Understanding Building Biology with Amanda Klecker

When we think about sustainable interior design, we often focus on aesthetics, eco-friendly materials, or energy efficiency. But building biology takes things one step further by asking an important question: how does our home impact our health?

Building biology is a holistic approach to healthy homes that looks at how all the systems within a home work together. While it shares some principles with sustainability, its primary focus is human wellness. This includes indoor air quality, humidity control, mold prevention, low-toxicity materials, ventilation, and even EMF exposure.

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation with building biology expert Amanda Klecker from Healthy House on the Block is that interior designers have a unique opportunity to create healthier spaces during renovations and remodels. Every time we replace a finish, source furniture, or redesign a room, we have the chance to remove materials that may negatively impact indoor air quality and replace them with healthier alternatives.

Many common household materials contribute to hidden indoor toxins. VOCs and formaldehyde are often found in cabinetry, paints, manufactured wood products, and upholstery. Microplastics and PFAS are now being found in household dust, especially from stain-resistant textiles and synthetic furnishings. Mold is another major concern, particularly in moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.

Bathrooms are one of the biggest problem areas when it comes to healthy home design. Poor ventilation, excess grout lines, wallpaper, trapped moisture, and improperly sealed materials can all contribute to mold growth over time. Amanda explained that larger tile slabs and proper fan placement can significantly reduce moisture risks and create a healthier environment overall.

Ventilation also plays a critical role in building biology. Even when healthier materials are used, homes still need proper airflow to remove humidity, airborne particles, and off-gassing chemicals. High-quality HVAC filters, carbon filters, and air exchange systems can all help improve indoor air quality.

Perhaps the most important reminder is that healthy design is not about perfection. You do not need to replace everything in your home overnight. Building biology is about making more informed choices over time, reducing unnecessary toxins where possible, and creating spaces that better support the people living in them.

If you’d like to learn more or listen to the full conversation with Amanda, you can tune in to the podcast episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.