8 Key Metrics for Designing Living Spaces That Enhance Well-Being

What makes a space feel good—not just look good?

This is the question at the heart of every regenerative project we take on. In a recent panel hosted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Cedar Architecture’s founder Deborah Buelow led a conversation around how architects can design for wellness—not just efficiency. The panel explored measurable ways our built environments can promote health, happiness, and human connection.

Here are eight key metrics we use to guide design decisions that enhance well-being:

1. Access to Natural Light

Daylight is one of the most fundamental well-being boosters in the built environment. It regulates our circadian rhythms, boosts mood, and reduces energy use. We prioritize the placement of windows, skylights, and reflective surfaces to bring in and bounce around as much natural light as possible—without compromising comfort.

2. Acoustic Comfort

Noise pollution is a hidden stressor. Thoughtful acoustic design means more than just soundproofing—it’s about tuning a space so it supports clarity, focus, and peace. We consider materials, ceiling heights, and layouts that minimize echo and buffer external noise.

3. Indoor Air Quality

From volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to stale ventilation, indoor air can become a hidden hazard. We select non-toxic materials, integrate operable windows, and specify HVAC systems that support healthy airflow and filtration. Clean air shouldn't be a luxury.

4. Thermal Comfort

Well-being often starts with feeling physically at ease. That means reducing drafts, maintaining even temperatures, and offering user control when possible. Through passive design and high-performance insulation, we craft buildings that are comfortable through the seasons—with minimal mechanical intervention.

5. Visual Connection to Nature (Biophilia)

A view of trees. A line of sight to the sky. Natural materials underfoot. These moments of connection to nature are proven to reduce stress and promote recovery. Whether it's a framed garden view or a wall clad in wood, biophilic elements are essential to wellness-centered design.

6. Movement & Flow

How we move through a space affects how we feel within it. We prioritize intuitive circulation, open sight lines, and opportunities to pause and breathe. When a space flows well, you don’t have to think about it. You just feel at ease.

7. Social Engagement & Privacy

Well-designed spaces balance connection with retreat. We plan zones that invite gathering—like open kitchens or shared workspaces—as well as cozy corners for solitude. Especially in multi-use environments, people need both.

8. Emotional Resonance

Sometimes, it’s hard to explain why a space feels good—it just does. That’s where emotional resonance comes in. Warm materials, meaningful lighting, and an overall sense of care in the design process help create spaces that uplift the spirit.

Designing for What Matters

Designing for well-being isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about designing with intention—using these eight metrics as a compass to guide our decisions toward environments that nourish, support, and inspire. At Cedar Architecture, we believe spaces can—and should—help people feel whole.

About the Author

Deborah Buelow is the founder of Cedar Architecture, where she leads with a regenerative design ethos rooted in beauty, health, and harmony with nature. She frequently speaks and moderates panels on sustainable architecture, wellness design, and the future of the built environment.