8 Cool Examples of Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and interior design that focuses on bringing natural experiences to the built environment. These experiences have been proven to reduce stress, enhance mood, and improve creativity and productivity. With more than 90% of our lives spent inside, it’s no wonder more and more companies are looking to make biophilic design in the workplace a new standard.

Explore these creative examples of biophilic design transforming workspaces.

Company: fairlife Offices
Location: Chicago, IL
Design Firm: BOX Studios

office lobby with green wall and natural wood interior showcasing biophilic design in the workplace — Photos courtesy of James John Jetel & Office Snapshots

image of offices with green carpet and natural wooden textures

office hallway with natural wood textures and plants in wooden planters

What We Love

Small conference rooms feature images of nature and carpeting that resembles a grassy field
Natural earth-tone colors flow across the entire office
Greenery abounds throughout the open-concept workplace
Planters serve as visual barriers to create structure
Wood and other natural materials are incorporated throughout
Carpeting in the main area evokes nature with a moss-like growth in an irregular pattern

Company: Sacramento Kings Corporate Offices
Location: Sacramento, CA
Design Firm: RMW Architecture & Interiors

image of a hall lobby with dark floors, modern furniture, and large square white planters — Photo courtesy of Emily Hagiopian & Office Snapshots

What We Love

Tall plants placed in large, square neutral-colored planters divide a large open space into several cozy workspaces
Organic materials, such as weathered wood ‘wall art’ and landscaping stones under rows of plant containers, fill the space throughout
An irregular carpet pattern resembles nature by mimicking natural materials
Creative interior lighting casts shadows of naturalistic shapes

Company: Uptake Headquarters
Location: Chicago, IL
Design Firm: BOX Studios

interior office with tree trunk columns, plant wall, grassy green carpet, and striped folding chairs as an example of biophilic design in the workplace — Photos courtesy of James John Jetel & Office Snapshots

open seating area with wooden floor, small tables, and planter dividers

open yoga room with black yoga mats, hanging plants, and a bamboo plant divider

What We Love

Carpet mimics the natural landscape
Natural materials, like wood flooring and beams, and raw logs used to divide space, are included throughout
The space is a literal jungle with green walls, potted plants, and hanging plants
A serene yoga room offers refuge to employees with calming foliage and warm lighting

Company: Adobe Headquarters
Location: San Jose, CA
Design Firm: Gensler

Adobe Headquarters meeting room with clear glass walls, textured grassy carpet,s and a long wooden table — Photos courtesy of David Wakely & Office Snapshots

welcome desk with a plant wall and grassy green carpet

yoga room with three people and a nature mural

open room with a long wooden table with planters on top, booth seating with a woman using a computer, and picnic tables sitting on a green carpet

What We Love

Earth tones dominate the office design
Wooden boxes create naturalistic shapes on walls and ceiling
Grassy textured carpet, coupled with picnic tables, represents a natural landscape
A meeting room enclosed with glass resembles a greenhouse
Images of nature appear as large wall murals

Company: Forest City Offices
Location: Cleveland, OH
Design Firm: Vocon

forest city office building entryway with metal and wood stairs, a plant wall, and a small table — Photos courtesy of Matthew Carbone & Office Snapshots

forest city office open meeting space with green carpet and geometric wooden wall divider

forest city office entry lobby and stairway

What We Love

Irregularly patterned carpet, paired with grassy green patches in strategic areas, simulates the use of natural materials throughout
A wooden wall features repetitive, varied patterns found in nature
Plants fill the space via a large-scale green wall and tall rectangle planters that divide the large space
Abundant interior lighting creates the effect of a sky-lit atrium

Company: Carvana Offices
Location: Tempe, AZ
Design Firm: RSP Architects

carvana office with exposed industrial ceiling, exposed brick, a green carpet to imitate grass, and hanging wall plants — Photo courtesy of Kyle Zirkus Photography & Office Snapshots

What We Love

Creative light pendants simulate natural light
Natural materials are incorporated into both the floors and furniture
An earthy color palette spreads throughout the office design
A green, grass-like rug carves out an informal workspace that mimics the outdoors
Mounted planters on an open structure wall add greenery and interest

Company: Prolific Interactive Offices
Location: New York City, NY
Design Firm: Amenta Emma Architects

prolific interactive offices showcasing biophilic design in the workplace with a green wall and natural wood textures — Photo courtesy of Robert Benson Photography & Office Snapshots

What We Love

Natural materials create a warm and comfortable environment
A neutral-colored rug features a natural fractal pattern
Glass walls allow for as much natural lighting as possible
Exposed structures enable occupants to observe slight but natural changes in the built environment over time
A living green wall adds both interest and a pop of color to an otherwise neutral color palette

Company: United Technologies Digital Offices
Location: New York City, NY
Design Firm: Gensler

biophilic design in the united technologies workplace with neutral couches and natural wooden planters hanging from the ceiling — Photos courtesy of Garrett Rowland & Office Snapshots

image of united technologies digital offices with a plant wall and pool table

united technologies digital office's open meeting space with a plant wall, hanging planters, and a long wooden table

image of part of the united technologies digital office with exposed brick wall and a rounded window looking out into a city

united technologies digital exhibiting biophilic design in the workplace with a natural stone wall and wooden textures

What We Love

An amazing mix of natural materials fills the office
Greenery in hanging planters and living walls provides a direct connection to nature
Exposed wooden beams simulate trees, while splashes of green carpet mimic grass
Strategically chosen interior lighting imitates natural light

Biophilic design is more than just a trend. It’s a powerful way to enhance workplace environments by bringing the outdoors in. From living walls to natural materials, these office designs highlight how nature-inspired elements can boost productivity, creativity, and well-being. Do you have examples of biophilic design in the workplace from your displays you’d like to show off? Send your favorite installs to [email protected]!