In Light of It All

• Hyper-Perception, Light Language & Neurodivergent Design with Frankie Boyle

  In this electrifying and refreshingly unfiltered episode, we’re joined by experiential light artist Frankie Boyle—a powerhouse of neurodivergent creativity, sensory intelligence, and fierce authenticity.Frankie takes us on a vivid journey through how her brain processes the world—not just visually, but emotionally and intuitively—revealing what it’s like to see color as emotion, sense energy through light, and translate raw feeling into deeply immersive spatial art. Diagnosed with developmental language disorder and dyslexia at a young age, she shares how her challenges became the foundation for her superpowers: visual thinking, synesthetic creativity, and a profound connection to the emotional resonance of spaces.Together, we unpack neurodiversity as a design strength, the need to rewire education, the overlooked intensity of artificial lighting, and why biophilic, sensory-aware environments aren’t a luxury—but a necessity for human wellbeing. Frankie’s story is a heartfelt and often hilarious reminder that our differences aren’t deficits; they’re doorways to deeper human connection.This is not just a conversation about lighting—it’s a revelation about perception, presence, and the healing power of sensory design.

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• In Light of It All – with Julia Hartmann Founder & Creative Director, LightSphere

  What if the light we use to nurture plants could also nurture us? In this episode, we speak with Julia Hartmann, an award-winning lighting designer and the creative force behind LightSphere in Zurich. With a deep passion for science, nature, and human wellbeing, Julia shares her groundbreaking journey into biophilic lighting—where cutting-edge spectrum tuning meets living ecosystems.From stress-testing plants in dark rooms to co-developing a new LED chip tailored for both human and plant needs, Julia’s work redefines what lighting can do in interior environments. We dive into the art and science of lighting for living walls, explore the emotional and biological impact of light, and reflect on the importance of collaboration across design, biology, and architecture.This episode is a tribute to curiosity, patience, and the quiet joy of watching a new leaf grow—not just in plants, but in our understanding of how to create truly living spaces.SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:lightsphere Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightsphere.lighting/lightsphere LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightsphere/Julia Hartmann linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-hartmann-iald-cld-assoc-ies-6980a594/OTHER IMPORTANT LINKS: lightsphere Website https://lightsphere.ch/de/The Givadudan Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnjTaFOsVvA"LED Light Sources and Their Complex Set-Up for Visually and Biologically Effective Illumination for Ornamental Indoor Plants" MDPI Research Study: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/11/9/2642"How to illuminate indoor plants sustainably? Tips and tricks to bridge the gap between research and design" IOP Science Research Study: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/1320/1/012018

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• How Beauty Shapes the Brain: Neuroaesthetics with Saskia Wheeler

  What actually makes a space feel good? Why do curves soothe us, or natural textures ground us? And can design really change how we think, feel, and behave?In this episode of In Light of It All, we’re joined by neuroscientist and wellbeing specialist Saskia Wheeler, who opens the door to the fascinating world of neuroaesthetics—the science of how beauty affects the brain.Together, we explore why our bodies crave natural materials, why cities can wear us down, and how the design of a room (even its lighting, texture, and proportion) can trigger everything from stress to serenity. Saskia shares insights from her research and life—from barefoot sensory installations in Berlin to the emotional power of architecture—and reveals how designers, architects, and all of us can create more nourishing spaces.This one’s for anyone who wants to understand why good design isn’t just nice to have—it’s deeply human.What actually makes a space feel good? Why do curves soothe us, or natural textures ground us? And can design really change how we think, feel, and behave?In this episode of In Light of It All, we’re joined by neuroscientist and wellbeing specialist Saskia Wheeler, who opens the door to the fascinating world of neuroaesthetics—the science of how beauty affects the brain.Together, we explore why our bodies crave natural materials, why cities can wear us down, and how the design of a room (even its lighting, texture, and proportion) can trigger everything from stress to serenity.Saskia shares insights from her research and life—from barefoot sensory installations in Berlin to the emotional power of architecture—and reveals how designers, architects, and all of us can create more nourishing spaces.This one’s for anyone who wants to understand why good design isn’t just nice to have—it’s deeply human.LINKS:The Light Within Us – Book by Xander CadischExploring the neuroscience of light, emotion, and biophilic design.https://www.lighttribe.co.uk/bookJoin Light Tribe – Research, talks, and thought leadership on lighting and human-centric designhttps://tinyurl.com/Light-Tribe-by-Phos CONNECT WITH SASKIA:LinkedIn: ttps://www.linkedin.com/in/saskiawheelerInstagram: neuro.aesthetic

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• The Psychology of Colour and the Soul of Space with Karen Haller

  In this illuminating episode, Xander is joined by Karen Haller, leading expert in behavioural design and applied colour psychology, and author of The Little Book of Colour. Together, they explore how colour goes far beyond decoration—shaping our behaviour, influencing our emotions, and reconnecting us with our true nature.Karen opens up about her journey from a corporate career to discovering her passion for colour as a powerful tool for change. She unpacks the science behind how colour impacts our physiology and psychology, how our preferences are rooted in memory, culture, and identity—and why bland, neutral design is often more draining than calming.From the myth of ‘calming’ greys to the importance of designing for behaviour first, Karen shares practical and deeply human insights into how colour can transform our lives—at home, at work, and in the spaces we inhabit daily.Karen Haller is the leading global authority in behavioural colour and design psychology. She helps brands, designers, and businesses use colour and design strategically to influence behaviour, drive engagement, and support commercial success.  With over 20 years of experience, her work is grounded in human behaviour and nature’s design principles, focusing on how colour impacts the way we feel, interact, and make decisions.  She consults, teaches, and speaks internationally, and is the author of The Little Book of Colour, which has been translated into 14 languages and brings colour psychology to a global audience in an accessible and practical way.  Karen’s approach combines scientific insight with real-world application, helping clients bring their ideas to life with clarity, purpose, and measurable results. Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_haller_colour/Twitter: https://x.com/karenhallerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenHallerColourAndDesignLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhaller/Consulting https://karenhaller.com/Free design industry e-book https://karenhaller.com/free-10-myths-ebook/Colour & Design courses https://karenhaller.com/courses/ Little Book of Colour https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/Free first chapter https://thelittlebookofcolour.com/free-chapter/

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• Design That Feels Like Home – with Pablo Lambrechts

  What if the spaces we live and work in were designed not just to look good—but to feel good?In this episode, I sit down with architect and biophilic design advocate Pablo Lambrechtsto explore the emotional side of architecture. With three decades of experience—from rethinking school design to shaping sustainable homes and even Google’s HQ—Pablo shares how light, materials, and thoughtful proportions can support everything from learning and creativity to calm and connection.We talk about why hand-drawing still matters, how buildings can reflect our biology, and what it really means to design spaces that nourish, rather than drain us.Warm, wise, and packed with practical insights—this is a beautiful conversation about bringing heart back into architecture.What if the spaces we live and work in were designed not just to look good—but to feel good?In this episode, I sit down with architect and biophilic design advocate Pablo Lambrechts to explore the emotional side of architecture. With three decades of experience—from rethinking school design to shaping sustainable homes and even Google’s HQ—Pablo shares how light, materials, and thoughtful proportions can support everything from learning and creativity to calm and connection.We talk about why hand-drawing still matters, how buildings can reflect our biology, and what it really means to design spaces that nourish, rather than drain us.Warm, wise, and packed with practical insights—this is a beautiful conversation about bringing heart back into architecture.LINKS:The Light Within Us – Book by Xander CadischExploring the neuroscience of light, emotion, and biophilic design.https://www.lighttribe.co.uk/bookJoin Light Tribe – Research, talks, and thought leadership on lighting and human-centric designhttps://tinyurl.com/Light-Tribe-by-Phos CONNECT WITH PABLO:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/l-plus-architectsInstagram: @lplus_architects

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