A Method and an Intervention in One.
The Psychitecture method is a research based system built upon design psychology and human dynamics.
Psychitecture was founded as a psychological design consultancy, employing methodology that combines design and psychological principals such as neuroscience, biophilia, color theory, and mindfulness. We design with intention and experience to create spaces that reflect an elevated psychology of well-being and to align with our client’s wellness goals and habits.
We apply the latest in neurodesign and neuroaesthetics research (how art and design affect the brain) with archetypal representations found in Jungian analytic studies (primordial shapes, dreams, symbols, and art) to ensure elevated outcomes of wellness, productivity and harmonious living.
Psychitecture may also serve as an intervention — allowing a psychitect to mediate conflicts in the design space between couples and families or with collaborators in the design process such as architects and designers.
EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE:
The Marie Kondo of the WEST
Rachel Melvald, LCSW, SEP, Doctoral Candidate is a licensed psychotherapist and practicing wellness coach with over a decade of experience in both the public and private sectors of mental health, specializing in trauma, self-esteem, ADHD, couples and family systems work.
Additionally trained in architecture and design at SCI-arc and the Poli Design Academy in neuroscience and design, she is the founder of Psychitecture inc. a niche coaching and consultancy that works to align interior architectural design with personal growth. She’s developed a specialized set of research-based tools in neuroaesthetics and neurodesign to achieve optimal results for home and business design projects.
Rachel is further uniquely qualified to guide and support individuals, families, architects, and designers through stressful design projects by combining coaching and research-based conflict resolution with practical design solutions. ‘Boots-on-the-ground’ interventions are key to Rachel’s practice, working closely on-site with the client’s vendors and intimately with the clients in their home.
Rachel is trained and certified in somatic experiencing trauma recovery as well as early infant attachment at Cedars Sinai, which fostered unique a perspective on the biology, physiology, and kinesiology of sensory-integration nervous system regulation in the body and attunement patterns in our relationships. Her architectural and design training deepened this perspective on the way space regulates us, and led to the development of a model for trauma informed design. Rachel’s affiliation with the John Hopkins Neuroaesthetics Blueprint program and ANFA (Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture) and current studies in neuroscience and design at PoliDesign, based in the design capital Milan, further allowed her to distill and apply the latest in neuroscience in support of immunology, mental health, and overall wellness in the built environment.
Nature of Services: Neurodesign for Healing Spaces Clients: We work with individuals, couples, design team members, and development companies to ensure a harmonious design plan through assessment, consultation, and collaboration with pre and post occupancy evaluation and follow up.
Psychitecture Team Approach: Because integration of the sciences in design and psychology is highly specialized, we often work with occupational therapists, neuroscientists, musicologists, etc to implement the most proficient neurodesign plan. We can further project manage with vetted architects, contractors, and builders.
Vendors: We procure highly vetted architectural and interior design treatments based upon the neuroscience of well being.
Products: We customize interior design products to the Psychiteture standard
When You Hire a Neurodesigner, You Will Get the Following:
