The Flourish Tree Model in Training
Transforming Designers through Biophilic and Wellbeing Design
As an interior designer, architect, or landscaper, your work is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating environments that nurture well-being, inspire creativity, and deepen our connection to nature. At Habitarmonia, we’ve developed the Flourish Tree model to guide our Biophilic and Wellbeing Design course. This model isn’t just a set of principles; it’s a holistic philosophy that integrates your personal values, cultural heritage, and connection to nature into every aspect of your design process.
Root: Planting the Seeds of Purpose
The journey through the Flourish Tree model begins with introspection. In the Root phase, you’ll explore your personal purpose, connecting with the Japanese concept of Ikigai—your reason for being. This deep exploration is vital for understanding what drives you as a designer and how your work can authentically reflect your core values. We encourage you to tap into your unique personality, experiences, and cultural heritage, and consider how these elements can shape your designs in meaningful ways.
Sarah, a participant in our course, embarked on this journey with a strong foundation in design but felt that something was missing. Through the Root phase, she began to reconnect with her inner self, reflecting on her own life experiences, her cultural roots, and her love for nature. She realized that her true passion lay in creating spaces that nurture well-being and foster a deep connection to the natural world.
Trunk: Growing Strong with Knowledge and Skills
With her purpose clearly defined, Sarah moved into the Trunk phase, where she expanded her knowledge and honed her skills. Here, she learned how to incorporate biophilic design principles into her work, focusing on elements such as natural light, organic materials, and sensory engagement. But Sarah didn’t just apply these principles to her clients’ projects—she turned her own apartment into a living experiment.
Sarah began by conducting a holistic sensory audit of her space, paying close attention to how each room made her feel. She observed the light patterns throughout the day, noted the textures underfoot, and listened to the sounds that filtered in from the outside. This process wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about understanding how her environment affected her mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.
She then started integrating biophilic elements into her home. She brought in more natural light by rearranging her furniture and adding mirrors to reflect sunlight into darker areas. She introduced plants and natural materials like wood and stone, creating a space that felt alive and connected to the earth. Sarah also used calming colors and textures to evoke a sense of peace and relaxation.
As she made these changes, Sarah noticed a profound shift not only in her environment but in herself. She felt more grounded, more connected to nature, and more in tune with her own needs and emotions. This transformation wasn’t just physical; it was emotional and psychological, deepening her connection to the principles of well-being and biophilic design.
Leaves: Harvesting the Fruits of Transformation
The true impact of Sarah’s journey became evident in the Leaves phase. Her apartment had become more than just a place to live—it was a sanctuary that nurtured her soul, inspired her creativity, and reinforced her connection to nature. This personal transformation had a ripple effect on her professional life as well.
With a newfound sense of purpose and clarity, Sarah began to apply these principles to her commercial projects. She started advocating for biophilic design and well-being strategies with her clients, showing them how these approaches could enhance their own spaces. Her work evolved, blending residential warmth with commercial functionality—a trend known as “resimercial” design, which combines the comfort of home with the efficiency of commercial spaces.
Sarah’s designs began to thrive, resonating deeply with her clients who were seeking spaces that not only looked good but also felt right. Her ability to create environments that support well-being and foster a connection to nature set her apart in the industry. She started taking on larger, more ambitious projects, always grounding her work in the principles she had embraced during her own journey.
Sarah’s apartment, once a simple living space, had become a powerful testament to the impact of biophilic and well-being design. It was not just a place where she lived, but a constant reminder of her purpose and a source of inspiration for her work. The transformation she experienced in her own life fueled her passion for helping others achieve the same through their environments.
A Call to Transform Your Design Practice
Sarah’s journey is a powerful example of how this model can transform not just your work, but your life. She turned her own home into a sanctuary that nurtures her well-being, and in doing so, she unlocked a new level of creativity and purpose in her professional projects. This transformation wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was about creating a life-enhancing environment that fueled her personal growth and professional success.
The Flourish Tree model is more than just a framework—it’s a transformative journey that empowers you to create spaces that truly enhance lives. By exploring your Ikigai, connecting with your cultural heritage, and integrating biophilic and well-being design principles, you’ll be able to craft environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful and sustainable.
If you’re ready to elevate your design practice and learn how to implement these powerful principles, we invite you to join our upcoming webinar. In this session, we will delve into the details of our 12-week course on Wellbeing and Biophilic Design, where we will guide you step-by-step through the Flourish Tree model. This is your opportunity to discover how this model can be the foundation of your next great project, and start creating spaces that don’t just function—they flourish.