Fractal Futures: Designing Wellness with Nature’s Geometry with Andrea Keller
In the final installment of our Women’s History Month series, we're honored to host Andrea Keller on this episode of I Hear Design. Andrea is a visionary architect and partner/designer of Star Tile who's redefining how we perceive design and its impact on human well-being. In this episode, we explore how incorporating these natural geometries into our built environments can trigger a calming neurological response, reducing stress and enhancing overall wellness. Andrea shares her insights on the difference between biophilia and biomimicry, and how architects and designers can move beyond simply adding plants to creating spaces that truly resonate with our innate connection to nature.
Join us as we dive into the science behind fractal design, its practical applications, and the transformative power of aligning our spaces with nature’s inherent wisdom. This conversation is not just about design; it’s about creating a future where our environments actively contribute to our health and happiness.
Meet Our Guest
Andrea Keller, architect and designer/partner, Star Tile
Andrea (AK) is an inspiring speaker who has taught thousands of people the principles of design. She excels at sharing complex ideas in a simple and accessible way, covering architecture, interior design, and sustainability. She has 30 years of experience in the design and construction industry, and has been featured on HGTV, Bravo, DIY Network, and Oxygen.
She has teaching experience at the USC School of Architecture, Otis School of Art + Design, and the Institute of Classical Art + Architecture. AK holds a Masters of Architecture - Design from UCLA and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.
Her signature topics include:
- Wellness design
- Biophilia and the future
- Neurobiology and natural geometry
- Radical sustainability
- Healthy buildings and materials
- Design principles for non-designers
- Design history and theory
About the Author
Robert Nieminen
Chief Content Director
Chief Content Director, Architectural Products, BUILDINGS, and interiors+sources
Robert Nieminen is the Chief Content Director of three leading B2B publications serving the commercial architecture and design industries: 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.
Known for his sharp editorial vision and data-informed strategies, Robert focuses on audience growth, engagement, and content monetization, leveraging AI tools and SEO-driven insights to future-proof B2B publishing.