What is Athlete-Centric Design?

Juliana OIiveira and Sara De Oliveira of Beyond Interior Design have created a new concept: Athlete-Centric Design. [Photo: Maribel Morales]

So, really, what is Athlete-Centric Design?

The approach for athlete-centric design is similar to what we already do for our clients except that we put an extra emphasis on wellness design elements and features throughout the home. When we are designing someone’s space, athlete or not, we follow a specific design process that allows us to concentrate on the different touch points that make a house into a home. Lighting, seating, functionality and the color palette are all taken into consideration as the overall aesthetic for the space is established. 

 The approach shifts whenever we insert the “athlete” into the equation. Our point of view changes as we start honing in on the natural light in a space to help regulate one’s circadian rhythms. We look at the temperature of color palette we are suggesting to see if the hues we selected can help lower stress levels. We maximize the air flow in a space to ensure a certain temperature is reached at night for optimal sleep and relaxation. Those specific factors help differentiate from traditional interior design as athlete-centric design allows an athlete’s performance and well-being to thrive on and off the court, field or rink.

Tinkerbox, Hudson Valley, New York as featured in Architect Magazine

Introducing Biophilic Design

We also heavily consider biophilic design as we design interiors for athletes. Biophilic design is an approach that keeps us connected to the outside, natural environment using natural lighting, ventilation, landscaping and design materials. This specific approach takes wellness living to an entirely different level. Athletes spend most of their time on the road, so the time that they do get to be at home is imperative to the recuperation of their mind, body and soul. Biophilic design elements like natural wood furniture pieces, expansive windows that let in natural light, and air purification systems help athletes not only live in their home, but also use it as a rejuvenation sanctuary. 

 We mentioned in a previous post that, “According to the EPA, Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.” Much of this pollution is caused by chemicals used in furniture, paint and flooring. Now, more than ever, the use of specific indoor plants and air ventilation in the home is imperative to provide a well-balanced space for the body and mind to thrive.

If you are intrigued by this design concept, check out the epic design projects featured in Architect Magazine. Their article titled, “A Window to Better Living: Four Projects That Embody Patterns of Biophilic Design”, features some stunning homes that are the epitome of biophilic design.

Accessibility and Ease for Athletes

There is more to the Athlete-Centric Design services than a modified, health-focused design concept. This athlete specific service comes with some added features that cater to an athlete’s hectic work and travel schedule. A “fast-track” process is in place that minimizes the number of meetings and check-ins that the design team has with the client/athlete. This allows for maximum efficiency when reviewing plans, concepts and getting approvals with minimal interruption to the athlete’s daily routine. 

There is also a private, 24/7 concierge hotline dedicated to the athlete that can handle anything from daily project updates to more robust tasks like relocation services and property management. This expanding service that we are offering allows us to really offer a 360 degree approach to interior design, tapping into the many facets that come with a project of this scope.

Do you think athletes can benefit from this type of design services? Comment below and let us know!