By Elevate – Concept’s Design Strategy Team
In workplace design, we’re constantly balancing performance with wellbeing- and that’s not just about desk layouts and lighting levels. It’s also about how a space feels to be in. One of the most powerful tools we use to shape that feeling is biophilic design.
Biophilic design isn’t just about adding plants or ticking a sustainability box. It’s about creating spaces that feel calm, alive, and connected – through texture, warmth, movement, and natural rhythm. Through Elevate, we don’t treat this as a feature. It’s woven into the way we think, design, and build.
But rather than talk theory, we asked our design team to share how biophilia shows up in their work, and why it matters on a human level.
“Biophilic design to me is about bringing nature into our built environments in a meaningful way. The green space and blue space effects are real—incorporating these elements allow people to feel grounded and safe, which is incredibly important in healthcare and workplace design.” – Julia Payne, Interior Designer
More Than Just Plants
While plants are an important part of the picture, true biophilic design goes deeper. It’s about creating sensory experiences that mimic the natural world — dappled lighting, curved lines, natural materials, subtle movement, and a connection to outdoor views or rhythms.
“I like maximising natural light, greenery, and organic forms wherever possible. I also use colour palettes that reflect nature—warm tones, sandy neutrals, and timber to ground a space.” – Ellyn Tan, Interior Designer
In office spaces, we use strategies like soft, organic forms to break up rigid layouts, timber tones to bring warmth, and finishes that change subtly with the light. Even acoustic panels can reference natural materials or patterns. It’s not about copying nature, but evoking its calm, grounding influence.
Why It Works
Study after study confirms what we instinctively know – being in or around nature reduces stress, improves focus, and lifts mood. When applied to the built environment, biophilic design can improve air quality, increase productivity, and help people feel more connected to their surroundings.
“From my experience, occupying a space that includes natural light, views to greenery, and tactile natural materials makes a world of difference to mental wellbeing. I notice a genuine shift in how people behave in these environments.” – Emma Hynes, Senior Associate
In spaces where people work, think, meet or recover, those benefits can make a real difference – not just in how the space looks, but in how it feels to use it every day.
Designing for Wellbeing
Biophilic design also aligns beautifully with wellness-focused workplaces- something we’re seeing more and more clients prioritise.
“For wellness spaces like meditation rooms, I use low-level lighting, muted palettes, layered planting, and finishes that absorb sound to create calm. It’s all about removing stimulation and creating sanctuary.” – Ellyn Tan
Whether it’s a meditation zone, an end-of-trip facility, or a quiet focus area, connecting people with nature- even subtly- can make these spaces feel more human and restorative.
Our Favourite Natural Elements
We asked our team to share some of the natural elements they love to work with- from textures and colours to lighting techniques and materials.
“Live plants should be included in EVERY design. They’re not just aesthetic—they bring comfort, movement, and fresh air. I love how they soften hard corners and add rhythm to a space.” – Emma Hynes
“A nature-inspired palette layered with plants, timber, soft textiles, and variation in light can completely shift the feeling in a room. It doesn’t have to shout nature to evoke it.” – Julia Payne
“Look to nature for colours and textures, and remember even small things like a timber desks, stone finishes or a window view will help you feel connected.”– Ellyn Tan
These touches aren’t always loud — often they’re quiet, intuitive details that make a space feel just right. And when done well, they’re timeless.
Final Thought
Biophilic design isn’t a trend – it’s a return to something deeply human. It’s about designing spaces that support us not just functionally, but emotionally and physiologically too.
“Biophilic design principles will continue to be more integrated and sophisticated. Clients are learning it’s not about a green wall—it’s about creating a holistic space that supports the people using it. I think we’ll see more biomimicry, and more science-backed approaches.” – Emma Hynes
As our lives become increasingly digital and fast-paced, the role of nature in design will only grow more important.
And we’re here for it.
Curious how biophilic design could transform your workplace?
References:
Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence – PMC
