ABOUT
Prioritising wellbeing is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity
Research reveals that individuals in post-industrial nations spend a staggering 90% of their time indoors. 35% of the population reports significantly less sleep than the recommended 7 to 9 hours, while a large percentage of the population grapples with stress. related health issues.
At Symbiotic Living, we believe homes are living stories, unfolding with their inhabitants, adapting to their evolving needs. Our award-winning team partners with homeowners to create bespoke spaces that prioritise health and wellbeing, seamlessly integrating beauty and function.
We design to elevate both emotional and physical wellbeing
Our wellness design services, informed by evidence and an in-depth understanding of our clients’ needs and desires, are guided by biophilic principles, incorporating elements such as circadian lighting, calming textures and deep connection to the natural world, ultimately facilitating restful sleep, enhanced restoration and vital rejuvenation for busy lives.
Your Trusted Design Partner From Concept to Completion
We approach each project with a focus on meticulous planning and budget management of furniture fixtures and fittings. By understanding your unique needs and goals, we create truly personalised environments. This holistic approach considers every detail, from sustainability and space planning to material selection, ensuring your project stays on track and within budget. Seamless project coordination ensures a smooth and stress-free experience, focusing on how design impacts your daily life.
It’s Time to Prioritise Your Health and Well-Being:
““We create beautiful, functional spaces that alleviate stress, inspire creativity, enhance clarity of thought and promote restoration””
“BIO
Sharlene Young”
Sharlene Young is the principal and owner of Symbiotic Living Architecture and Design. For more than 25 years, Sharlene has worked with clients to enrich their lives through her designs and the built environment. After graduating from Cornell’s School of Architecture, Art and Planning, Sharlene spent time working with industry giants such as Gary Lee Partners, The Environments Group and Perkins and Will.
For over 12 years, Sharlene was the Interior Practice Lead at Wheeler Kearns Architects, when she was presented with the opportunity to start her own design practice.
Based on the mission to achieve design excellence through the perspective of wellbeing, Symbiotic Living Architecture and Design opened its doors in 2016. Focused on both residential and commercial office projects, SL continues to work with Wheeler Kearns Architects in a strategic partnership.
Sharlene’s notable projects include designing a prototype workplace for McKinsey & Company, the headquarters for Crate & Barrel, an adaptive reuse of Louis Sullivan’s last built project for Studio V, Mather Café’s refresh, and residences throughout Illinois and Michigan. See Awards and Press for additional information about Sharlene’s awards, publications and accomplishments.
As an industry thought leader, Sharlene has served as chair of the AIA Chicago Interior Architecture Knowledge Community.
Through her time as a research advocate for the Parkinson’s Foundation and volunteer with the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation, Sharlene has strengthened her unique perspective and human centered approach to design.
Education & Registration:
B.Arch from Cornell University.
Licensed Architect: State of Illinois & Ohio, USA
Registered Interior Designer: British Institute of Interior Design, UK
International Living Future Institute - Foundations of Biophilic Design Certificate
“BIO
Bill Patry”
Bill Patry is an interior designer and stylist who brings a broad range of experience to Symbiotic Living's practice. Prior to studying Interior Design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Bill developed his creative sensibility at Bennington College in Vermont, where he studied fashion and costume design. His career also spans e-commerce management, editorial styling, and online content creation, providing him with a unique, multi-disciplinary approach to design. Bill specialises in creating timeless interiors, blending classic and modern American and European styles. His work is grounded in a commitment to quality, sustainability, and functionality—always tailored to the specific needs and lifestyles of his clients.
Accreditation:
International Living Future Institute - Living Future Accreditation
Master Gardener candidate
“Collaborators”
We are proud to work alongside a diverse group of exceptional collaborators who possess a wealth of knowledge in architecture, design, art, and sustainability. Together, we form a cohesive and innovative team that is dedicated to delivering the utmost in product and service excellence to our clients.
Paul Hagle, Architect
Paul Hagle is an independent architect based in Chicago with over 36 years of professional experience. Throughout his career, he has contributed to nationally recognized firms including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Perkins&Will, and most recently, Gensler, where he served as Technical Director. At Gensler, Paul played a key role in the LEED Gold-certified adaptive-reuse of the historic Old Chicago Post Office, transforming it into the Office Tenant Amenity Floor, providing a Lounge, Library, Conference Room and Fitness Center.
Paul specializes in new construction and adaptive reuse, with a focus on the coordination of complex architectural projects involving engineering and structural systems, as well as in-place renovations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Kent State University and an MBA from DePaul University.
Monica Chadha, AIA, LEED AP
As the Founder and Principal of Civic Projects, Monica Chadha contributes a background that is equal parts social engagement and quality design. Prior to founding Civic Projects, Monica led project teams at two of Chicago’s most notable architecture firms: Studio Gang and Ross Barney Architects. During that time, she was integral to the design of award-winning civic-scale buildings, such as the Champaign Public Library and the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Civil Engineering Building. Civic Projects is currently engaged in a wide range of work: from working with Ralph Appelbaum and Associates on the Museum Design for the Obama Presidential Center, to leading the strategic programming and planning for the Chicago Torture Justice Center.
Jacob Chartoff, Architect
Jacob is an Architect and Designer with over twenty years of experience. He is an owner and partner at MAS Studio in Chicago, where he is responsible for design, management of project documentation, technical design guidance, materials research, and construction administration services. While working as Interiors Studio Lead for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Jacob was a member of the project team that completed John Deere’s innovative Chicago headquarters and the LEED Gold Certified Kirkland Hall renovation at Vanderbilt University. Jacob specializes in project management/project delivery and technical experience, and is a Registered Architect in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He holds a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art & Design and an MArch from UIC.