INSIGHTS 13
Lake Shore Drive Residence © Steve Hall, Hedrich Blessing
and personal needs.” Symbiotic Living’s approach to biophilic design has evolved as the fi rm has grown, “incorporating new research and collaborations while remaining grounded in its founding principles.”
Biophilic design in practice A standout example of Symbiotic Living’s ethos and approach is the fi rm’s collaboration with London-based Blast Studio. Inspired by ‘forest bathing,’ they sought to replicate the dappled light of a forest canopy; Blast Studio brought the vision to life with the award-winning Tree Shadow Screen, a design that combines privacy with the restorative power of natural light. The Oceanfront Residence in Virginia Beach exemplifi es “seamless” indoor-outdoor integration. This three-storey coastal home is conceived as an immersive retreat that celebrates its natural surroundings while prioritising the wellbeing of its occupants. Young says that the fi rm’s most signifi cant achievement to date
is “establishing a thriving studio, with the support of [US design practice] Wheeler Kearns.” A measure of success is the numerous projects that have “transformed spaces into environments that are human-centred, but which also foreground biophilic principles, as well as sustainability.
Future Young is confronting several key challenges, entering the UK market with her practice as a relatively new player in a busy market. To increase visibility, the fi rm is throwing itself into industry events such as the London Design Festival, and focusing on building relationships with local professionals. The team is also pursuing UK-based projects to create case studies that showcase their expertise while enhancing marketing efforts in both the UK and the US to attract new clients and collaborators. The fi rm remains dedicated to continuous improvement by
ADF JANUARY 2025
Experiencing fi rst-hand how architecture impacts emotional and physical health inspired Young to deepen her focus on creating spaces that enrich lives
staying informed about industry trends in both the UK and US and regularly seeking client feedback. This feedback is integral to refi ning their approach, helping them maintain a leading edge in the architecture and design industry.
Symbiotic Living stays at the forefront of biophilic design through ongoing research, education, and global engagement. The fi rm’s commitment to evidence-based design ensures that their work refl ects the latest scientifi c insights. Participation in conferences, workshops, and educational initiatives allows the team to keep up with emerging trends and innovations. Additionally, she says that travel and exposure to diverse cultures and environments enrich the fi rm’s perspective on biophilic design. Their strong connection to the natural world serves as a foundational source of inspiration, enabling the creation of spaces that promote wellbeing and harmony with the environment. Young is focused on the goal of having the UK market comprise 50% of its overall business. They have targeted interior design in premium residential projects and “habitational hubs” as the key means to achieve this. In addition to its design services, the fi rm aims to grow its strategic consultancy practice alongside. By leveraging expertise in wellbeing-focused design, Symbiotic Living seeks to collaborate with “visionary partners on projects with global impact.” Their big objective is to lead the “built for wellbeing” movement, setting new industry standards for innovative and sustainable design solutions for both residential projects and “habitational hubs.”
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