FROM PLANTS TO PURPOSE: ELEVATING INTERIORS THROUGH SUSTAINABLE BIOPHILIC DESIGN

Artistic Installation By Branko Djuras For Master Bathroom, Commercial Drive, Vancouver

At Intermind Design, we understand that exceptional design is not merely aesthetic—it’s inherently functional and deeply resonant. 

Biophilic interior design, far from being a fleeting trend, represents a profound opportunity to craft spaces that nurture human well-being while honoring the intelligence of the natural world. 

We move decisively beyond the token gestures of greenery, embedding nature’s principles into the very architecture of our projects. 

Our approach reimagines biophilic design as a holistic, ecologically attuned philosophy—one that redefines sustainable living and elevates the built environment into a source of restoration and vitality.

Compelling examples of biomimicry in interior design, showcased through an artistic rendering of an interior stairway, illustrate how nature’s strategies can elevate both aesthetics and performance.

BIOMIMICRY IN DESIGN: LEARNING FROM NATURE'S GENIUS

Biomimicry is the practice of drawing inspiration from nature’s enduring designs to create solutions that are efficient, sustainable, and elegantly intelligent.

Rather than viewing the natural world as a resource to extract, it positions nature as mentor, model, and measure—offering time-tested strategies shaped by 3.8 billion years of evolution.

biomimicry reimagines innovation as a process grounded in ecological harmony. It encourages us to design not apart from nature, but in partnership with it—creating systems that are regenerative, resilient, and deeply aligned with the rhythms of life.

This interior stairway is envisioned as a sculptural centerpiece—a seamless fusion of art, architecture, and movement. Inspired by the flowing lines of Art Nouveau, its silhouette is both fluid and structured, striking a timeless balance between sensuality and strength within a biophilic sensibility.

The design creates a quiet narrative through a rhythmic interplay of shadow and light. Rooted in contemporary expression yet echoing historical artistry, it becomes a spatial statement—connecting levels, lives, and light in a truly original way.

Timeless and feminine, the form evokes the organic rhythms of petals, waves, and branching lines, all while maintaining a refined, modern edge. More than a means of circulation, this stairway is an architectural poem—embodying grace, intention, and artistry.

Research consistently shows that biophilic environments enhance cognitive function, lower stress levels, and improve overall well-being

SENSORY INTEGRATION: MORE THAN JUST LOOKS

True biophilic design is a multi-sensory experience that enhances well-being through touch, sound, and scent, creating a space that feels as good as it looks.

Acoustic Biophilia: Thoughtfully designed soundscapes featuring water elements, cork, and bamboo enhance tranquility and mitigate excess noise.

Natural Aromatics: From cedar paneling to beeswax finishes, we integrate materials that release natural, health-enhancing scents into the environment over time

Tactile Diversity: Using textures such as rammed earth, linen, and reclaimed wood, we evoke nature’s touch to create deeply engaging, restorative spaces.

REGENERATIVE MATERIALITY: CLOSING THE LOOP

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. We prioritize materials that are regenerative rather than extractive, ensuring our projects contribute positively to the environment.

Cradle-to-Cradle Certified Materials: Every material we select is designed to either biodegrade naturally or be fully recycled, creating a circular lifecycle.

Carbon-Sequestering Finishes: We utilize lime plasters and algae-based paints that actively absorb CO2, improving indoor air quality while lowering our projects’ carbon footprints.

Upcycled & Salvaged Elements: From repurposed barn wood to terrazzo made of construction debris, we transform waste into stunning design features that tell a story.

This lush Vancouver backyard embodies the best of West Coast gardening—abundant, aromatic, and deeply rooted in sustainability. A thriving mix of fruit trees, fragrant herbs and spices, leafy vegetables, and flowering shrubs creates a richly layered landscape that engages all the senses. Designed to flourish in the region’s rainy climate, the garden is both productive and poetic—a living tapestry that celebrates the beauty of edible abundance and the spirit of cultivated wildness.

It is said that home is the story of who we are and a collection of what we love. This could not be truer for our home. It is where we display our travel treasures and entertain friends. It’s where we garden, cook, and plan future trips. It is our refuge, where we take shelter and recharge. It is a place of both comfort and stimulation. Truly a place of warmth and joy, it’s our home.

Bev Pister & Craig Neville 

DYNAMIC & EVOLVING SPACES:

Tucked discreetly behind a bold composition of geometric, multicolored wall panels and a dropped ceiling feature, the in-laws suite enjoys complete privacy while remaining seamlessly integrated into the architectural flow. Juxtaposed with a striking single-stringer floating staircase, the suite is both visually and spatially distinct—yet connected. Its private access from the two-story, light-filled entryway offers a thoughtful solution for multigenerational living in this Bear Creek residence, where design balances independence with cohesion.

DESIGNING WITH TIME IN MIND

Nature isn’t static, and neither should interiors be. We design spaces that adapt and evolve, ensuring longevity and continued engagement.

Living Walls That Respond to Seasons: Our plant installations are designed to change throughout the year, reflecting nature’s rhythms and keeping spaces visually and biologically engaging.

Adjustable Daylighting Strategies: We implement dynamic shading systems that track the sun’s movement, optimizing natural light while minimizing energy use.

Modular, Growth-Oriented Design: Our interiors feature adaptable layouts, modular furniture, and flexible partitions that allow spaces to shift as needs evolve, reducing demolition waste and ensuring long-term usability.

PSYCHOLOGICAL & PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS:

DESIGNING FOR THE HUMAN CONDITION

A salvaged birch tree from the Liard River region along the historic Alaska Highway has been artfully repurposed as a sculptural element, drawing the eye upward to emphasize the vaulted ceiling. Its raw, organic texture introduces a timeless natural accent that anchors the eclectic character of this New Westminster living room

At the heart of our approach is the human experience. We craft interiors that nurture both mind and body through evidence-based biophilic principles.

Circadian Lighting:

Our lighting solutions mimic natural light cycles, regulating sleep patterns and enhancing well-being.

Nature-Inspired Spatial Flow

We embrace organic, curving architectural forms that create intuitive movement, reduce stress, and foster a sense of ease.

Biophilic Color Theory

Earthy tones, botanical greens, and mineral blues are strategically used to promote restoration, focus, and tranquility.

A dialogue of form and texture unfolds between the geometric indoor floor medallions and the serene fountain carved from a single, naturally sourced stone. United by a shared aesthetic—where organic curves meet defined lines and raw textures—the two elements mirror each other in rhythm and restraint. The stone, wood, and plant textures of the surrounding space echo the medallion’s muted, nature-inspired palette, resulting in a composition that feels both modern and grounded, structured yet serene

A Japanese aesthetic emphasizes understated beauty through subdued, muted colors, often incorporating gray tones to create a subtle, refined, and tranquil effect, rather than relying on bright or flashy colors

This room is not just a collection of books but a living dialogue between humanity and nature—where the feminine nurtures curiosity and the masculine fortifies thought, all cradled in the embrace of biophilic design.

Cultural Perspectives: Taxidermy may honor hunting traditions, plants connect to herbalism, and abstract art appeals to modernist aesthetics. Together, they welcome diverse viewpoints on nature.

Accessibility: Unlike pristine dioramas, this mix invites tactile interaction (touching wood, tending plants) and intellectual exploration, making nature engagement more democratic.

The interplay of these elements transforms indoor spaces into immersive ecosystems that celebrate nature’s complexity. It’s not just decoration—it’s a dialogue between life, memory, and imagination, fostering a richer, more inclusive relationship with the natural world.

This backyard functions as an urban sanctuary where nature’s intelligence intersects with human intention. A forest-inspired garden—modeled after the layered structure of a woodland ecosystem—anchors the space, integrating trees, shrubs, herbs, and vines into a regenerative system. Interwoven with sculptural elements, bridges, and stone forms, the design balances organic softness with architectural clarity, embodying a refined harmony of the feminine and masculine.