Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui in Any Environment

photo by Anjie Cho Architect

photo by Anjie Cho Architect

How does one live a feng shui lifestyle if the environment is not "good feng shui?" Steps are being made towards a feng shui inspired environment, but how do I create good feng shui without changing/renovating the physical architectural elements. Thanks for your help!

Charlene R., Pacifica, CA

Although I am a professional architect and incorporate feng shui principles into my architecture and design, we always still work with existing environments that cannot be changed. Beyond the actual built architecture of your home or office, there’s also the natural environment, the street, the city, the country, etc. See the image above. We are all influenced by these concentric circles, or degrees, of the environment that we can’t just go and change. I own an apartment in New York City. The bathroom and kitchen have to stay where they are, as does the front door, the relationship to the street, etc. You can do your best to pick the most advantageous location, but nothing is perfect.

Luckily, I practice BTB Feng Shui. This school of feng shui is influenced greatly by intention and offers many solutions that can work with your existing environment. Most feng shui is remedial, and we work with what you have.

If we go back to the concentric circles, you see the green center area is YOU. Start with changing your energy and your personal feng shui. Then work outward. I think the steps you're taking and even intention to start making shifts are great first steps. From here, work on changing the feng shui of your bedroom. Put your bed in the commanding position, which means either moving the bed or placing a mirror so that you can see the door.

Take a look at my other tips, and take it step by step! And by starting with yourself, you’re already creating a good feng shui environment. 

by Anjie Cho

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish. Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com.

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui Professionals

What should you look for when hiring a feng shui professional?

Jacqueline R., Cleveland, OH

Great question, Jacqueline! Finding the right feng shui consultant for your needs is a very important step in the adjustment process. The more harmony you have with your chosen professional, the more successful your adjustments will be.

Take some time to review the certifications that your prospective consultant may have. I took a three year certification program, the BTB Masters Program. I think feng shui and architecture, like many other professions, require lifetime study and apprenticeship to develop your craft. It takes decades to become a seasoned feng shui master or architect. I suggest you look for a certification and the length and quality of experience. If you want "Barnes and Noble" feng shui, just go buy and read a book! Also, look at who their teachers are. I still speak to and work with my mentors. I still go to them for a lot of support.

Most importantly, with a designer or feng shui professional, select someone you truly resonate with. Spend some time, ask some questions and see how you feel about the person. Go with your gut intuition and see who you connect with the most. Be sure to ask them about their processes and let them know what you want. Different consultants will be able to focus better on different needs.

Do you need someone who is more focused on energy flow? Do you need a designer who is more into the decorative aspects? Do you want to have someone who focuses on traditional feng shui or a more modern adaptation? Would it be helpful if they specialized in a specific area, such as children?

Naturally, there are many factors you should consider when hiring any professional, including your comfort level, whether the consultant sees your goals in the same way you do, recommendations, experience, certifications...the list goes on. These are just a few suggestions to consider when looking to hire a feng shui professional to help you create a holistic space you love!

by Anjie Cho

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish. Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com.

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

Flower Lounge Podcast: SEEING THE WORLD AS A MIRROR + PRACTICES FOR MORE MAGIC WITH ANJIE CHO

featured today on the Flowerlounge podcast

In this episode, we talk about specific practices to tap into your everyday magic, beauty + potential through nature, flowers, meditation, relationships, the five elements + all the ways the world communicates with you.


We talk about:

  • Living your art every day: what that means + why

  • "Seeing the entire universe in one container" in the meditative art of flower arranging

  • Seeing the world as a mirror, and a specific method to use when challenges arise in relationships

  • and much more!

Check out the full posting and episode recording here!

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program.  www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish.