In an increasingly urbanised world, the need to reconnect with nature feels more and more important. No surprise then, that biophilic design has grown in significance in recent years, with urban developments building in a number of features that nurture human well-being and promote sustainability and biodiversity. From offices and hospitals to hotels and restaurants, biophilic design consultants bring the outdoors in, creating spaces that feel alive, restorative, and regenerative.
What Is Biophilic Design?
The term ‘biophilia’, coined by biologist Edward O. Wilson, refers to our innate love of nature. Biophilic design builds on this concept by incorporating natural light, ventilation, greenery, water features, and organic materials into architectural and interior design. Read more about the evolution of biophilic design. It is now well documented that exposure to plants and green spaces can reduce stress, improve air quality, and enhance cognitive function—making biophilic design not just beautiful, but highly beneficial. Leaflike runs a number of CPD workshops, including principles and application of biophilic design – and best of all, they’re completely free. Why not book a lunch and learn for your team today?
What Does a Biophilic Design Consultant Do?
A biophilic design consultant guides the application of nature-based design principles.
- Collaborating with architects, landscape designers, and horticulturalists
- Recommending sustainable materials like timber, stone, and living walls
- Designing layouts that maximise daylight, airflow, and views of nature
- Aligning projects with wellness standards such as WELL, LEED, or BREEAM
- Educating stakeholders on the science and benefits of biophilic design
- Drawing on expert horticultural knowledge to inform plant selection that supports wellbeing, biodiversity and sustainability.
Leaflike – your Biophilic Design partners
At Leaflike, we support at every level, from procuring plants precisely to specification, all the way through to a full biophilic design consultancy. With over 25 year’s experience, we can create bold and creative designs that are bursting with benefits, from cooling and calming, to air purification.
Designs like The Acre, Covent Garden, where the aim was to enhance the high-ceilinged atrium with lush biophilic elements that complemented the building’s bright, timber-and-soft-finish palette, reinforced occupant well‑being, and supported the building’s pursuit of WELL Platinum and BREEAM Outstanding certifications. Leaflike curated a bespoke planting strategy for the atrium, using layers of greenery to enrich the space at multiple levels.
Or like The Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair, which incorporated biophilic design throughout. Leaflike installed over 400 square metres of green walling – vertical gardens that were strategically placed to enhance the hotel’s views, providing a vibrant touch of greenery visible from both public spaces and private bedrooms. And, at the centre of the hotel’s atrium stands an impressive Ficus tree, the largest artificial tree Leaflike has ever created. This nine-metre-tall tree, with a two-and-a-half metre-wide canopy, closely mimics the natural tropical tree known for its tall, columnar shape. Its realistic design makes it a striking focal point, adding a touch of grandeur to the space. The decision to use such a large artificial tree offers a long-lasting, maintenance-free solution that still brings the calming feel of nature indoors.
What can we do for you? Contact our team and find out more.