This article is by Rhonna Del Rio-Ascolese, a Design and Feng Shui Consultant and owner of otonome.net. Rhonna’s goal is to create a balanced environment that supports the client in manifesting their goals in life by offering Harmony and Balance using Design and Feng Shui philosophy.

I went through a five-year program for Architecture in Cal Poly, Pomona. During these years, I practically lived in my studio. In fact, all my classmates practically did. In order to meet deadlines one after another, we took turns taking a twenty-minute “power nap” on dusty, sawdust-infested, secondhand sofas or a mattress under our drafting tables. I still remember my roommates coming to my studio and surprising me with dinner, my boyfriend at the time (now my husband) attending my family holiday events for me, bringing me leftovers afterward. My life in college was Architecture… It was both my energy, and tiredness, night and day, non stop! I graduated with a degree in Architecture, but found myself practicing Feng Shui just a few years later. You might be asking “What does Feng Shui have to do with Architecture?”

Well, my answer is, “It has everything to do with it.” For me, personally, I believe Architecture and Feng Shui co-exist. My design language has always been from the user’s point of view. I like to narrate my design with how a user would walk through each of the rooms or space. In order to create a space that narrates a good story, the materials, the furniture, the color, the textures and all other elements need to be in Harmony and Balance with each other.

So, how is Harmony and Balance between elements achieved in Architecture or Design? This is when Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese Art and Philosophy play an essential and vital part. Feng Shui works with all five elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. These elements create the composition of our homes, buildings and all spaces. There are different ways the elements may be arranged or placed in order. Let us focus on 3 cycles that certain order of elements can demonstrate. The Consumption cycle, Destruction/Controlling cycle and the Creating/Nourishing cycle.

For the Consumption cycle, the order of elements goes as such: Fire consumes wood. Wood consumes water. Water consumes metal. Metal consumes earth. And Earth consumes fire. Another similar negative cycle is the Destruction or controlling cycle, in which the element destroys another element. They are exhibited in this fashion: Fire destroys wood. Wood destroys (draws nutrient from) earth. Earth destroys water. Water destroys fire. Fire destroys metal. Needless to say, these two cycles are best avoided in your home, work or any space.

There is however the Creative or Nourishing cycle. This cycle exhibits the most beneficial form and arrangement between the elements in your space. Creative cycle is arranged in this order: Fire creates earth. Earth creates metal. Metal creates water. Water creates wood and wood creates what? Yes, Fire, which would then complete the Creative or Nourishing cycle.

So, “What does Feng Shui have to do with Architecture?” I believe when any space is arranged with these cycles in mind, knowing that each of the elements plays a key role and carries within itself a negative or positive energy, then Feng Shui and Architecture co-exist.

Now, as any other form of co-existing, Architecture and Feng Shui also have their share of challenges. For example, as a designer, I need to express my concepts in certain ways to remain true to my excitement and imagination by experimenting with various combinations of materials, colors, and shapes. Ultimately, the goal is to create a space where these elements can benefit each other in a nourishing way and to marry my client’s vision with my own as their designer and Feng Shui consultant. These situations at times have had me and my client going in circles for solutions and weighing how it can all be in good rhythm with each other. However, in all my experiences I’ve found that a beautiful solution and balanced composition is always created when combining Architecture philosophy with ancient Feng Shui philosophy. Architecture and Feng Shui co-existing together with good intent from the designer and client can always bring the Balance and Harmony in any space.

Find your dream small home plan or learn more about our custom home designs. Thanks for visiting!