Biophilia is an innate human connection to nature embedded in our ancestral DNA, fostering our survival, instilling a sense of safety in an unpredictable world. Deeply ingrained, the concept of biophilic design has imprinted on my heart and mind and is the cornerstone driving our creative process at S309.

Begining with the pursuit of a fourth-year thesis topic was the discovery of Biophilic Design - humans' innate connection to nature and potential to enhance well-being. Despite its seemingly obvious concept—designing to connect people and nature—a profound realization surfaced that, in fact, it wasn't obvious. Rather than contributing to our daily health and well-being, modern buildings and technologies were doing the opposite, distancing humans from nature. This transformative awareness prompted a significant shift in my perspective on design, instilling a commitment to a deliberate and thoughtful approach that honors our inherent bond with the natural world in the spaces we create.

The instinctual embrace of biophilic design became an integral part of my design process—it felt right, it felt intuitive. Over the next decade, I honed my skills working under progressive architects and designers who consistently pushed the boundaries of design, following their guidance with biophilia at the forefront of my creative process. One significant project that I had the privilege to be a part of during my time at MGA (formerly MGB) was the design of Ronald McDonald House BC Yukon. Ronald McDonald House is a remarkable initiative designed to provide a supportive and comforting haven for families with children undergoing treatment at BC Children's Hospital. This transformative project forever changed my understanding of design and its profound impact on individuals and communities.

Ronald McDonald House became more than just a project; it was an immersion into the lives of families facing unimaginable challenges. Meeting these families allowed us to understand the intricacies of their daily lives within the facility. We took the time to learn how families utilized the resources and spaces provided, and in doing so, we immersed ourselves in their perspectives. This immersive exploration not only informed our design decisions but also deepened our empathy and understanding of the complex dynamics at play. It was a poignant reminder of the significance of creating spaces that go beyond mere functionality, acknowledging the human experience and the crucial role of thoughtful design in fostering comfort and support.

What an extraordinary privilege it was to contribute to such a meaningful project. Before its completion, I embarked on a personal journey, taking maternity leave for my first child and relocating to the serenity of the Okanagan, where I began my own design firm, Studio 309. As our second child was on the way, we navigated the delicate balance between work and life until our lives took an unexpected turn.

At the age of two, our son was diagnosed with Leukemia. The subsequent whirlwind saw us airlifted to BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver, where we began a new life journey.

Residing on the 8th floor of the Oncology ward at BC Children's Hospital, I gained a profound understanding of the principles of biophilic design. Closer than ever to survival instincts and basic needs, health became our paramount focus. Living each day fully present in every emotion in every moment. I can still see, hear, smell, feel, and taste this experience. Within a month, we found a home in Ronald McDonald House—a place I had known intimately in my design imagination. I was now the parent to a sick child, the parent to a busy sibling, an exhausted, sleepless, emotional superhuman who still needed to carry on with daily life. Now more than ever, I needed to be in a place that made us feel safe in an unsafe world—a place of healing, marking the true beginning of Studio 309.