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Meet Nicole Craanen

Nicole Craanen is a globally recognized professional deeply rooted in world travel and a profound connection to nature.

Nicole Craanen

MFA, NCIDQ, WELL-AP, LEED
Green-Associate, ANFT

Vision

To inspire a more interconnected world between humans and nature.

Mission

The Biophilic Design Institute empowers individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to integrate biophilic design into everyday work. By fostering a community that champions nature connection, we aim to transform spaces into environments that nurture both human well-being and ecological harmony.

About Nicole

My passion for biophilic design is deeply rooted in my connection to nature and my expertise in interior design and human ecology. As the founder and owner of The Biophilic Design Institute (formerly Rooted In Nature), I am committed to transforming our relationship with our environments, guiding architects and designers to integrate our innate connection with nature into core design principles.

My roles on advisory boards for Living Future Europe and WELL Building Standard, along with my journey as a yoga instructor and Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, inform my philosophy of promoting health and well-being while mitigating human impact on the non-human world. I emphasize curiosity, deep listening, and collaboration, and I am passionate about advocating for a reevaluation of current design principles, championing a future where human and environmental interdependence is at the forefront of creative innovation.

I love exploring this world with my husband and young daughter (the cat stays home). I have been lucky enough to experience 24 countries, and have been brought to tears during moments of awe in my own backyard. 

Speaking Engagements

As an esteemed international speaker, Nicole shares insights on biophilic design, combining her design proficiency with a deep-rooted commitment to wellness. She draws on 200-hour yoga instructor  training and work as a Nature & Forest Therapy Guide to intertwine embodiment practices with her design philosophy. Nicole’s dedication to meditation enhances her holistic approach to well-being, adding a unique perspective to her speaking engagements.

Educational Opportunities

The Biophilic Design Practitioner Certification Program: Biophilic Fundamentals
Deepen your personal connection to nature.

This curriculum will give you the tools to understand who you are as a designer and advocate for biophilic design.