Amlings News

The Convergence of Tech and Nature

Technology is changing everything about how we live. From the way we communicate, work, and design, to the way we understand life inside buildings, the digital revolution is absolute. However, amidst the algorithms and data sets, there is a twist that most people don’t see coming.

We often assume that as technology advances, our environments will become colder, starker, and more robotic. The reality is quite the opposite. As AI gets smarter, our interiors are becoming more human. We are entering a new era where interior design and AI converge to create spaces that finally catch up to the way we actually live and feel. At the center of this shift is a ground for more sensory ambiance, achieved by incorporating plants.

For architectural designers and facility managers, this represents a fundamental change in how we approach spatial planning. It is no longer a choice between “high-tech” and “natural.” The future is a seamless blend of both.

How AI Is Helping Us Work With Nature

As technology advances, humanity begins to crave green, organic, natural environments more than ever before. This craving isn’t just aesthetic; it is biological. Fortunately, artificial intelligence is evolving into an instrument that helps us satisfy this need rather than distracting us from it.

AI in interior design acts as a bridge between the built environment and the natural world. It allows architects and designers to map light patterns with precision, measure acoustics, analyze traffic flow, and predict exactly how people will use a space. When these AI models run the data, the results consistently confirm what biophilic designers have always known: people need nature.

The data is irrefutable. Plants are essential to our living environment. By leveraging interior design and AI, we can move beyond guessing where a plant might look good to knowing exactly where it will thrive and where it will provide the most benefit to the occupants.

Are you ready to transform your commercial space? Amlings specializes in bringing living design to Chicago’s most iconic properties. Click here to schedule a consultation with our interior landscaping experts today.

Smart Buildings Need Smart Greenery

We often talk about “smart buildings” in terms of HVAC efficiency or security systems, but the concept is expanding. Technology is pushing interior landscaping into a new era. We are moving toward a time where nature is an integrated part of our living environment, not just a choice to opt in or out of.

This is where interior landscaping technology truly shines. Biophilic design is being integrated with technology in ways that have never been seen before.

The Tools of the Trade

Modern tech-driven plant design utilizes sophisticated tools to ensure the health of the installation and the comfort of the humans inhabiting the space. These innovations include:

• Precision Hydration: Advanced sensors track plant hydration levels in real-time, eliminating the guesswork of watering schedules.
• Adaptive Lighting: Artificial lighting systems adjust automatically based on the season and time of day to mimic natural circadian rhythms for both plants and people.
• Optimized Airflow: AI analyzes air currents to ensure airflow is optimized around plant placement, maximizing air purification and plant health.
• Predictive Species Selection: Data analysis predicts which species will thrive in which specific part of a building, reducing plant mortality and maintenance costs.
• Proactive Monitoring: Remote monitors alert horticulture teams of subtle environmental changes before humans would ever notice them.

AI Powered Insights: Mapping Emotional Topography

While AI still has a long way to go and certainly does not replace the human touch, it serves as a powerful instrument to help us. Designers still need to analyze design, creating a sense of cohesion and using their instinct to create emotion in a space. However, interior design and AI together can reveal the hidden layers of a building’s usage.

AI can map the “hot spots” of human behavior within a commercial footprint. It can identify:

• Where people gather socially.
• Where energy dips during the day.
• Where stress peaks for employees.
• Where the design feels “flat” or uninspiring.

The Organic Solution to Data Problems

Once these issues are identified through data, the solution is rarely more screens or more concrete. Guess what often solves those issues? Organic form, texture, color, and overall other forms of life.

Designers are using these tech tools to reveal the emotional topography of a space. Horticulture is what brings the solution to life. This creates a perfect partnership between nature-inspired interiors and AI-driven planning.

Interested in learning how data can improve your office morale? Contact us for more information on our biophilic design audits.

Data to Delight: The New Era of Design

Many companies across Chicago have always been design-first, intuition-first, and people-first. These values remain paramount. But as technology evolves, so does the way we create and maintain interiors.

The integration of interior design and AI helps inform critical decisions that used to be based solely on intuition. AI now helps inform:

1. Light Simulation: Understanding how natural and artificial light interacts with the space throughout the year.
2. Room Usage Patterns: Analyzing how high-traffic areas degrade over time versus quiet zones.
3. Ideal Plant Species Selection: Matching the biological needs of specific plants with the micro-climates of the building.
4. Environmental Stress Points: Identifying areas with drafts or temperature fluctuations that could harm greenery.
5. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Balancing the energy load of the building with the cooling and air-purifying benefits of plant life.

This transition from raw data to visual delight is what defines the modern era of tech-driven plant design.

The Hybrid Future: Human + Nature + Technology

The future of interior environments isn’t cold or robotic. It is a hybrid ecosystem. We must imagine a world where AI in interior design facilitates a deeper connection to nature.

Imagine walking into a lobby where:

• AI-managed living walls stay perfectly hydrated without human intervention.
• Lobby plants thrive under lighting that adjusts automatically to simulate a passing cloud or a sunset.
• Seasonal designs are informed by predictive environmental data, ensuring the decor always matches the mood and the climate.
• Smart containers constantly monitor soil health, sending data back to the care team.
• Horticultural teams receive alerts on their devices before a leaf ever yellows.

This is where high-design commercial interiors are heading. AI is not misleading us away from nature, but deeper into it.

A Partnership for Unforgettable Spaces

The truth is simple: AI makes design smarter, and plants make design human. Together? They make spaces unforgettable.

Technology will keep evolving along with our horticulture practices, and Amlings will continue to bridge them. We are committed to bringing thoughtful, living design into Chicago’s most iconic properties in a way that honors both innovation and nature.

The future isn’t just high-tech. It is high-touchpoint, and life will always be part of the story.

Transform Your Space Today

Are you ready to embrace the future of interior design and AI? Don’t let your building fall behind.

Purchase Amlings’ professional interior landscaping services today and let us bring the intelligence of nature to your workspace.

If you aren’t sure where to start, that is okay. We are here to guide you through the new era of tech-driven plant design.

Chicago moves in seasons as dramatically as its skyline shifts from dawn to dusk. In summer, the city feels alive—lakefront trails glowing, parks overflowing with vibrant color, and streets buzzing with palpable energy. But when winter arrives, Chicago becomes something else entirely: muted, gray, wind-soaked, and quiet.

For nearly six months of the year, natural greenery disappears from sight. The outdoors goes bare, leaving a void in the visual landscape. This stark contrast is why indoor plants matter here more than almost anywhere else. Across Class A office buildings, luxury hotels, corporate headquarters, and landmark properties, greenery becomes the visual and emotional counterbalance to Chicago’s longest season.

For architectural designers and facility managers, understanding the benefits of indoor plants is not just about aesthetics; it is about psychological survival and spatial vitality. Where the external world freezes, interior landscapes step in to restore warmth, color, and vitality.

The Psychology of Green: Indoor Plants and Mental Health

In a winter city, biophilic design—the concept of connecting building occupants more closely to nature—is essential. This is particularly true in our region, as Chicagoans spend more time indoors in winter than in any other season.

The connection between indoor plants and mental health is well-documented and profound. Research in biophilic design shows that exposure to living plants can fundamentally alter the human experience within a built environment. When the world outside is monochromatic, bringing nature inside acts as a neurological salve.

Reducing Stress and Increasing Calm

The presence of greenery has been shown to significantly reduce stress. In high-stakes environments like corporate headquarters or busy hotel lobbies, the passive viewing of plants can lower cortisol levels and create a sense of calm and grounding. This “green effect” is crucial for maintaining a positive atmosphere when the weather outside is hostile.

Boosting Cognitive Performance

Beyond relaxation, the benefits of indoor plants extend to cognitive function. Studies suggest that biophilic environments increase focus and productivity. For office managers looking to maximize output during the sluggish winter months, green interiors offer a passive yet effective solution. Furthermore, natural elements have been linked to heightened creativity, making them indispensable in design studios, ad agencies, and collaborative workspaces.

Natural Ways to Combat Winter Blues in the Workplace

Chicago winters desaturate the world outside, leaving behind a palette of silver, charcoal, and white. This lack of color can lead to a collective dip in mood, often referred to as the “winter blues.” Interior landscaping offers one of the most effective natural ways to combat winter blues in a professional setting.

Restoring the Color Palette

Inside, greenery becomes essential by returning color, texture, and natural form to the environment. While the city is dominated by glass, marble, and steel—especially in iconic buildings like the Aon Center, the Wrigley Building, and the Hancock—plants reintroduce the softness and vibrancy that humans crave.

By providing soft, seasonal color and unique plant varieties, we can improve overall mood. A burst of green becomes a seasonal anchor in a city known for its architectural skyline. It reminds visitors and tenants that even in the coldest months, life continues.

Design Meets Climate: A Strategy for Indoor Plants for Winter Season

With over 125 years in Chicago, Amlings Interior Landscape understands something many national providers overlook. Implementing indoor plants for winter season requires more than just picking pretty flowers; it requires a design-first, horticulture-driven approach that fits Chicago’s unique climate rhythm.

The Logistics of Winter Greenery

Our winter-specific plant strategy is rigorous. It includes:

• Cold-resistant delivery logistics: Moving tropical plants in sub-zero temperatures requires specialized care to ensure they arrive without thermal shock.
• High-performance evergreen species: We select plants that maintain vibrancy despite lower light levels and drier indoor air.
• Seasonal rotations: We adjust designs based on light changes, heating shifts, and fluctuating traffic patterns within the building.
• Long-term maintenance programs: Our goal is museum-quality presentation year-round, ensuring that plants never look tired or withered.

This strategic approach ensures that winter interior landscapes carry more weight and successfully fill the emotional and visual gaps left by nature’s retreat.

Architectural Depth: Texture and Form in Winter Interiors

For architectural designers, the benefits of indoor plants go beyond biology—they are tools of spatial definition. In winter, when natural light is scarce and flat, plants add necessary depth and complexity to interior architecture.

Evergreens for Stability

We utilize evergreens for stability and depth. These robust plants anchor large atriums and lobbies, providing a sense of permanence when the outdoor landscape feels fleeting and frozen.

Orchids for Elegance

To contrast the heavy winter coats and gray skies, we use orchids for elegance and architectural shape. Their precise, sculptural blooms complement modern minimalist designs and add a touch of sophisticated fragility that elevates the space.

Biophilic Texture

Moss walls are increasingly popular for adding biophilic texture without requiring the floor space of large potted plants. These installations are particularly effective in corridors and conference rooms, where they serve as acoustic buffers and visual focal points.

Blooming Displays

Strategic blooming displays act as highlights within a room, drawing the eye and guiding movement through a space. These design risks elevate the space, turning a standard lobby into a destination.

Holiday & Seasonal Displays: Winter’s Most Transformative Design Moment

While the benefits of indoor plants are year-round, the application of greenery peaks during the holidays. Holiday décor carries a special kind of magic in Chicago; these installations transform spaces into destinations.
In a city where winter dominates, seasonal installations set the tone for experience—helping buildings feel welcoming, warm, and alive. This is not just decoration; it is placemaking.

Curating a Story

Our design team curates holiday moments that feel elegant, sophisticated, and site-specific. We move beyond generic garlands to create story-telling décor that reflects the brand identity of the property. Whether it is a towering tree in a light-filled atrium or subtle, frost-inspired accents in a boutique lobby, these displays for luxury environments act as a major draw for tenants and visitors alike.

The Essential Nature of Winter Greenery

For more than a century, Amlings has helped Chicago properties navigate the beauty and challenge of living design in a climate with extreme contrast. But in winter, our goals become even more meaningful.

Our work revolves around bringing color, life, and biophilic calm to the heart of the city. We believe that with a touch of green, we can make all the difference in how people experience the built environment. Every installation is crafted to bring beauty and warmth to winter-worn interiors.

Embracing the Greenery

The benefits of indoor plants in Chicago are multifaceted. They are psychological anchors that reduce stress and improve focus. They are aesthetic tools that combat the gray monotony of the season. They are improved air quality and acoustic dampeners. But most importantly, they are a reminder of life.

As we face another long winter, the value of indoor plants and mental health cannot be overstated. By integrating indoor plants for winter season and utilizing natural ways to combat winter blues, architects and facility managers can create spaces that nurture the human spirit even when the wind chill drops below zero.

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Don’t let the winter season dull the vibrancy of your property. Experience the full benefits of indoor plants with Chicago’s most experienced interior landscape partner.

Contact Amlings Interior Landscape Today to request a proposal for winter plant rentals, ongoing maintenance, or custom holiday design. Let us bring the outside in, when you need it most.

Want to learn more about biophilic design trends? Read our other articles here.

Step inside any high-end lobby, hotel, or Class A office building and you will notice something that sets the tone long before the architecture or the art does: the plants. This is intentional living design that instantly signals care, sophistication, and atmosphere. While many elements contribute to the aesthetic of a space, a luxury plant installation is one of the quietest, most powerful ways to elevate a space.

Despite its ubiquity in the world’s most exclusive properties, not many understand the craft behind it. Most visitors walk through the final product without realizing the choreography, decision-making, and design intelligence it takes to create an interior landscape that feels both effortless and high-end. Whether you are an architect, a facility manager, or a designer, to understand what truly defines a luxury interior design installation, you have to look beyond the leaves and into the process.

At Amlings, we believe that luxury greenery is used to reveal something the architecture already wants to express. It is a discipline that marries horticulture with biophilic interior design, creating spaces that breathe.

It Begins With the Architecture: The Foundation of Luxury Interior Design

Every luxury plant installation starts with a reading of the space. In the world of high end interior design, one cannot simply place greenery into a room without context. At Amlings, this is where the design narrative forms. Before a single plant is selected, we study how the building moves.

This initial phase is critical because luxury interiors speak with intention. Any plant installation worthy of that space must respond to the architecture with the same level of intentionality. We ask many questions revolving around daylight, how a room looks and feels at different hours of the day, and the materials that create an emotional tone.

The plants, in a sense, become part of the building’s vocabulary. The structure tells us what it needs:

• Height: To counterbalance tall ceilings.
• Softness: To warm cool materials.
• Boldness: To anchor a vast lobby.
• Color: To spark vitality.
• Form: To guide movement.

In luxury interior designs, the goal is to create a seamless integration where the botanical elements feel inevitable. By analyzing the “bones” of the building, we ensure that the resulting installation enhances the architect’s vision rather than distracting from it.

You can transform your space today! Is your property ready to embrace the power of biophilic architecture? Contact Amlings for a design consultation.

Curating Nature: Why Plants Are Selected Like Sculpture

There is no catalog approach in high-end work. In standard interior landscaping, plants might be treated as commodities—interchangeable and uniform. However, in the realm of luxury interior design, the plants chosen for these spaces are curated with the eye of a designer and the experience of a horticulturist.

They are selected individually. This selection process is rigorous. Each specimen is inspected for its natural architecture. Our experts look for specific traits that define quality:

• The symmetry of its leaves.
• The strength of its root system.
• The fullness of its canopy.
• The sculptural quality of its branches.

Luxury installations demand presence. A tree that stands in a five-star hotel lobby must hold its own against grand staircases, contemporary art, and soaring windows. Conversely, a set of orchids placed in a minimalist reception area must offer elegance without overwhelming the space.

The goal in biophilic interior design is always balance—plants that complement, not compete. These botanicals are sourced from premium growers in Florida, California, and Hawaii, where climate and horticultural expertise allow for strong, vibrant specimens that can adapt to interior environments. It is a highly selective process, and it shows.

Containers Are Architecture: The Vessel as a Design Element

In luxury plant design, containers are as important as the plants themselves. They are not merely functional pots; they are part of the interior design element with their own identity. When executing a luxury interior design project, the container’s style, tone, shape, and finish determine how a design lives within the building.

The interplay between the vessel and the environment is where design and horticulture intersect. A luxury installation is composition, and each element depends on the next. Consider the impact of material selection:

• A matte ceramic vessel can bring softness to a modernist space.
• A glossy, sculptural container can transform a simple plant into a statement piece.
• Neutral, earth-toned stone can ground a room with quiet confidence.

The stakes are high. The wrong container can cheapen a space, while the right one can elevate it instantly. This attention to the physical vessel is what separates standard office greenery from true high end interior design.

Curious about how we select the perfect vessels for your aesthetic? Read more about our design philosophy.

Installation Day: The Art of Quiet Precision

The installation itself is a study in timing and coordination. For high-end properties, this work often takes place during quiet hours: early mornings, late evenings, or carefully planned windows when building activity is minimal.

The hallmark of a luxury interior design service is invisibility regarding the process. Luxury tenants and guests never see the behind-the-scenes choreography, only the finished result. Our crews navigate loading docks, freight elevators, long hallways, and marble surfaces with precision.

The goal is zero disruption and zero evidence that an installation ever occurred. Plants are unwrapped and acclimated gently. Containers are placed and repositioned until the design feels inevitable. Every angle is evaluated, and every leaf is adjusted.

Every detail matters. Installations are always overseen by the design team; there is no “drop-and-go”. The design isn’t finished until it looks like it was always meant to be there. This “quiet precision” ensures that the introduction of biophilic architecture elements feels seamless and magical to the end-user.

Atmosphere Changes Instantly: The Power of Biophilic Interior Design

When the final plant is placed, the transformation is unmistakable. Suddenly, the space has depth, and the air feels different. This is the transformative power of luxury interior design when it embraces nature.

The changes are both physical and psychological:

• Light: Becomes softer.
• Acoustics: The acoustics shift, dampening echoes in large spaces.
• Behavior: People who walk through the space slow down just a bit.
• Emotion: A lobby that once felt cold becomes warm; a corporate office that felt sterile becomes grounded.

A hotel entry that felt rushed becomes calm and welcoming. This is the true power of biophilic design at the luxury level. It doesn’t shout; it whispers. And yet, the effect on emotion is profound.

Especially in dense urban environments like Chicago, these installations take on an even deeper role by providing contrast, reintroducing life, and restoring balance to architecture dominated by steel and glass. Biophilic architecture connects the occupants to the natural world, providing a respite that is essential for modern wellness.

Luxury Lives in the Maintenance: Stewardship of Living Art

A luxury plant installation only remains luxurious with consistent, expert care. Plants are living art, and living art evolves. This is why maintenance in high-end environments is less about upkeep and more about stewardship.

The most beautiful luxury interior designs will fail without this crucial component. Amlings’ horticultural technicians visit properties with the same level of attention found in museums or five-star hospitality. They do not simply water plants; they curate them.

• They clean, shape, hydrate, groom, and monitor each plant.
• They anticipate issues before they occur.
• They protect the investment and preserve the design’s integrity.

The goal is simple: the installation should look as flawless after a year as it did on the day it was installed. This long-term commitment is what ensures that high end interior design retains its value and impact over time.

Luxury Plant Installations Are Living Statements

At their core, luxury installations are about identity. They express who a building is and how it wants people to feel. Whether incorporating biophilic architecture into a new build or refreshing an existing space with luxury interior design, these elements create a sensory experience that lingers long after someone leaves.

By choosing Amlings, you are choosing a partner who understands that the difference between a good space and a breathtaking one often lies in the living details.

Choosing the right plant service company can redefine how people feel the moment they walk through the door of your business. Whether you manage a bustling corporate headquarters, a luxury hotel, or a high-end retail space, the atmosphere you create speaks volumes before a single word is exchanged. Thoughtful design elevates brand perception and transforms a building’s ambient value.

However, achieving this requires more than just buying a few ficus trees. There is an art to selecting the right horticulture partner—someone who helps your space breathe, feel alive, and actually reflect who you are as a brand. As a facility manager or business owner, you need a guide to navigate this decision with confidence. This article provides a comprehensive look at what you should expect from a top-tier plant service provider and how to distinguish true partners from mere decorators.

Analyze the Portfolio: Design vs. Decoration

When vetting an indoor plant care business, the first and most important filter is a company’s portfolio or website. This is where you separate the visionaries from the vendors. You need to ask yourself a critical question: Do you feel anything when you look at their work?.

A great plant service provider tells a story through imagery, demonstrating design intention rather than simply placing greenery in empty spaces. In the world of commercial interiors, there is a distinct difference between designing and decorating. If a provider’s portfolio looks like they have just dropped plants in random corners, they are not designing. If the space looks generic—like it could be any lobby anywhere—that company is merely decorating.

Seeking Editorial Quality in Office Plant Services

Reputable providers showcase work that is tailored, with installations that feel integrated into the design narrative of the building. When you open their website and scroll through their past projects, ask yourself:

• Does this look like us?
• Does this make me feel something?
• Does the design look intentional?

You want a provider whose work looks editorial. Your business is unique, and your office plant services should reflect that uniqueness.

Moving Beyond Buzzwords: True Biophilic Design

Many companies claim to know biophilic design—the art of reconnecting people with nature in built environments. However, in the marketing materials of many an indoor plant care business, this term is often used loosely. To make sure the company isn’t just throwing around a buzzword, you need to dig deeper.

A genuine biophilic plant service provider considers the holistic impact of nature on your interior environment. They don’t just look for floor space to place a pot; they analyze the physics and psychology of the room.

The Elements of an Experience

When discussing your project, listen to the language the provider uses. A team that truly understands biophilia will discuss:

• Light Dynamics: How light moves through a space and how it interacts with foliage.
• Acoustics: How greenery affects acoustics and dampens sound in open-concept offices.
• Emotional Impact: How color and texture shape emotion and employee well-being.
• Architectural Harmony: How nature integrates with architecture, rather than fighting it.

If a potential provider talks only about “watering schedules” and “low-light plants,” they are selling you maintenance, not an experience. You need to look for a team that talks about how a space feels.

Want to learn more about the psychology of space?

Click here to read about Biophilic Design and how it improves employee productivity.

Operational Precision: The Logistics of Class A Buildings

Managing greenery in corporate offices, luxury hotels, and Class A buildings requires far more than horticultural knowledge. It demands operational precision and professionalism. This is particularly true if you are looking for a trusted office plant service in Chicago, where high-rise logistics can be complex.

A residential gardener cannot simply walk into a secure corporate HQ. You must choose a company trusted for maintaining high-end installations year-round. The difference between a seamless installation and a chaotic disruption lies in the provider’s familiarity with building operations.

Navigating the “Back of House”

Look for plant maintenance services that are intimately familiar with:

• Security Protocols: Navigating check-in procedures and badge access.
• Loading Docks: Understanding height clearances and scheduling deliveries.
• Freight Elevators: Booking and utilizing service elevators without disrupting tenants.
• Property Management: coordinating effectively with building management teams.
• Engineering Requirements: Working with building engineering regarding HVAC and water sources.
• Tenant Relations: Handling tenants with opinions and specific needs.

You must choose someone who understands the rhythm of Class A buildings and is capable of handling Certificates of Insurance (COIs), specific access windows, schedule changes, and everything else that comes with high-traffic environments. If a plant service company cannot navigate these logistics, your install can become chaotic, reflecting poorly on your facilities team.

The Science of Plant Maintenance Services

While you, as the client, do not need to be a horticulturalist, your provider absolutely must be. Ask about their horticulture, but don’t worry—you don’t need to be an expert. Every interior has its own rhythm of light, humidity, and airflow, and ignoring these factors is the quickest way to waste money on dead plants.

Your provider should understand the science behind plant performance and long-term health. A reliable indoor plant care business will be transparent about their sourcing and science.

Questions to Ask Your Provider

To vet the quality of their plant maintenance services, ask the following:

• Sourcing: Where do their plants come from?. Do they work with reputable growers in Florida, California, or Hawaii?.
• Rotation: How often do they refresh or rotate plants to ensure top visual quality?.
• Specialization: Do they specialize in complex features like plant walls, moss walls, or living installations?.

Pay attention to their enthusiasm. If the company gets excited talking about plant health, root systems, or how light affects leaf structure, you have found a good one. This passion translates directly into the longevity and beauty of your installation.

Sustainability: Avoid “Greenwashing”

In the modern corporate world, sustainability is part of responsible design. An ethical commercial plant service company should demonstrate ecological care through natural design. This authenticity reflects positively on your building values and brand reputation.

However, you must be wary of “greenwashing”—claiming sustainability without the practice to back it up.

What to Look For

To ensure your office plant services align with your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals, look for companies that:

• Use Sustainable Containers: Utilizing recycled or eco-friendly materials.
• Avoid Disposable Decor: Stepping away from cheap, disposable items that end up in landfills.
• Prioritize Real Botanicals: Choose real botanicals over fake plants whenever possible.
• Focus on Longevity: Focus on long-term health, not just short-term aesthetics.

If everything in their portfolio is artificial, overly glossy, or plastic-forward, that is not biophilia—it’s just set dressing. A true partner helps you make choices that are good for your image and the planet.

Curious about our green initiatives? Contact Us to learn how Amlings incorporates sustainability into every design.

Communication: The Key to a Lasting Partnership

The best plant service providers act as an extension of your facilities team. The plants are the product, but the service is the relationship. A provider should communicate proactively, notifying you by building consistency through trust.

You should never have to chase your vendor to find out why a palm looks brown. A great plant maintenance services provider:

• Predicts Issues: Tells you before something becomes a problem.
• Proactive Replacement: Suggests replacements before you notice a decline in quality.
• Seasonal Awareness: Offers seasonal upgrades to keep the space fresh.
• Consistent Contact: Checks in regularly.
• Reliability: Never disappears after the install is complete.

If communication feels easy, the partnership will be too. This peace of mind is invaluable for building managers juggling dozens of other vendor contracts.

The Amlings Difference

The punchline is simple. Selecting a plant service provider is ultimately about aligning with a partner who understands your space, your brand, and the story you want to tell.

When design, sustainability, and care come together, your interiors become environments that feel alive in every detail. You are choosing someone who understands not just one aspect, but the synergy of Design, Plants, People, and Commercial Environments .

A great provider will help your space breathe. And that’s the whole point.

Biophilic Design Benefits

Plants in an office are never just plants. They shape how people feel, focus, and interact. A carefully placed living wall softens the sharp lines of corporate interiors, while seasonal greenery transforms lobbies into places that feel alive, connected to the rhythms of the city outside.

But greenery in commercial spaces isn’t only about aesthetics. Research shows that biophilic design—bringing natural elements indoors—reduces stress, improves air quality, and increases productivity. In a city like Chicago, where winters are long and gray, these benefits are more than luxuries; they’re necessities for well-being.

At Amlings Interior Landscape, we design, install, and care for plants with the same attention architects give to steel or stone. Our work is about more than placement—it’s about creating an environment that evolves with the people who move through it every day.

The science backs it up. Research from the International Living Future Institute and the American Society of Interior Designers shows that biophilic design—integrating natural elements into the built environment—can reduce stress by up to 15%, increase productivity by as much as 6%, and improve overall well-being. The World Green Building Council also reports that workers in spaces with natural light and plants experience 30% fewer sick days. In a city like Chicago, where daylight is scarce in winter and high-rises dominate the horizon, those benefits aren’t just aesthetic—they’re essential.

But at Amlings, biophilic design is not a formula. It’s a philosophy. Our designers think like architects, considering sightlines, light, and flow. Every installation—whether a dramatic living wall in a corporate lobby or a collection of desk plants in a tenant suite—is tailored to reflect the property’s architecture, brand, and culture. We curate species that thrive in Chicago’s indoor climate and pair them with containers that echo the building’s material palette, creating a cohesive, elevated look that complements the surrounding design.

For more than a century, we’ve partnered with Chicago’s most distinguished office buildings, hospitality brands, and property managers to bring nature indoors with precision and care.

And just like people, plants need ongoing care. Each project is nurtured through regular maintenance, thoughtful seasonal updates, and expert horticultural support. That’s how greenery continues to thrive, even in high-traffic spaces where other details fade with time.

Our horticultural specialists provide proactive, museum-quality care—monitoring soil, light exposure, and moisture to keep every plant healthy and flawless. It’s this attention to detail that allows greenery to endure, even in the busiest corporate settings. For property managers and owners, that consistency protects not just the investment but the impression. A single wilted leaf can change how a space feels; our job is to make sure every detail remains impeccable.

Beyond the visual impact, greenery contributes to the operational and cultural health of a workspace. Plants naturally filter air pollutants and balance humidity—making interiors healthier for employees and guests alike. The U.S. Green Building Council notes that biophilic enhancements can contribute to LEED credits and sustainability goals, while simultaneously improving employee satisfaction and retention. In today’s workplace, where hybrid work has reshaped how people engage with offices, environments that feel inviting and human-centered have become a competitive advantage.

Chicago may be defined by its skyline, but it’s the living details inside that give workplaces their pulse. When light catches the curve of a leaf or a burst of green brightens a lobby corner, something subtle happens—spaces become warmer, more inspiring, and more alive.

At Amlings, we bring that life to every project. With design-forward thinking, meticulous workmanship, and a century of horticultural expertise, we help Chicago’s most iconic buildings embody the quiet power of nature. Because when spaces thrive, so do the people within them.

In fact the hidden value of green isn’t hidden at all—it’s felt every day.

“Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.”
— Frank Gehry

A five-star lobby doesn’t need to announce itself. It feels effortless — a quiet confidence that welcomes, impresses, and restores. The secret lies not in excess but in understanding how light, proportion, and nature can come together to create balance.

At Amlings, we’ve spent more than a century shaping environments that achieve this kind of understated luxury. From Chicago’s landmark office towers to its most prestigious hotels, our design team understands that beauty and calm are not opposites — they are partners in creating atmosphere.

The world’s most memorable lobbies are not defined by marble floors or chandeliers, but by how they make people feel. Step into The Langham, the Wrigley Building, or any space elevated through thoughtful design, and there’s a rhythm at play — a visual and emotional harmony between architecture, materials, and nature. Everything is intentional, but nothing feels forced.

In recent years, biophilic design has become the foundation for this kind of timeless luxury. Rooted in the human instinct to connect with nature, biophilic spaces use living elements, organic materials, and natural light to enhance well-being. The International Living Future Institute notes bringing nature indoors reduces stress, boosts creativity, and promotes focus — qualities that make even the busiest lobby feel like a sanctuary.

Plants, when thoughtfully integrated, bring warmth to modern architecture. Living walls that climb against concrete, sculptural fiddle leaf figs placed like art — these details invite both energy and stillness. A lobby that incorporates greenery not only feels alive but becomes a reflection of balance and curation.

Texture is another hallmark of five-star design. Layering natural materials like stone, linen, or wood introduces depth and subtle movement. Light plays across these surfaces, revealing tones and shadows that shift throughout the day. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) emphasizes this interplay between sustainability and sensory design — how the tactile and visual experience of a space can enhance environmental and emotional health simultaneously.

Color, too, shapes emotion. The Pantone Color Institute reminds us each year that color reflects culture, hues that define modern luxury are often drawn from nature. The green of olive leaves, the gold of warm sunlight, the subtle taupe of river stone all ground the design and serenity.

To make a lobby feel like a five-star hotel, every element must feel intentional. The result isn’t simply aesthetic; it’s sensory. It’s the way light filters through glass in the morning, the rhythm of footsteps softened by greenery, the stillness that lingers even in motion. Think of the atmosphere that surrounds you and influences your emotion through your five senses.

American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) emphasizes design as an “intrinsically human-centered profession” with the power to transform how people feel in a space. In a lobby, that means every element tells a story: the architecture, the lighting, the decorations. When design becomes narrative, function transforms into feeling.

Ultimately, the secret to creating a five-star atmosphere is understanding that luxury isn’t about what’s seen — it’s about what’s felt. It’s about harmony, rhythm, and restraint. It’s the quiet confidence of design that breathes, embracing imperfection and allowing people to belong.

Because true luxury is not a look. It’s an experience.

Biophilic design is a return to timeless principles that great designers have always known: spaces that thrive are those that connect structure and life. It’s not a passing trend but a rediscovery of something deeply human—the instinct to feel at home in nature. As Frank Lloyd Wright said, “Love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

The Human Connection: Core Principles of Biophilic Design

At its essence, biophilic design is about integrating different life forms (plant and human)—creating environments where living forms work in quiet harmony with architecture. It’s about designing spaces that feel alive. Skylights that bathe interiors in sunlight. Sculptural greenery that softens the edges of modernism.

This approach is not new to Amlings—it’s the foundation of how we’ve worked for more than a century. What began as a family floral and plant business has evolved into one of Chicago’s leading interior landscape design firms, trusted by Class A office buildings, luxury hotels, and landmark properties. Our design-first philosophy ensures that every installation—whether a lobby statement piece or a lush rooftop terrace—feels intentional, elegant, and connected to its surroundings.

This philosophy mirrors the vision behind celebrated organic works like Casa Orgánica by Javier Senosiain—a structure where form and function coexist in effortless flow. Its design, like all biophilic spaces, rejects rigidity. It follows the curves of the earth, inviting light and shadow to move through it naturally. The lesson is simple: when we design in conversation with nature rather than in control of it, we create places that feel timeless, restorative, and deeply human.

Why Biophilic Design Matters: Research and Results

Research from the International Living Future Institute and the American Society of Interior Designers has shown that spaces enriched with natural elements profoundly affect how people think, work, and feel. Employees are more engaged, guests stay longer, and visitors describe a sense of calm that lingers. For property managers, designers, and hospitality brands alike, the benefits extend beyond beauty—they shape brand perception and experience.

Biophilic design also carries a quiet sense of responsibility. Guided by the sustainability principles of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), it encourages material choices and construction methods that work with the environment rather than against it.

Across Chicago’s most iconic spaces—John Hancock Center, Wrigley Building, Aon Center, and the grand interiors of The Langham Hotel—biophilic design has become a quiet revolution. It’s the art of building environments that breathe. Living walls that thrive against steel and glass.

For more than a century, designers and horticultural innovators have carried this philosophy forward, shaping how cities like Chicago experience nature indoors. Their commitment to craftsmanship, design integrity, and sustainability continues to redefine how we think about biophilia in the built environment.

Because when design breathes, so do we.

What Is Biophilic Design?

Biophilic design is more than just a design trend—it’s a movement that brings the natural world back into our built environments. Derived from biophilia, meaning “love of life,” this concept aims to reconnect people with nature through architecture, interiors, and landscaping. Whether it’s a lush indoor garden, living green walls, or natural light flooding a workspace, biophilic design helps us feel calmer, healthier, and more inspired.

In recent years, homeowners, architects, and business leaders alike have discovered that integrating natural elements indoors can improve mental well-being, creativity, and even productivity. As Amlings, a trusted leader in plant services and maintenance, emphasizes: a touch of green can change everything.

Contact Amlings for professional plant services to bring biophilic design into your home or workplace today.

---

The Science Behind Biophilic Design

Why Humans Crave Nature

Studies in environmental psychology and neuroscience reveal that humans are hardwired to thrive in natural settings. Our ancestors evolved outdoors, surrounded by trees, water, and sunlight—conditions that promote relaxation and cognitive balance. When modern life confines us to glass, concrete, and screens, we lose that essential connection.

Incorporating biophilic design elements—such as greenery, natural textures, and flowing water—can trigger the same stress-reducing and focus-enhancing responses we experience in nature.

Health and Productivity Benefits

• Improved Air Quality: Plants absorb pollutants and release oxygen, making indoor air fresher and healthier.
• Enhanced Mental Health: Natural light and greenery have been linked to lower anxiety and depression levels.
• Increased Productivity: Offices that embrace biophilic design report up to a 15% boost in productivity and creativity.
• Faster Recovery Rates: Hospitals featuring natural elements see patients recover faster and with fewer complications.

Learn more about how Amlings can enhance your environment with biophilic design solutions.

---

Core Principles of Biophilic Design

1. Direct Connection to Nature

Biophilic design begins with incorporating natural elements directly into spaces. This includes plants, water features, sunlight, and natural airflow. A central atrium filled with greenery or a calming koi pond in a lobby can dramatically shift the mood of a building.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: “indoor garden with lush plants illustrating biophilic design principles”]

2. Indirect Connection to Nature

When real nature isn’t possible, nature-inspired materials and patterns step in. Think wood grain surfaces, stone textures, earthy tones, and artwork featuring organic shapes. These subtle references still evoke a sense of natural harmony.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: “wood and stone textures used in interior design inspired by biophilic design”]

3. Natural Light and Spatial Harmony

Lighting is one of the most powerful biophilic tools. Maximizing natural light through large windows or skylights enhances circadian rhythm and mood. Pair that with open layouts that mimic natural landscapes—flowing, asymmetrical, and breathable—and you have a perfect biophilic balance.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: “office with natural light demonstrating biophilic design lighting concepts”]

---

Applications of Biophilic Design in Different Spaces

Biophilic Design in the Workplace

Office environments once focused solely on efficiency. Today, the shift is toward human-centered design, where employee well-being drives performance. Open green areas, plant walls, and natural materials create workspaces where people feel happier and stay longer.

Companies that have implemented biophilic office design have reported:

• Reduced absenteeism
• Higher job satisfaction
• Greater employee retention

Bring nature into your office! Contact Amlings for corporate plant services and maintenance.

---

Biophilic Design at Home

Residential spaces are increasingly being shaped by biophilic interior design principles. Homeowners are blending outdoor and indoor living through patio gardens, vertical plant walls, and indoor planters.

Simple ways to add biophilic elements to your home include:

• Incorporating houseplants such as snake plants, peace lilies, or ferns.
• Using natural materials like bamboo flooring or reclaimed wood.
• Introducing daylight-maximizing layouts and earth-tone palettes.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: “living room with natural light and greenery showing residential biophilic design”]

---

Biophilic Design in Healthcare

Healthcare settings benefit profoundly from biophilic principles. Research shows that patients exposed to nature recover faster and require fewer pain medications. Hospitals and clinics with natural light, green courtyards, or indoor gardens foster a sense of calm and healing.

---

Biophilic Design in Education

Schools and universities adopting biophilic learning environments report improved student concentration, attendance, and overall morale. A classroom with views of trees or a courtyard garden can make learning more immersive and engaging.

---

Integrating Plants: The Heart of Biophilic Design

At the core of any biophilic environment are plants. They are living, breathing reminders of our connection to the Earth. Whether you’re designing a new building or refreshing an existing space, plant integration is essential.

Choosing the Right Plants

• Low-light options: ZZ plant, pothos, and philodendron
• Air-purifying favorites: Spider plant, peace lily, and rubber plant
• Statement pieces: Fiddle-leaf fig, bird of paradise, or large palms

Partner with Amlings for professional plant selection and maintenance services.

Maintenance Matters

Biophilic spaces thrive only when their plants do. Professional plant care ensures that greenery stays lush and vibrant. Amlings provides tailored plant maintenance programs for offices, hotels, and commercial buildings—so your investment in biophilic design stays beautiful year-round.

---

Sustainable Synergy: Biophilic Design and Green Building

Biophilic design aligns seamlessly with sustainable architecture. Green roofs, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient materials are not just eco-friendly—they create healthier, more harmonious living environments.

Sustainability and biophilia share a mission: to design with nature, not against it.

Image placeholder: [Alt text: “green roof architecture showing sustainable biophilic design integration”]

---

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Beyond aesthetics, biophilic interiors nurture the human spirit. Exposure to natural elements reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), improves mood, and restores mental energy depleted by urban overstimulation. The result is a deeper sense of balance, creativity, and fulfillment.

---

The Future of Design: A Biophilic Revolution

As cities grow denser and digital screens dominate our attention, the importance of reconnecting with nature has never been greater. Biophilic design isn’t just a trend—it’s the future of architecture and interior spaces.

Leading companies, wellness facilities, and architects now recognize that designing with nature leads to happier people and healthier environments.

---

How Amlings Helps Bring Biophilic Design to Life

Amlings specializes in transforming ordinary spaces into living ecosystems of beauty and balance. From concept to care, their team of horticultural experts and designers creates custom plant solutions that reflect your brand’s identity and values.

Services include:

• Interior and exterior plant design
• Living walls and vertical gardens
• Ongoing plant maintenance and replacement
• Seasonal refreshes and floral displays

Ready to elevate your space? Engage with Amlings today for comprehensive biophilic design services.

Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation.

---

Conclusion: Reconnect with Nature Through Biophilic Design

Biophilic design invites nature back into our lives—enhancing our health, productivity, and happiness. By embracing plants, natural light, and organic forms, we transform buildings from lifeless shells into thriving ecosystems that nurture the human spirit.

Don’t just decorate—design for life.

Discover how biophilic design can transform your environment into a sanctuary of well-being and beauty.

Contact Amlings for plant services

A Celebration of Green Spaces

Every third week of September, designers, horticulturists, and property leaders across the country recognize National Indoor Plant Week. While it is a nationwide observance, for commercial interiors, this week is more than just a celebration. It serves as a vital reminder that indoor plants shape how people experience the spaces they move through every day.

Greenery is an essential part of the environment where we work, gather, and interact. In a dense urban environment like Chicago, the presence of indoor plants takes on meaningful importance. The impact these living elements have on the atmosphere is felt immediately, and their ability to shift the character of a room lasts long after installation day.

At Amlings Interiors, we believe that National Indoor Plant Week is not simply a themed observance ; it is a reminder of the role greenery plays in shaping human experience inside commercial environments.

Why September Matters for Interior Plant Design

You might wonder why National Indoor Plant Week falls in September. September marks a natural turning point in the year. It comes from the light changes, temperatures drop, and people settling into busy routines.

This timing is strategic for commercial real estate and facility management. It is the moment before holiday energy begins that buildings become more active, and interior spaces often feel ready for a refresh. National Indoor Plant Week arrives at exactly the time when commercial environments benefit from renewed color, warmth, and vitality.

This specific period encourages property teams to step back and ask whether their spaces feel inviting with the experience they want their guests to have. For property managers and building owners, National Indoor Plant Week is a natural opportunity to assess the building’s current landscape and plan ahead.

The Ideal Moment for Updates

September offers the ideal moment for updates: summer installations may be ready for refinement, and winter preparations are just around the corner. Before holiday décor arrives, there is a window where greenery can reset the tone of an entire lobby.

Expert Tip: Are you ready to refresh your commercial space before the holiday rush? Contact Amlings today to schedule your interior landscape assessment.

The Science: Impact of Plants on Well-Being

When we talk about indoor plants for commercial buildings, we are talking about more than aesthetics. We are talking about human performance and health. Decades of research in environmental psychology show that indoor plants improve mood, reduce stress, and encourage mental clarity.

In the modern workplace, interior design with plants creates tangible benefits:

• Acoustics: Plants soften acoustics and help people feel grounded in otherwise fast-paced environments.
• Focus: In workplaces, greenery improves focus and promotes an atmosphere of productivity and calm.
• Comfort: In hospitality settings, greenery increases dwell time and enhances perceived comfort.

Humans respond positively to natural elements, and interiors that include plants feel more complete and more connected to how people prefer to experience space. For workplaces, hospitality venues, residential towers, and public buildings, interior landscaping is one of the most effective ways to create atmosphere, improve well-being, and elevate the visual identity of a space.

Elevating the Standard for Class A Environments

For those managing Class A environments, tenants and visitors notice the details. A refined, healthy interior landscape communicates professionalism, pride of ownership, and a commitment to maintaining an elevated experience.

Plants in these spaces are part of the brand and part of the promise the building makes to the people who use it. This is why interior plant design is a critical line item for property management.

Amlings’ Approach to Seasonal Design Our interpretation of National Indoor Plant Week is rooted in elevating the spaces we manage. Rather than focusing on simple plant additions or desk-size arrangements, we concentrate on thoughtful updates that bring new energy to the interior landscape.

This could include:

• Re-sculpting existing displays.
• Introducing early fall color.
• Refreshing signature pieces.
• Planning for larger seasonal installations.

For clients preparing for the holiday season, this week often becomes the starting point for transforming lobbies and public spaces into environments that feel warm, welcoming, and distinct.

Call to Action: Does your building’s interior reflect your brand’s standards? Upgrade your space with Amlings’ professional horticultural services.

For Designers and Architects: Plants as Architectural Elements

Interior greenery has become an integral part of high-end design. We encourage architects and designers to view plants not as accessories, but as architectural components that influence scale, shape, contrast, and emotion.

National Indoor Plant Week highlights this connection between nature and design. It reinforces the idea that plants contribute to the overall architectural language, helping to transform static rooms into sensory environments.

The Role of Plants in Modern Architecture:

1. Connective Tissue: They act as connective tissue between materials.
2. Softening Hard Surfaces: They soften the austerity of modern surfaces.
3. Adding Depth: They bring depth to minimalist interiors.
4. Guiding Movement: They create focal points, guide movement, and define the character of a room.

When selecting the best indoor plants for office or lobby design, remember that they serve a structural purpose.

Amlings’ Philosophy: Navigating the Chicago Climate

At Amlings Interiors, indoor plants represent more than momentary enhancement. They are part of a long-term philosophy: interiors should feel alive. Our work is rooted in design, guided by horticulture, and shaped by an understanding of how people experience commercial spaces.

Adapting to the Season September is one of the most important evaluation points in the year. As light diminishes, temperatures shift, and humidity changes, plant programs must adapt. It is a time when our team refreshes displays, introduces seasonal botanicals, and prepares for the transitions ahead.

The Chicago Factor Chicago’s climate demands thoughtful, responsive plant care that anticipates these nuances.

• Indoor Warmth: Indoor plants provide emotional warmth during the colder months.
• Visual Contrast: They offer visual contrast when outdoor landscapes fade.
• Vitality: They maintain a sense of vitality inside spaces that otherwise remain static for long periods of time.

Conclusion: Making the Change

The places where people spend their days influence how they feel, how they work, and how they connect with one another. Plants make interiors warmer, richer, and more dynamic. They transform the environment in ways that are immediate yet lasting.

For Amlings, this is the value we bring to every installation and every maintenance visit, not just during National Indoor Plant Week but throughout the entire year.

Are you ready to transform your commercial space? Don’t let your interior landscape fade as the seasons change. Partner with Amlings to create a vibrant, healthy, and architectural environment for your tenants and guests.

Final Call to Action: Contact Amlings today to schedule your consultation and bring your interior to life.