LONDON & CHICAGO
design rooted in human wellbeing
People are spending more than ever on their wellbeing. Supplements, personalised nutrition programmes, sleep trackers, health memberships. Yet most of us haven't applied that same thinking to the spaces we spend up to 90% of our lives inside. The quality of light, our connection to nature, the materials we touch and the spaces we move through each day are not incidental to how we live. They are the conditions that shape how well we sleep, how clearly we think, and how restored we feel when we need it most. Most homes are designed around how they look. Very few are designed around how they make you feel.
Symbiotic Living was founded on this understanding. Led by Sharlene Young, our award‑winning practice brings the full depth of interior architecture and design to residential, boutique hospitality and commercial projects across the US and UK, from our studios in Chicago and London.
Our approach is rooted in biophilic design and grounded in evidence —how environments influence how we feel, function and recover. Every project starts with understanding how a space needs to work for the people within it. The result is environments that genuinely restore, and that research shows command a significant long‑term premium.
““We create beautiful, functional spaces that alleviate stress, inspire creativity, enhance clarity of thought and promote restoration””
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
-
![Modern home office with wooden shelves, guitars, a desk, and a large arched window showing the ocean outside.]()
"They developed, and stayed within, a budget and was conscientious about tracking orders, following up with vendors and coordinating deliveries."
We guide your vision and deliver trusted expertise.
-
![Modern living room with large floor-to-ceiling windows showing a city skyline, with a light gray sofa, a upholstered armchair, a glass coffee table, and decorative items like vases and plants.]()
"Working toward the client’s vision and does it with grace, warmth and patience"
“Best working experience my husband and I have ever had….listening to the two of us and amazingly blending and enhancing our ideas was extraordinary”
-
![]()
"They came up with a cohesive plan and budget that thoughtfully and creatively melded new and existing items. In addition, their creativity and resourcefulness have resulted in some custom pieces that are simply stunning!"
We deliver personalised, customised solutions to meet your unique needs.
-
![Living room with large windows overlooking a grassy landscape and beach, featuring a white dining table with brown chairs, a black sofa, a red lounge chair, a wooden bookshelf, and a modern white hanging lamp.]()
"Calm, thoughtful, meticulous…the best working experience we have ever had"
From design to construction, we provide personalised care and expert guidance in managing your project and budget, ensuring a stress-free path to your dream home.
-
![Living room with white sofa, beige curtains, and a coffee table with a glass vase holding tall green plants, sunlight filtering through windows.]()
"They managed every detail of the project with efficiency and expertly handled any difficulties that arose."
We are your trusted design partner from concept to completion.
-
![Modern living room with large arched windows, beige walls, and a city skyline view. Furniture includes a light gray sofa with pillows, dark armchairs, and a unique high-back lounge chair. Decor features abstract art, a glass bowl, and a coffee table with flowers. Pendant lights hang over a dining area.]()
"Modern and sophisticated without being trendy; elegant while also feeling inviting and liveable"
We translate your vision into a home that balances contemporary design with warmth and comfort, creating spaces you truly love and thrive in.
-
![Modern dining room with round wooden table, red upholstered chairs, black ceiling light fixture, wooden slat room divider, staircase with wooden steps, and a red accent wall.]()
"Cleverly efficient use of space... beautiful and timeless finishes"
We emphasise smart space planning and high-quality materials to maximise your home's potential and reflect your style.
-
![Modern living room with large windows offering ocean view, white sofa, armchairs, and indoor plants, adjacent to open kitchen with a white island and bar stools, in a bright, airy space with wooden accents and decorative lighting.]()
"An oasis in the sky..."
Clean lines, balanced proportions, and the integration of natural elements create calming and restorative environments.
-
![Bright living room corner with large windows, white armchair and ottoman, wooden bookshelf, side table, floor lamp, potted plant, and cityscape view.]()
"A home that is functional and pleasing to the senses"
We gain deep understanding of your needs, and design to elevate both emotional and physical wellbeing
-
![Historic building with ornate Art Deco facade, large display window, inside modern furniture, and decorative metalwork on top]()
"solution proved to be serene, calming, beautiful and functional"
“Solution that perfectly blended the historic, decorative landmark Louis Sullivan facade of our building with a contemporary interior”.
Symbiotic Living is recognised by House & Garden as a trusted and approved expert.
A TRUSTED AND APPROVED EXPERT
SymbIotic Living is featured as one of the world’s most innovative, visionary interior designers. According to Architectural Digest: “The Best Coffee Table Book to Buy in 2025”
/be-spōk/
A PHILOSOPHY OF BEAUTY
FEATURED INSIGHTS
FEATURED ARTICLES
