DAY 1 • TUESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER • 11.45 – 12.30
Biophilic panel: Designing for human flourishing
How does our environment influence the way we think, feel and perform?
This discussion explores the growing evidence linking nature-connected design to wellbeing, cognitive performance, stress reduction and social connection. Panellists examine how biophilic principles can help create healthier, more resilient places for people of all ages and abilities.
Moderated by: Dr. Vanessa Champion, Editor, Journal of Biophilic Design
Graham Flisher, Biophilia & Environment Consultant, Urban Planters
Oliver Heath, Founder and Director, Oliver Heath Design
Freyja Sewell, CEO, Huus Design
Dr Shelley, Founder, Age of Light Innovations
Dr. Vanessa Champion
Dr Vanessa Champion is the Founder and Editor of the Journal of Biophilic Design, an international publication focused on the evidence, research and practical application of nature-led design to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. www.journalofbiophilicdesign.com
Originally an academic at University College London, she holds a PhD in Greek and Latin and has a research background exploring how physical environments influence human behaviour, cognition and societal wellbeing. Her career spans media, publishing and consultancy, working with organisations including the NHS, BBC and ITV.
Alongside publishing and consultancy, Vanessa develops evidence-informed Virtual Nature installations for healthcare and later-life environments, designed to provide safe and accessible nature connection where direct access is limited. www.virtualnaturewalls.com
She is also Founder of PhotoAid Global Foundation, a philanthropic media agency supporting NGOs and community storytelling training internationally.
Graham Flisher
With 18 years of experience working with Biophilia, Graham helps national businesses harness the power of nature to elevate workplace wellbeing and the human experience.
He collaborates closely with clients, architects, and designers to deliver tailored green infrastructure strategies, seamlessly integrating planting in, on, and around buildings .
_edited_edited.jpg)
Oliver Heath
​Oliver is the founder and director of Oliver Heath Design (founded 2003), who are consultants, designers, and advocates for neuroinclusive health and wellbeing in the built environment, benefiting both people and planet.
Over the last 15 years his company have been become globally recognised thought leaders and practitioners in Biophilic Design through the dissemination of knowledge, alongside the development and delivery of human centred nature-based design projects. This has been across a range of spatial typologies including hospitality, workplace, residential, and education sectors.
Design clients include Apple, Bloomberg, The BRE, Accor, The London School of Economics, Lloyds and the John Lewis Partnership’s venture into Built to Rent apartments. His company’s current projects for Lloyds Insurance and the LSE look to support neuroinclusive spaces through a combination of sensory zoning and enhanced human centred nature connections.
He has extensive experience in knowledge creation and presentation, having spent 15 years working for TV channels such as BBC, ITV and Channel 4, publishing 4 books, 8 white papers, online courses and presenting over 600 RIBA certified CPDs on Biophilic Design.
Oliver is a passionate advocate of regenerative design and has acted as a spokesperson for the likes of the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the Energy Saving Trust (EST) and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
Freyja Sewell
Freyja Sewell is an autistic designer whose work is rooted in a strong connection to nature, inclusivity and visionary aesthetics.
After studying 3D Design in Brighton, living and working in Japan, and completing an MA in Design Products at the Royal College of Art, she has built up two decades of experience. She is CEO of Huus Design, who sell nature inspired pods for rest and respite in a chaotic world.
In her furniture and installation work, Sewell utilizes biophilic principles.
Her approach emphasises low‑impact or regenerative materials and a narrative that challenges traditional furniture design towards a more ecologically aware, inclusive future. She brings her lived experience as a neurodivergent designer into each of her designs.
Her work has been purchased by an international range of clients, including Google, Selfridges and Unilever.
She has been recognised for her furniture and design work, for example by the Furniture Makers Guild and Grand Design Live Green Hero Award.
Dr Shelley
Freyja Sewell is an autistic designer whose work is rooted in a strong connection to nature, inclusivity and visionary aesthetics.
After studying 3D Design in Brighton, living and working in Japan, and completing an MA in Design Products at the Royal College of Art, she has built up two decades of experience. She is CEO of Huus Design, who sell nature inspired pods for rest and respite in a chaotic world.
In her furniture and installation work, Sewell utilizes biophilic principles.
Her approach emphasises low‑impact or regenerative materials and a narrative that challenges traditional furniture design towards a more ecologically aware, inclusive future. She brings her lived experience as a neurodivergent designer into each of her designs.
Her work has been purchased by an international range of clients, including Google, Selfridges and Unilever.
She has been recognised for her furniture and design work, for example by the Furniture Makers Guild and Grand Design Live Green Hero Award.