On April 16th, 2025, Joe Zazzera, President of Plant Solutions, proudly announced that Jessica Buhr, Managing Director, and Keeli McKae, Account Manager, have officially been certified as Biophilic Design Certified Practitioners (BDCP) by the Biophilic Design Institute. With this milestone, Buhr and McKae become the first individuals in the Interiorscape industry to earn this distinction.
“This is a proud moment for our team,” said Zazzera. “Jessica and Keeli’s certification marks a new chapter in the evolution of our work—where the science of nature integration meets the art of design. Their dedication to advancing biophilic design aligns perfectly with our mission to bring the restorative power of nature indoors.”
Keeli and Jessica are shining demonstrations of one of our greatest values: ensuring interiorscape installations are guided by research and standards recognized across industries related to architecture, design, biology, sustainability, and human health. Plant Solutions strives to stay at the forefront of continuously advancing strategies that integrate nature into interior environments.
About the Biophilic Design Certified Practitioner program
The Biophilic Design Certified Practitioner (BDCP) certification is a rigorous, evidence-based program that empowers design professionals with the tools to incorporate nature into the built environment in meaningful, measurable ways. For the interiorscape industry—where living plants play a central role in enhancing indoor spaces—this certification bridges a crucial gap between design aesthetics, occupant well-being, and ecological awareness.
“This certification reinforces how critical nature is to our interior environments—not just for beauty, but for health, performance, and connection,” said Jessica Buhr. “It’s an exciting step forward, and I’m honored to be part of setting a new standard in our industry.”
Nicole Cranen, Co-Founder of the Biophilic Design Institute, praised the milestone: “We are thrilled to award Jessica and Keeli as our first certified practitioners from the interiorscape profession. Their passion for integrating living systems into design reflects the heart of biophilic design. They are leading the way, setting an example for others in the industry to follow.” The Biophilic Design Institute is an international organization dedicated to advancing biophilic design education, research, and professional practice. Their certification programs equip practitioners with the scientific and practical knowledge to design environments that nurture human-nature connection.
As the interiorscape and interior design industries continue to evolve, the BDCP credential affirms a professional’s ability to apply the principles of biophilic design in both commercial and residential environments. From improving air quality and mental wellness to boosting creativity and productivity, biophilic design is increasingly becoming a cornerstone of high-performing interior environments.
Nature matters for our minds and bodies
For those new to biophilic design, interiorscapes are about creating ecosystems within built environments. Stemming from the science of biophilia, biophilic design blends natural elements like plants, moss walls, and water features into our everyday spaces — offices, lobbies, wellness rooms, and even rooftops.
Integrating biophilic design strategies into our interior landscaping projects solves real problems that inevitably arise from keeping humans inside and separate from the outdoors. The soundproofing quality of plants softens harsh acoustics in a busy workspace. Nature can boost mood and creativity in an otherwise sterile office. When fluorescent lights are too stimulating, or narrow hallways too smothering, natural light and wide open views might be the solution.
Workplaces are evolving, and employees crave more than ping-pong tables and coffee machines — humans need spaces that feel good on an experiential level. These articles provide deeper insight into the power of nature in built spaces and why working with a certified biophilic design practitioner is key.
- According to a study published by Harvard University’s school of public health, working in green-certified environments is linked to better cognitive function and overall productivity.
- Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests that natural environments can replenish depleted cognitive resources. Exposure to nature has been shown to improve attention, memory, and overall cognitive functioning (read the article here).
- Research from the University of Chicago indicates that exposure to natural stimuli, as opposed to urban environments, consistently enhances working memory performance. The study explores mechanisms by which nature exposure benefits cognitive processes.
A great biophilic designer should focus on more than visual greenery. It’s our duty to create healthier, more adaptive environments that improve productivity, reduce stress, and allow people to feel naturally human again.
Keeli McKae shares her experience completing the BDCP program and how biophilic design relates to the human experience: “Taking this certification course didn’t feel like learning something brand new; it felt like uncovering something I’ve always known: that our well-being is inseparable from our connection to the natural world. We’re meant to feel rooted, aware, and alive in our environments. When we design with nature in mind, we give people the space to feel fully human again — not rushed, not overstimulated, not disconnected. Well-designed spaces make us feel calm, curious, and in tune with the fact that we’re not separate from nature: we are nature.”
About Plant Solutions
Founded by Joe Zazzera, Plant Solutions is a Scottsdale-based biophilic design firm specializing in living walls, interior plantscapes, and workplace wellness. With over four decades of experience, our company is committed to reconnecting people with nature through thoughtful, sustainable design.
While many companies sell plants, few can design with intentions that encompass mental health, sustainability, extensive plant knowledge, and high-end design. At Plant Solutions, we shape environments where humans and nature thrive together.
With our recent BDCP achievements, we continue to lead in the integration of biophilic principles into workplace, hospitality, healthcare, and residential spaces, further reinforcing our reputation as a pioneer in nature-based design solutions. Let’s partner together to bring your vision to life.
Discover Our Biophilic Design Experts
Bringing biophilic design to life requires a knowledgeable and passionate partner. Find out more about the individuals you’ll collaborate with at Plant Solutions.