harmoniously with the classic Cherner chairs. The fireplace was redesigned to replace burning wood with natural gas, an eco-friendlier alternative. A driving force of this renovation was to become more sustainable and less dependent on the grid, with the client installing solar panels and converting all other gas appliances to electric to make the house sustainable and self-sufficient. The ways in which we coexist with the natural world in our everyday life have the potential to resonate beyond us. Promoting a sense of calm, harmony and well-being and possibly motivating practical actions that make a meaningful contribution to preserving environments for future generations. This West Coast Wellness residence is a beautiful example of these ideals. Here, the beauty of art seeks to inspire eco-consciousnes s and living by example within a home that prioritizes sustainability.
Where do work and home start and end? In a day and age where people are glued to their phones and computers while at home, and companies struggle to get people into offices, the line between home and work has become blurred. Add a global pandemic to the mix, and homes have literally become offices, and mental health has become one of the highest costs of doing business.
So, what have we learned in the past decade about wellness in business? Health and wellness start at home, but it takes holistic solutions from organizations to create and support wellness opportunities at the organizational level, in the spaces people occupy and for the individual — wherever they are located.
What does this all mean? Looking back, I remember a time when I measured my own success by how full my calendar was, how much I had crammed into the day or week and how few hours I had slept. But as an involved single mom running a small business, working with numerous nonprofit organizations and sitting on multiple boards, I just didn’t see how to find the balance. I thought life was supposed to be “this way.”
I was the owner of a small business working in sustainability and wellness, and I started to question what kind of example I was setting for my employees, clients, partners, family, children and friends. I was, after all, a WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) and an expert in helping organizations prioritize the health and safety of their people, maximize their real estate value and optimize the human and social capital performance of their businesses.
The more WELL Building Standard (WELL) projects I worked on, the more I realized I needed to be living what I was sharing with my clients. I was so inspired by what organizations were doing for their occupants, employees, residents, students, customers and others. WELL helped me to see where my personal life and my company’s culture were lacking in the important opportunities to support our health and well-being by using solutions that are based in science and are thirdparty verified. WELL helped me to understand that wellness in business starts with me at home.
If I am not making sure that I am taking care of myself, how am I supposed to support my business, employees, clients and partners?
When the pandemic hit in 2020, organizations were clamoring for solutions they could trust. Once again, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), (the world’s leading organization focused on deploying people-first places to advance a global culture of health through the administration of WELL Certifications, WELL Ratings, WELL AP credentialing, research, education and advocacy); provided the solutions organizations were so desperately seeking. WELL certifications and ratings provide holistic solutions that are transparent, measurable and third-party verified. This is why WELL is the preeminent wellness solution for organizations, their people and their spaces globally.
During and “post” pandemic, organizations around the world were struggling with how to safely occupy and/or reenter their spaces and how to operate them. Occupants were demanding very different wellness needs to continue employment or come back to their spaces.
One of the reasons people are drawn to WELL is because it is holistic and addresses so many issues organizations are dealing with “post” pandemic or in the “new normal.” WELL addresses the individual: the employee, occupant, resident, student, customer. WELL addresses the individual’s personal mental health, stress, addiction, parental support, family support, diversity, equity, inclusion and creates spaces where all people feel welcome.
Another reason people are drawn to WELL is that it holistically addresses the spaces people occupy through 10 focused concepts: air, water, nourishment, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community. WELL also provides organizations pathways to support their people with policies, procedures and operations that support their well-being in the workplace and at home and provides a roadmap for organizations to provide diversity, equity and inclusion in every aspect of their business.
Before the pandemic, Wellness in Business looked like Facebook and Apple campuses, bring
your dog to work policies, a workout room or gym membership, a kitchen with snacks (usually not healthy snacks), a free wearable fitness tracker, health-focused competitions and other fun and inviting perks. Since the pandemic, people are more aware and educated about things like air and water quality, mental health, health care and access and how much their spaces impact their daily health in mind, body and spirit.
As people focus more on their personal health and well-being and the spaces they occupy, businesses now, more than ever, are tasked with being able to communicate to their people how they have committed to their occupants’ well-being in a way that is holistic and in a way their occupants can trust.
When it comes to Wellness in Business, the market has made it very clear that people want to be in spaces that not only make them feel healthier but are also passively supporting their health and wellbeing through policies, procedures, operations, design and construction. WELL provides a pathway for Organizations to choose their own adventure while using proven, transparent, third-party verified solutions for all people and spaces. This is so important in business as the lines between home and office continue to become increasingly blurred with the necessity of the home office born out of the pandemic.
As people, healthcare and mental health costs continue to climb for businesses, taking care of people should be an organization’s focus. Which takes us back to Wellness in Business starts at home, but it takes holistic solutions from organizations to create and support wellness opportunities at the organizational level, in the spaces people occupy and for the individual — wherever they are located. Businesses have learned that investing in their people is their best return on investment and creates businesses and people that thrive and prosper.
Jennifer Berthelot-Jelovic, WELL AP, WELL Faculty, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP Homes, and LEED Faculty; is the President and CEO of A SustainAble Production, LLC (ASAP).
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced and demanding business world, the importance of wellness is increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of success. Organizations are reshaping their environments to prioritize well-being, fostering employee health and contentment. Leading the way in integrated technology solutions, Global Wave Integration (GWI) is at the forefront of designing and integrating spaces into the workplace that promote wellness and sustainability.
GWI’s people-centric design approach helps to enhance the traditional place of business, supplementing cubicles and offices with open spaces that foster employee well-being and comfort. Incorporating elements like biophilia, human-centric lighting and acoustics, GWI creates environments that foster relaxation, inspiration and productivity.
From nature-inspired digital art and circadian lighting to immersive activity spaces like home golf simulators and fitness areas, every detail is carefully designed to enhance the overall experience. By prioritizing the health and happiness of employees, GWI creates workspaces that promote well-being and elevate performance.
GWI is committed to environmental sustainability through the integration of energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy solutions and smart building systems. By incorporating a building automation system that optimizes energy use, as well as air and water purification systems that reduce harmful pollutants, GWI creates healthier and more eco-friendly spaces. Additionally, their use of solar batteries and energy management systems ensures clean and reliable power while minimizing the environmental footprint. GWI’s dedication to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their designs, promoting a greener future for businesses and the planet.
GWI leverages advanced technology to optimize business environments for wellness. Through smart lighting systems, intuitive controls and wellness monitoring platforms, GWI creates spaces that support well-being.
Utilizing advanced sensors, GWI’s wellness rooms can accurately detect the number of occupants and their activities within the space, whether it be standing, sitting, doing yoga or engaging in other wellness activities. This valuable data is then fed into GWI’s AI Bot architecture, which leverages machine learning to understand individuals’ routines and office patterns. As a result, the room’s various features, such as digital art, lighting, HVAC and immersive audio, are intelligently automated to align with the activities of daily living. The wellness room becomes a dynamic and responsive environment that seamlessly adapts to the needs and preferences of its occupants.
GWI’s unwavering commitment to promoting wellness in the business environment is evident in its people-centric design, environmental sustainability efforts and integration of technology for wellness. By prioritizing employee health and comfort, incorporating energy-efficient solutions and leveraging advanced technologies, GWI is at the forefront of the wellness movement. These efforts not only enhance productivity and well-being but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.
GWI’s holistic approach aligns with the growing recognition of wellness as a crucial aspect of business success, and it continues to shape the future of business environments where wellness, sustainability and innovation thrive.
When it comes to storage, consider partnering with a closet designer to gain an inside perspective. They work with storage space planning every day, so they can help come up with solutions for a space. 1 Clients want a space where they feel they can be organized. Integrate the storage space in a way that feels natural. 1 Sneak storage into family rooms by using multi-purpose furniture or use a bookcase as a room divider. 1 Space is valuable, especially in smaller homes. Maximize the space by replacing dressers with dedicated storage inside the closet. 1 When working with limited space, utilizing the wall space can help keep things up off the floor to
written by EMILY DENIO, E&M CONSULTING, INC.increase your storage without blocking off more of the room. 3 Add shelves, decorative baskets and hooks for additional storage. 3
In the kitchen, cabinets that hide appliances can be added to blend into the overall area. 1 Good storage is a priority for new home buyers. 1 They want a laundry room, linen closets and walk-in pantries. 1 All closets need laundry storage, and clients want contemporary design. 1 Try mixing colors and textures for a unique look. 1 Aside from looking pretty, being organized is good for your mental health. 2 Organizing takes time, and life can get in the way of taking the time to sort through stuff. Ease that burden for your client by
providing stylish storage areas. Organization can help improve sleep, reduce stress and even make you more productive. 2 Educate your clients on the benefits of creating a plan for their storage needs. 1 It should happen early in the process to make executing the plan easier. 1
Sources:
1. https://mn.asid.org/design-directions/ asid-minnesota-newsletter
2. https://intermountainhealthcare.org/ blogs/topics/live-well/2018/04/canorganizing-impact-your-mental-health
3. www.angi.com/articles/sneak-storagedecorate-awkward-spaces.htm
written by GAIL E. JAMENTZ
In today’s business world, there is a trifecta of change that has the ability to impact our relevance as professional service providers. With the confluence of artificial intelligence (AI), more retail organizations offering complimentary design services, and many homeowners believing they are a designer just because they can create an Insta-worthy mood board — our significance as trained experts will be challenged if we don’t evolve.
Positioning ourselves as more than just a creator of beautiful and functional spaces is critical to remain viable.
And we all know we are SO much more than just problem solvers.
We improve lives . We elevate mental and physical well-being. We are a conduit for our client’s self-expression. We build community.
But do our customers really understand that? Or do they just view us as a resource to fix space-planning issues, procure furnishings or supply vetted subcontractors?
“ It’s time to elevate the value proposition of what we really offer as an industry and be seen as change agents for a better life.Photo Credit: Lauren Taylor Creative Photo Credit: Robert Morning Photography
It’s time to elevate the value proposition of what we really offer as an industry and be seen as change agents for a better life.
An ideal way to achieve this is by integrating a thoughtful discussion about wellness design during the initial client interview.
Wellness design is not a fad or trend. It’s not LEED (which focuses on sustainability and energy impact), nor is it Feng Shui or just Biophilia. All common misconceptions.
The global, science-backed movement, conceived by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in New York, puts people’s health at the center of building design. This people-centric approach, commonly implemented in commercial spaces, is based on 10 pillars that enhance one’s physical and mental experience of a space. These wellness pillars include offering: healthy air quality, filtered water, natural light, access to nature, opportunities for movement, areas for community, nutritious food, sound mitigation, non-toxic building materials, beautiful aesthetics and physical comfort. All sounds wonderful, right?
And with most of us spending nearly 90% of our life indoors, helping our clients occupy spaces that support their physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing so they can function optimally, alleviate stress and enhance their happiness gives more significance to our role. Not to mention, it feels wonderful to know you are helping someone live a healthier and more joyful life.
Additionally, increasing one’s wellness design knowledge provides an opportunity to sell a variety of new industry products and systems to residential and commercial property owners, as well as help them add more value to their home or building.
As noted in the recent ASID 2023 Trend Outlook report, luxury homes that feature wellnessrelated products are in demand, as homeowners desire to create homes that are “wellness retreats” from the stresses of our world. And wealthy buyers are willing to pay for design that promotes wellness and wellbeing. They value intentionally designed spaces that offer a comforting, relaxing, yet luxurious aesthetic.
This coveted demographic is also seeking unique wellness experiences, as noted by the rise in private social wellness clubs, as well as health-related experiences at luxury travel destinations. All noteworthy trends that are influencing hospitality design.
But wellness design is not just “healthy for the wealthy,” as some media journalists have implied. It is a shift in consciousness that should inform our design discussions going forward regardless of a client’s budget.
And thankfully, industry manufacturers are responding, as seen at this year’s KBIZ 2023, by creating a variety of new health-related appliances, plumbing fixtures, finish materials and construction products at various price points. And more and more consumers are opening their wallets for these wellness and sustainable products that align with their values and concerns.
Commercial property owners are also seeing the benefit of offering WELL amenities as they try to entice remote workers to return to the office. Landlords that invest in designing WELL-certified workspaces and demonstrate their commitment to employee health have noted improvements in employee retention, productivity and morale. Employee absenteeism also reduces, and staff engagement typically rises because working in a well-lit space that offers a connection to nature, quality air and water systems, flexible desking, healthy foods, areas for movement and connection with others sets people up for success.
So regardless of the design discipline — residential, commercial or hospitality — the opportunity as designers to help clients thrive through the environment is immense and much-needed to create a healthier and happy world.
Gail E. Jamentz, is Principal of Soul Interiors
Design, a
enhancing wellness through
According to the ASID 2023 Trends Outlook, designers need to be knowledgeable about the profound impact that workplace design can play on employee well-being, productivity, satisfaction and overall success. Companies are placing a growing emphasis on incorporating wellness principles into various aspects of the workplace. By creating an environment that promotes wellness and nurtures the physical, mental and emotional health of employees, businesses can foster a more positive and productive work culture. Designers should emphasize the importance of wellness for businesses and incorporate the following strategies for achieving a harmonious and inspiring workspace.
Creating a Health-Conscious Environment: Natural Light and Biophilic Design: Natural light has a significant impact on mood, productivity and overall well-being. Incorporating ample windows, skylights and glass partitions allows natural light to flood the workspace, reducing eye strain and promoting a connection with the outdoors. Biophilic design principles, such as integrating greenery, living walls or indoor plants, can further enhance the connection to nature, improve air quality and create a calming ambiance.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Office furniture should be designed with ergonomics in mind to support the physical well-being of employees. Adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs and proper equipment placement can help prevent musculoskeletal issues and improve posture. Comfortable breakout areas and relaxation spaces can also provide employees with opportunities for rejuvenation and stress reduction.
Promoting Mental Well-being: Mindful Spaces: Designated areas for meditation, reflection or quiet contemplation can contribute to mental well-being. These spaces can be designed as tranquil corners with comfortable seating, soft lighting and soothing colors. Incorporating elements such as natural materials, calming scents or soundproofing can enhance the overall experience and promote relaxation.
Art and Aesthetics: The aesthetic appeal of a workspace has a profound impact on employees’ mood and creativity. Engaging artwork, visually appealing colors and thoughtful design elements can stimulate the senses, inspire innovation and contribute to a positive work environment. The inclusion of murals, wall art or rotating exhibitions can also create a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere.
Encouraging Social Connection: Collaborative Spaces: Encouraging collaboration and interaction among employees is crucial for fostering a sense of community. Open-plan layouts, communal areas and shared workstations can promote teamwork, communication and a sense of belonging. Incorporating comfortable seating arrangements, flexible meeting spaces and technology-enabled collaboration tools can further facilitate effective teamwork.
Breakout Areas: Designing inviting breakout areas or social hubs provides employees with spaces to relax, socialize and build relationships outside of their immediate workstations. These areas can be equipped with cozy seating, games or recreational facilities, offering employees a chance to unwind and recharge during breaks, ultimately boosting productivity and overall satisfaction.
Wellness-oriented interior design has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to prioritize employee well-being and create a positive work environment. By integrating elements that address physical, mental and social well-being, businesses can enhance productivity, foster creativity and cultivate a culture that values the health and happiness of its employees. Investing in wellness-focused interior design not only benefits the individuals within the organization but also contributes to the overall success and growth of the business.
Jacqueline Steinberg, ASID, is the owner of Eve Mode Design.
