FIRM
Symbiotic Living is an interior architecture and design firm founded on the convergence of two profound paths and guiding principles—a commitment to design excellence and a positive state of well-being.
Our health, sense of well-being, and energy levels are powerfully impacted by our environment—whether at work, at home, or in nature. At Symbiotic Living, we focus on a thoughtful, human-centered approach to interior architecture and design. Our mission is to create environments in which our clients can not only live, but thrive. And in creating an optimal living environment, we strive to maximize both form and function.. This means we are intentional not only about the overall spatial organization and the small details that make a space useful and beautiful, but also qualities that enrich our experience in the spaces.
Each choice we make from designing spaces:
for energy
for focus
for play
to restore
considers the functional purpose and emotional intention of spaces to enhance our clients’ sense of wellbeing.
This process starts with deep empathy for and understanding of our clients—their needs, their preferences, what brings them joy.
“We believe in elevating our sense of well-being through the built environment.”
SERVICES
Symbiotic Living is a full service interior architecture and design firm. Our experience ranges from private residences to large corporate interiors and everything in between. Every project we touch is approached through the lens of human factors and well-being. To us, a successful project is measured in the role design plays in improving the quality of life for the people who live, work and play in the spaces we build.
Every client is unique, and every project has a unique set of drivers and challenges. We believe that highly-functional and well-designed spaces are NOT mutually exclusive, but mutually enriching.
We apply this to everything that we do, and develop tailored solutions for each client.
Symbiotic Living is dedicated to elevating our sense of well-being through the built environment.
““We shape our buildings and afterwards our buildings shape us.””
“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 Accolades 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 specializes 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.
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.