Truth vs. Fiction: Biophilia in the Workplace

Biophilic design is one of the biggest buzz words today, but there are plenty of misconceptions about it. Here, we dispel the myths around this trend.

Robert Nieminen

Aug. 3, 2022

3 min read

Add Us On Google

With so much being written about the positive effects of biophilia on the design of interiors, it’s easy to get lost in all the buzz around biophilic design and see the forest for the trees. In this episode, Rachel Robinson, studio design principal at Ted Moudis Associates (TMA), and Michelle Beganskas, senior manager of workplace strategy at TMA, discuss some of the most common misconceptions around biophilic design and dispel the myths surrounding this trending topic.

Meet our guests:

Rachel Robinson, studio design principal, Ted Moudis Associates

Studio Design Principal Rachel Robinson leads clients through the design process, working with them from the outset to fully comprehend their needs, requirements, design preferences, and budgetary concerns. Once a design consensus is reached, Rachel directs her design team in establishing and implementing the design concepts and intent through all phases of the project. She ensures smooth hand-in-hand coordination between her designers and the technical team to bring the design to life. With over 20 years of experience in interior design, Rachel also serves as a mentor to her team.

Rachel has a long history of delivering leading-edge, successful design solutions that both delight and bring value to clients. Her acute attention to detail and ability to communicate well with both colleagues and clients naturally position her to seek outcomes that focus on people’s interaction in the workspace, and the impact this has on them. Rachel’s thoughtful, analytical approach to design has led to a timeless body of work that spans the United States and abroad, and includes large-scale corporate, hospitality, government, institutional, and higher education projects.

Michelle Beganskas, senior manager of workplace strategy, Ted Moudis Associates

Michelle brings a holistic, cross-disciplinary perspective to her projects that intricately weaves workplace strategy and change management with sustainable interior design practices. As Senior Manager of Workplace Strategy, she works with clients to understand employees’ needs and ways of working through detailed data collection including observations, visioning sessions, focus groups, interviews, and ideation workshops. She then uses this information, coupled with her interior design expertise, to provide innovative and tailored workplace recommendations.

Michelle can also integrate change management support into her projects in ways that feel natural and engaging and are in line with the project schedule. As a WELL Accredited Professional and a Fitwel Ambassador with a master’s degree in Sustainable Interior Environments, Michelle is knowledgeable and passionate about promoting human health and well-being through workplace strategy and interior design. She has a keen insight into how the physical environment can promote employee well-being and productivity while supporting organizational goals.

About the Author

Robert Nieminen

Market Content Director

Market Content Director, American School & University, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources

Robert Nieminen is the Market Content Director of four leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: American School & University, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources. With a career rooted in editorial excellence and a passion for storytelling, Robert oversees a diverse content portfolio that spans award-winning feature articles, strategic podcast programming, and digital media initiatives aimed at empowering design professionals, facility managers, and commercial building stakeholders.

He is the host of the I Hear Design podcast and curates the Smart Buildings Technology Report, bringing thought leadership to the forefront of innovation in built environments. Robert leads editorial and creative direction for multiple industry award programs—including the Elev8 Design Awards and Product Innovation Awards—and is a recognized voice in sustainability, smart technology integration, and forward-thinking design.

Robert's work has earned him industry-wide recognition throughout his career, including:

ASBPE Award (2019, 2018, 2017, 2015)—Best Regularly-Contributed Column; retrofit
TABPI Award (2017, 2016)—Top 25 Entries, Cover Story; Retail Environments
WPA Maggie Award (2011, 2010, 2008)—Best Publication, Trade; interiors+sources
FOLIO: Eddie Gold Award (2022, 2007)—Best Feature Article & Special Section; interiors+sources
Contributing author of ASID’s 2020 Outlook and State of Interior Design report, as well as The State of the Interior Design Profession (Fairchild Books, 2010), which earned a place on the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designers’ “50 Must Read, Must Have” book list.