Articles by Carol Cannon, BBEC, Certified Feng Shui Consultant

Designing the Feng Shui Way

By Carol Cannon, BBEC
Carol Cannon Group

Buildings and interiors have always intrigued me. When I first worked in real estate I had to make a choice between two job offers. Knowing nothing about what I know of Feng Shui today, I look back and see that intuitively, I already had a sense of its principles. With two offers, and one with a higher commission, it was not a difficult choice. I chose the company whose "surroundings" felt better to me – the lower - commission company. Due to its environment, my long-term income was higher than it would have been in the other, less pleasant, atmosphere.

Today's astute building and business owners realize that environment plays a huge part in a buyer's or employee's emotions. Employees are happier in harmonious surroundings. Buyers are more eager to purchase the 'glass and brass' image. Our world is filled with ongoing stress from family life to world events. Any space that creates a slight feeling of relaxation is a welcome relief.

Enter Feng Shui (sounds like: Fung Shway): the Chinese art of placement that represents the words "Wind-Water." This art, which also has a mathematical basis, has been used for over 4,000 years in design of buildings, cities and even burial grounds in China. Feng Shui in its origins was harbored by Chinese Emperors for use in palace and burial design, and even in the planning of war. The bottom line is that people are influenced by the cyclical patterns of nature. Feng Shui capitalizes on this and brings this sense back into buildings.

Traditionally, Feng Shui was based on "Form." This is still incorporated today through the placement of buildings on a site. Yesterday's mountains are today's skyscrapers. Yesterday's rivers are today's roads. We still look for support and prosperity – qualities that buildings can be set up to enhance.

The use of a Lopan (Chinese Compass) was next in the evolution. The date that the building is sealed (roof is placed) is the moment the earth energies are sealed into the building. Timing is everything! As we live in a constantly changing universe, Feng Shui captures the movement of time and space.

It all begins with the site plan. The layout of the building is based on the site shape, the surrounding influences, and the road access. In the United States we typically look for the best price for the best building with perhaps the best exposure. When you consider Feng Shui, there might be a little more to consider. Are the roads hugging the site – or flowing away with potential opportunities? Are the neighboring buildings generally uniform – or are there sharp corners pointing at your site? Why is the current owner selling? Bad luck (this may not be such a good buy!) or a good market and fully-leased building?

Feng Shui also considers environmental issues. What was the site used for prior to construction? Are there power lines running down the side of your building? Besides potential computer interference, electromagnetic radiation is serious enough for many European countries to have designated limits. If it negatively affects human health, it will not be considered "good Feng Shui."

The shape of your building is another item to consider. The building shape can actually determine areas of struggle. The best shape is considered a square or rectangular building. Architectural interest is often a catch 22! But not to worry: landscaping is often a perfect Feng Shui solution to an ill-fated building.

Interiors are the spaces we interact with once a building is complete. Traditionally, we try to fit the greatest amount of use into the least amount of space. Fitting in all the departments of a business is a difficult concern, often to the chagrin of the employees. A careful analysis of each department's responsibilities can lead to an efficient and effective placement based on Feng Shui principals.

Predictably, the employees of your tenants will be concerned about ongoing pay increases. However, people who are provided with nurturing, supportive spaces may be happier than those without. The environment has a huge impact upon employee satisfaction and should not be overlooked.

Ideal Feng Shui clients are those who value their clients and/or employees. They have a true desire to affect the world in a positive way. They realize harmony in the workplace begets harmony in the world. They are the building owners and business owners who are already a step ahead in the world. Some building types that are already incorporating this method are: medical, general office, retail, hotel, residential development, warehousing, and city planning, in other words, almost everyone! Over the past 13 years of my practice, I have seen people evolve from secretly employing the tools of Feng Shui to inviting open participation on a companywide level.

The final action of employing Feng Shui is to look at your own surroundings. The number one issue with Feng Shui in the office is clutter. Clear it! If you want to affect your clients, your own space must be clear. Do you want to increase your business? Make sure your desk is looking toward the door, while not in front of it. If you can't see what is coming in your door, you will have a difficult time seeing business coming in, too! Feng Shui has basic cures that include color, light, sound, movement, life force, heavy objects – in other words, your office needs to be well lit, quiet or soft music, perhaps a water fountain or healthy plant or two and possibly a favorite statute. It is easier to affect your clients if your own space is in balance!

In conclusion, some Feng Shui tips:

• Choose buildings that have good luck – or change bad luck with Feng Shui!

• Place your desk catty-corner from the entry to your office, so you are looking at the door and not the wall. This will empower you and you will never be "surprised" from behind your back.

• Your chair enhances your personal power and your ability to deal with difficult people or circumstances. Be sure your chair has a solid, high back for support.

• Business owners or managers should sit in the farthest office from the front door. This will help you maintain control of your business.

• To enhance your company's reputation, place red flowers in the center of the wall opposite the main entry.

• Avoid placing anyone's desk against a wall where there are high electric fields on the other side. This means stay away from electric rooms, computer/copy centers, and power lines close by and outside your window.

• If something feels wrong, trust your feelings. Feng Shui affects us on a cellular level.

• Remember that the human psyche is influenced by its surroundings. Create a balance of technology, nature and human beings – we all live together on this planet! And remember, as Ann Frank said: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment to improve the world."

Carol Cannon has a Feng Shui consulting practice in Allentown, PA. She is a former V.P. of commercial appraisal with Chase Manhattan Bank's New Construction lending division.

Back to Article List