Over the years, I’ve walked into countless offices in Columbus and beyond, and one thing has become clear. Spaces with thoughtfully integrated greenery change how people move, work, and interact. It’s not magic. It’s the impact of biophilic design done right. When plants, moss walls, and natural elements are woven into the workplace intentionally, employees pause a little longer, breathe a little easier, focus a little sharper, and just feel better.
At Oakland Green Interiors, we’ve spent decades experimenting, observing, and refining what works. Biophilic design isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about creating environments that support well-being, spark creativity, and make offices places people actually want to be.
What Is Biophilic Design?
Here’s how I explain it when people ask: biophilic design is the thoughtful integration of nature into built environments. We’re not just placing a ficus in the corner (although those have their charm). It’s about connecting people to natural elements, light, greenery, texture, and even patterns that mimic the outdoors, to create spaces that feel alive, balanced, and restorative.
For offices, that can mean living walls, preserved moss installations, container plantings, or overhead plantscapes. It can be as subtle as a line of hanging plants over a walkway or as dramatic as a vertical garden that doubles as a conference room backdrop.
Biophilic Design Workplace Benefits
From my experience, the benefits of biophilic design go beyond just “looking nice.” These effects are rooted in how humans naturally respond to plants and natural patterns. Here’s what we see most often in offices:
- Reduced Stress – Being around greenery lowers cortisol levels and creates a calmer environment. A simple overhead plantscapes or a moss wall can give employees micro-breaks without them even realizing it. Pausing to look at a plant or touch moss triggers a subtle relaxation response.
- Increased Focus and Productivity – Natural elements help our brains filter distractions. Employees in spaces with living walls or container plantings tend to complete tasks faster and make fewer mistakes because their environments feel less “harsh”.
- Enhanced Creativity and Collaboration – Organic shapes, textures, and colors encourage curiosity. I’ve seen teams gather near a vertical garden and start brainstorming on a whim. Greenery creates moments for informal collaboration that sterile spaces just can’t replicate.
- Improved Air Quality (for live plant installations) – Plants naturally filter VOCs and pollutants, which can reduce headaches and fatigue. This subtle improvement makes a measurable difference in employee well-being over time.
- Connection to Nature – Many offices lack access to windows or outdoor views. Moss walls, living walls, or overhead plantscapes bring the outdoors in, satisfying our innate desire to connect with nature, what scientists call biophilia.
Biophilic Design Ideas for the Workplace
Biophilic design can be as flexible as space allows. A few of our favorite approaches include:
- Overhead Plantscapes – Plants suspended on wires or hanging baskets that draw the eye upward and create a sense of dimension.
- Living Walls and Moss Walls – Vertical gardens that act as living art, bringing greenery into areas where floor space is limited.
- Container Plantings – Trees and large plants that define spaces, break up layouts, and add texture.
- Natural Light Integration – Placing plants strategically to benefit from daylight or using reflective surfaces to mimic sunlight patterns.
- Materials Inspired by Nature – Moss, stone, and wood accents that provide tactile and visual connections to the outdoors.
How Oakland Green Interiors Supports Biophilic Office Design
At Oakland Green Interiors, we’ve been creating custom plantscapes for over 40 years, and biophilic design is at the heart of what we do. We own Oakland Nursery, which gives us direct access to high-quality plants. Our team of horticulturists knows how to choose, place, and care for plants so they thrive in your specific environment.
We design, install, and maintain your plantscapes so they continue to deliver benefits long after the initial installation. We focus on thoughtful placement, realistic maintenance plans, and designing around your space’s workflow and aesthetics.
Learn more about our maintenance services or explore our vertical gardens and overhead plantscapes to see what’s possible.
Biophilic Design for Your Columbus Office
Offices shouldn’t feel sterile or uninspiring. Integrating nature through biophilic design changes the way employees experience their workday. It really is an investment in wellness, creativity, and engagement. You’ll see it in your team’s efficiency.
Contact us at Oakland Green Interiors today, and let’s create a biophilic office in Columbus, OH that works as hard as your people do.
