Project : Hilltop Reno + Addition

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A major component to Feng Shui is ‘laying the bagua’ [the 9-square grid] over a property. Often the placement is obvious, but occasionally there are multiple ways it can be laid. Such is the case with this Hilltop renovation. In addition to the curved rear/ side property line, the land includes a parcel to the south that was added between construction [1940’s] and when our clients purchased.

Is the added parcel a bonus space, or included in the bagua? Does the bagua stretch to the street behind, creating two significant ‘missing areas’ in the back corners? As there are at least three placement options that are all technically correct in terms of Feng Shui proportion rules, we then look at imbalances or patterns in the clients’ lives, why they may have been subconsciously attracted to this property, how potential remedies could affect them, and what their intentions are for the space.

Based on several client-specific reasons, plus their intended use of the parcel and the home’s interior layout, we included the new parcel and used its rear boundary to align the bagua.

In addition to landscape recommendations for landform infractions including ‘rushing chi’ around the home due to hills and roadways, the home and the land reflected the same ‘missing area’ in the Abundance gua [which occurred in any iteration of laying the bagua]. It was obvious supporting that corner through both landscaping and use of space was necessary. A deck [not included in the bagua] occupies part of the missing area, and we offered several physical and energetic remedies to help complete this space, and support the sloping, missing corner in

*In many energy work traditions, the R side relates to the masculine and L relates to the feminine. Also to note : BTB Feng Shui aligns the bagua to property entrance, vs. Compass Methods which align the bagua to the cardinal directions.

  • Status : In Construction
  • Our Work : Feng Shui [building, landform, landscape], Land Ceremonies

Project : Foothills Site Integration

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Our client purchased a slice of neighboring property with the intent to build an additional garage and pool house. Savvy to Feng Shui principles and benefits, they sought a consultation to ensure the added land and new construction would harmonize with the existing space.

The new lot lines and planned additions reflected a ‘reaching’ energy on the East [right/ masculine*] side of the property, suggesting some imbalance on the feminine side. Coincidentally, this was reflected during our intake as the expansion was initiated by the male head-of-house and felt somewhat daunting to the female.

In addition to landscape, lifestyle and energetic [‘transcendental’] recommendations to help remedy imbalance, we conducted a custom Land Ceremony to set an intention for the space and integrate the two parcels [and an easement in the NW corner], and suggested conducting blessings for trees that had been removed from the property.

Recommendations were also made regarding material selection in and around the pool house [not pictured].

*In many energy work traditions, the R side relates to the masculine and L relates to the feminine. Also to note : BTB Feng Shui aligns the bagua to property entrance, vs. Compass Methods which align the bagua to the cardinal directions.

  • Status : In Construction
  • Our Work : Feng Shui [new building, landform, landscape], Land Ceremony

Project : Sonoma Reno + Site Plan

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This beautiful 2 acre property in Sonoma County includes an existing 1920’s home, pool and small accessory structures. The new owners requested Feng Shui analysis and recommendations for their proposed renovations to the home and updated site plan, which will feature edible gardens, an orchard, grazing area for livestock and new structures.

There were several energetic considerations impacting the site including :

  • home pushed toward front of lot
  • property slopes down on the West [left/ feminine*] side
  • road and area property lines skew East on East side of property
  • significant ‘bonus space’ on East half of property [right/ masculine*]

As the placement of the home offered little space for beneficial energy to collect at the front of the site, circulating throughout the property and nourishing their dreams, pathways and landscaping were recommended in addition to ‘transcendental’ cures to energetically push the home back.

The symbolism of imbalances on the property indicated a potential for the females to feel a drain or lack of support, while the males had additional space that could lead to an unforeseen direction. During the client intake, we learned this was the case with the previous owners [predecessor chi], and prioritized balancing the property through landscaping and transcendental cures including land ceremonies and space clearing.

Recommendations to the interior plans were minimal, but included minimizing ‘rushing chi,’ supporting the center of the home, and balancing controlling or draining Elements.

*In many energy work traditions, the R side relates to the masculine and L relates to the feminine. Also to note : BTB Feng Shui aligns the bagua to property entrance, vs. Compass Methods which align the bagua to the cardinal directions.

  • Status : Phase I Complete
  • Architect : Nels Long
  • Our Work : Feng Shui [building, landform, landscape], Land Ceremony Recommendations

Project : Contemporary Craftsman

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A new home for a creative, holistic couple in an historic neighborhood of Los Angeles. In collaboration with the architects, we explored various sacred geometry forms [including the Shri Yantra and Golden Spiral] to inform the layout of both site and structure. Settling on the Golden Spiral and client request for the home to be situated around a central courtyard, the design of the space evolved from there.

The home includes two levels, plus loft. Entertaining and private spaces on the ground floor are separated by the courtyard, framed by glass and encouraging an indoor-outdoor feel. In terms of Feng Shui, it is important that courtyards are functional and regularly used so they do not become ‘dead space’ in the middle of a home. This courtyard features an outdoor kitchen, dining area, and lounge spaces.

As for the site, the long, narrow property slopes significantly at the back. Feng Shui landscape recommendations included several remedies to mitigate ‘rushing chi’ to the back of the site [final landscape plans not reflected in images below] and nourishing the central garden.

A Land Ceremony was performed with the purpose of connecting with the space, clearing stagnant energy and sharing intentions for the upcoming construction.

  • Status : Permitting
  • Architect : RoTo Architects [Michael Rotondi, Nels Long, Patrick Aguilar]
  • Landscape Architect : Sanctuary Landscape Design
  • Our Work : Site Geometry, Feng Shui [building, landform, landscape], Land Ceremonies

Project : The Little Building

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A creative music studio that, per client vision, ‘looks like a barn on the outside, and feels like a chapel on the inside’ and features a [nearly] 17′ pitched roof.

Although everyone loved the look of a full glass wall, aesthetics lost to acoustics and function. The full-height glazing will allow for ample natural light and airflow, and sound-absorbing curtains. Narrow walls on each side offer space for shelving. The angled walls and roof line will reduce wave cancellation, further supporting acoustics of the space.

The building sits in the ‘Relationship’ gua of the property [ruled by the Earth element]. In addition to the homeowners spending time in the space creating music together, the building will relieve the main home of an extensive instrument collection, supporting harmony in their relationship. The Little Building will be constructed partially of cinder block to reference the main home while supporting the Earth element.

The studio will sit amidst a vegetable and herb garden and next to an existing greenhouse behind the main home, a 1957 Midcentury Ranch in the foothills of Pasadena.

  • Status : In Design
  • Architect : RoTo Architects [Michael Rotondi, Raul Casillas, Patrick Aguilar]
  • Our Work : Design Consulting, Feng Shui [building, landform, landscape], Material Health, Material Selection, Land Ceremonies

Groundbreaking + Land Ceremonies

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Land blessings and ground breaking ceremonies are an important (imperative, for us) part of site preparation for any new construction or landscaping project, as land is a fundamental consideration in our wellness design practice.

Many cultures have a symbiotic relationship with the land; gifts from the earth (including it supporting our residence) are acknowledged and revered, and reciprocated with ceremony, energy, and symbolic gifts in return. 

Modern-day Western culture typically, does not. We own, take, break, and strip the land for our benefit. Most often without asking, thanking, or acknowledging how reliant we are on the earth for its support and nourishment, or our predecessors who tended the land for thousands of years. 

As you think about conducting a land ceremony, I encourage you to first turn to your own lineage for traditions and practices that are (or were) a part of your ancestral culture. Doing this research can offer much insight into your heritage, and you may find a deep alignment with the tools and techniques.  

Please avoid including sacred practices specific to another culture’s spirituality. Learning why they are sacred, if they are meant to be shared, the history of the people and where they are today, is part of tending the land. Be conscious of and respect its original keepers; proceed with sensitivity and empathy.

So.. How can you conduct a land blessing or ground breaking ceremony? It can take many forms depending on your tradition and instinct. Our ceremonies are informed by meditation, shamanic practices and intuition, and have an improvisational nature based on what we feel and hear is needed from the clients and the space. 

The fundamental directive is to listen, show respect for the land and the original keepers, convey that you are working with it in harmony rather than trying to dominate, and offer it something in return. Some ideas based on recent ceremonies we’ve held : 

PREPARATION 

  • Research : who lived there before, who were the original keepers of the land — understand their history and where they are now. Sit with the harsh reality, and let it mobilize you. 
  • Donate (time, money, both) to a local or national organization supporting the Indigenous Peoples of your country. If you live in North America, with the exception of reservations, ‘your’ land was taken from them.  
  • Spend time connecting with the site through meditation and/ or visualization, simply listening for insight or direction. 
  • Convey your plans for the space through words or visualization— both the energy you wish to cultivate and the physical construction. 
  • Request the blessing to proceed.* 
  • Pick an auspicious or meaningful date. 
  • Acquire/ gather any tools that may be needed. (Usually a tray, candles, incense, sacred objects, natural objects, biodegradable or natural ‘gifts’ to the land, etc) 
some tools used in a recent groundbreaking ceremony : skull rattle, pendulum, stone, selenite, tuning forks, candle, incense, self-collected garnet sand, rose petals

CEREMONY 

  • Find a spot on the land that feels strong and vibrant (yes — dirt can feel vibrant!), set up a small altar or area to place gifts (incense, sound, water, nourishing soil, love, gratitude). 
  • Connect with the spirit (essence, energy, etc) of the land and its guardians (past and present), based on your tradition or intuition. 
  • Convey your plans for the space through words or visualization— both the energy you wish to cultivate and the physical construction. 
  • Request the blessing to proceed.* 
  • Clear the land from old/ stuck/ unwanted energy (space clearing) : walk the perimeter with instruments and/or incense, preform energy work, sing, chant etc. 
  • Gently dig small holes in the ground preparing the land for more invasive work that is to come. Place gifts in the holes, if that aligns. 
  • Thank the land, and the original keepers and guardians, for their support and protection. 

*WHAT IF YOU SENSE ‘NO!’ ?? 

This rarely happens, but if it does, there is a reason. If you sense resistance, take some time to revisit what you are asking, and how you are asking it. Also consider : 

  • If something is respectfully requested of you, how often do you say no? If so, what is your reasoning? 
  • Meditating and asking for more information 
  • Physically inspecting — is there a tree or animal dwelling that needs to be moved? Is there an aspect that would put you or wildlife in danger? 
  • Does something need to be resolved energetically before work begins? Ask if you can conduct a space clearing, clear, then ask again. 
  • Is there a better (more sustainable, harmonious, etc) way to complete your project? 
  • Is the timing rushed? Do the plans feel forced? 
  • Finding a shamanic or intuitive practitioner who can connect with your land for more information 

May we all strive to be humble, conscientious stewards of the land.   

#tongvaland #kizhland #wellnessdesign #wellnessrealestate #wellbeingdesign #groundbreaking #landblessing #sitepreperation #landacknowledgment #shamanism #landsteward

Wellness Design • Practices + Benefits

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Consider for a moment how your home or workplace supports you.

How do you feel in different areas, at different times of the day?

Are there spaces and aspects that activate and rejuvenate? Calm and restore?

Are there spaces and aspects that are draining, or you feel may negatively affect your health?

Architecture and urban and interior design physically shape our surroundings and influence behavior, lifestyle, and health. We are constantly experiencing and reacting to the effects of our environment. While a seemingly innocuous detail (or odor) may not have a noticeable impact if briefly experienced a few times, the cumulative effect over time can be detrimental. In contrast, a feature that benefits health can brighten your mood momentarily or provide deeper levels of long-term support.

Wellness Design/ Wellness Architecture considers health impacts the built environment (buildings, landscape, public spaces) can have on people. Features that support the well-being of occupants, ranging improving ventilation to selecting an accent wall color, are then integrated into the building’s design.

At heare, whether you are finding, renovating or building, we first consider your intentions, needs and desired outcomes along with any current, fundamental, and potential challenges. Our background in holistic health modalities (informed by certifications and years of work with architects and designers) offers an additional layer to client and site assessment, imbalances, and potential remedies.

Practice Areas in Wellness Design :

Evidence Based Design

“EBD” uses scientific research, data and user interviews to inform design so the best possible outcomes for the health, safety and well-being of occupants in a particular space can be reached. EBD is the foundational process for many of the following strategies.

Material Health

Considering the toxicity of building materials and furniture is a fundamental part of Wellness Design. The terms ‘off gassing,’ ‘VOCs’ and ‘indoor air quality’ (IAQ) are becoming more common terms as we learn about the effects of prevalent toxics. In the U.S.A., chemicals are typically considered safe unless rigorously and repeatedly proven to be harmful. Due to lack of regulation, it is the responsibility of project owners and designers to request and specify healthy material options.

As this is a relatively new consideration in construction, looking at material health early in a project allows much-needed time to research and source options and alternatives.

Toxics in building and furniture materials have been shown to contribute to : 

  • asthma
  • autism
  • cancer risk
  • reproductive issues
  • endocrine disruption

Biophilic Design

Biophilia is a hypothesis that humans have an innate connection to, and a tendency to seek connection with nature. Only very recently (in the scope of a 550k year evolutionary history) have we lived so separated from the natural environment as we do now.

Biophilic Design is a method that integrates nature (materials, patterns, proportions, references) into our built surroundings. Specific principles that support this inherent connection are applied, and health benefits can range from accelerated healing to reduced employee turnover.

  • creativity
  • productivity
  • stress reduction
  • reduce absenteeism
  • overall mood + well-being
  • employee/ tenant retention

Active Design

Active Design incorporates opportunities for movement in buildings and their surroundings. Features range from designing inviting, prominent stairways that encourage stair use over elevators, to ergonomic furniture and assessing the ‘walk score’ of a neighborhood for convenient access to food and fitness amenities.

Up to 90% of our time is spent sitting indoors. Physical inactivity contributes to risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and some cancers. In addition to the well-known physical benefits of exercise and movement, studies have shown it to support cognitive performance.

Active design can support many areas including : 

  • healthy weight
  • cognitive function
  • reduce absenteeism
  • cardiovascular health
  • musculoskeletal health
  • overall mood + energy level

Wellness Building Standards

Organizations like fitwel and WELL have established standards that reduce the negative impact of the built environment on occupants and promote health within spaces. Similar to LEED, a project earns points for requirements that are completed successfully. At this time, the standards do not cover single-family residences (WELL is working on one as of Spring 2022), but the thinking and principles can be applied to any building.

In addition to Biophilic and Active Design details, there are requirements for air and water quality, lighting and acoustics, and cleaning methods. Organizational protocols, like mental and physical health support and travel policies, offer business owners additional ways to support the employee and tenant health.

Feng Shui

Feng Shui observes how energy flowing through a building and the surrounding land can affect inhabitants. Many aspects are considered including the landscape, object placement, elements, colors, materials, and occupant constitution and health. Adjustments are made to support the following areas : 

  • health
  • career
  • family
  • finances
  • reputation
  • partnerships
  • self-knowledge
  • general support
  • creativity/ children

Revisiting the questions at the top :

How do you feel in different areas, at different times of the day?

  • Does lighting or temperature make a difference?
  • Does your energy level or activity affect your perception?
  • How does additional sensory input (music, noise, smell) change your experience?

Are there spaces and aspects that are activating and rejuvenating? Calming and restorative?

Are there spaces and aspects that are draining, or you feel may negatively affect your health?

For each of the above :

  • What colors and materials are featured in these spaces?
  • Are there natural elements and lighting?
  • How is the layout and flow of the space?
  • What activities happen in the space?

Can you make changes to the spaces you feel don’t support your health?

Please contact us if we can help optimize a space for your well-being.