After developing a neurological condition while renovating her own home with toxic building materials, Maria Faalafi was driven to better understand how design impacts physical and mental health. This lived experience led her to create The Healthy Building Designer , with a mission to educate others and transform the way we design and experience our spaces. Grounded in evidence-based research, Maria focuses on how materials, light, acoustics and spatial layout influence wellbeing. By blending science with thoughtful design, she helps people create spaces that are not only beautiful, but actively support health, sustainability and quality of life. Here, Maria speaks with The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind The Healthy Building Designer, her biggest breakthrough, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
My business was inspired by lived experience. My neurological condition began while renovating my own home with popular yet toxic building materials, and it completely changed how I viewed design. As a Building and Interior Designer, I knew I had to break the mould of traditional thinking that focuses only on aesthetics, budget and functionality. I wanted to understand how our designs affect our physical and mental health. I started The Healthy Building Designer to share that knowledge and help others create healthier, more inclusive and sustainable spaces where everyone can thrive.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
In the beginning, The Healthy Building Designer started as a passion project during my own home renovation. I was determined to create a space that supported my health while proving that sustainability and inclusivity could coexist beautifully. I began sharing my research and personal experiences online, which quickly resonated with others facing similar challenges. From there, I combined my expertise in Building and Interior Design with Building Biology, Biophilic Design and Neuroarchitecture to form a holistic approach. What started as a personal journey soon grew into a movement to redefine how we design and experience the spaces we live in.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest breakthrough came when I realised that design could be a form of healing. Understanding how materials, lighting, acoustics and layout directly affect the nervous system transformed my entire approach. I began integrating Building Biology, Biophilic Design and Neuroarchitecture to create spaces that not only look good but actively support wellbeing. This shift from aesthetic design to evidence-based healthy design became the foundation of The Healthy Building Designer, allowing me to bridge science with creativity and inspire others to see that the built environment has the power to improve lives.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family has been about embracing flexibility and living by the same principles I teach, creating environments that support wellbeing. I’ve learned to design my work life around my family’s needs, not the other way around. My husband and daughter are deeply involved in what I do, from our home renovation to the ideas that shape my business. It’s a family journey as much as a professional one. By staying grounded, setting clear boundaries and prioritising health over hustle, I’ve found a rhythm that allows both my work and family life to thrive together.
