How Space Shapes Connection - with Elizabeth MacPherson-Hearn
What if the spaces you move through every day are quietly shaping your mood, your relationships—and even your sense of agency and hope? In this episode, Leigh sits down with renowned designer Elizabeth MacPherson-Hearn to explore the powerful idea that there is no such thing as a neutral space. Together, they unpack how the environments we inhabit influence how grounded, connected, and open we feel—especially in a time marked by division and uncertainty.
Through the lens of biophilia, Elizabeth offers both a deeper understanding and practical ways to transform any space—home, office, or community—into a place that restores calm, dignity, and human connection. In a world where so many feel unmoored, anxious, or disconnected, this conversation brings us back to something both ancient and accessible: our relationship to place.
Elizabeth defines biophilia as our innate, cellular-level need to connect with nature—and explains how it shows up in three powerful ways:
* Direct connection (light, water, nature itself)
* Indirect connection (materials, patterns, textures inspired by nature)
* Spatial design (how spaces create safety, curiosity, and calm through elements like “prospect and refuge”)
Together, Leigh and Elizabeth explore how these principles aren’t just aesthetic—they’re deeply human. They influence our nervous systems, our ability to think clearly, and even our capacity to connect with one another. At a time when many of us spend 85–95% of our lives indoors, the question becomes: What if our spaces could actively support our wellbeing instead of depleting it?
Elizabeth shares stories from her work designing schools and public spaces—including how thoughtful design can transform how children learn, engage, and feel in their bodies. She also reflects on how even small choices—light, materials, patterns—can dramatically shift our experience of a space. Most importantly, this episode isn’t about perfect design or privilege. It’s about awareness and agency. Because as Elizabeth reminds us: When you walk into a space and it feels good—there’s a reason.
In This Episode, We Explore:
* Why there is no such thing as a neutral space
* The science and psychology behind biophilia
* How design impacts stress, focus, and emotional wellbeing
* The concept of “prospect and refuge”—and why you always want the booth
* How patterns in nature (like fractals) calm the brain
* Why modern life has disconnected us—and how to gently reconnect
* Practical ways to bring grounding, beauty, and calm into your everyday spaces
A Few Questions to Carry With You:
* What spaces in your life make you feel most like yourself?
* Where do you feel calm, open, or connected—and why?
* What small shift could you make to bring more light, texture, or nature into your day?
Why This Conversation Matters
At its core, this episode is about reclaiming a sense of agency in uncertain times. When the world feels loud, divided, or overwhelming, place becomes a quiet but powerful ally.
By tending to the spaces around us, we begin to steady ourselves within. And from that place—we’re better able to engage, connect, and lead with intention.
About Elizabeth MacPherson-Hearn
As a leader at the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Mithun, Elizabeth translates visionary thinking into grounded, human-centered spaces. She brings a keen awareness of sensory experience and how people move through daily life, seamlessly blending interior design with architecture to create environments that feel intuitive and connected from the moment you enter. Her deep knowledge of sustainable materials allows her to design spaces that create long-term value across both public and private sectors.
A strong listener with a background rooted in physiology, Elizabeth designs places that people don’t just use—but feel. Her work is guided by a deep understanding of biophilia—the innate, sensory connection between humans and the natural world—which she lectures on nationally.
