Although my first true love about my job is doing private home consultations, lately my paramour on the side is with the big guns of residential real estate; those sentient investors that know their target market, understand the future trajectory of conscious living and make thoughtful choices in their designs and materials. I have been lucky enough to work with some well-known names (of which I will not mention) and while my duties may differ slightly depending on if I’m hired purely for Feng Shui or only for Holistic Design, these are my favorite aspects:
- I get to offer input on the whole project – from the building name to the staging of model apartments – and get to work with some of the greatest architects and interior designers out there. My role is collaborative and I aim to honor the insights and talents of the group while offering a perspective that can enhance it all together – for the group as well as the future occupants.
- I get to meld my right brain with my left. While on one hand I may point out seemingly esoteric aspects of the “soul of a space” and energetic concepts, I can also package it up in terms of value for the Chief Financial Officer and the marketing department.
- A part of what I do is to offer “green” tips. And I’m not talking about using the ubiquitous re-treaded eco-fodder (Energy Star appliances, LED lighting in the public spaces, etc.) but much more personalized and specific solutions. On one past project, I recommended taking advantage of a 100% government funded electric car charging station initiative (including installation) for an existing parking garage on the site.
- I love seeing the light bulbs go off or hear, “Ah, I get it!” when I explain concepts such as why apartment doors should not be all gathered together facing one another – but staggered (to create a feeling of exclusivity, decrease a subconscious feeling of conflict, enhance a sense of privacy). Pointing out the deeper meanings in your surroundings and the psychological effects of a living space is my favorite layer in what I do. But I can also easily work with existing plans -if changes can’t be made- to try to make up for what might be lacking elsewhere.
- More and more people are beginning to understand the importance of connecting all the dots together: aesthetics of good design, flow of chi, places that support the psyche, eco-friendly selections, inspiring symbolism, bringing in nature and efficient lay out choices can all come together to create spaces that are balanced, beautiful and extraordinary.
