Dark Hallways, Toxic Materials & Dead Offices — Why Most Buildings Still Ignore Human Health (and How Designers Can Fix It) – Episode 138 with Molly Polehna
This week on Better Buildings for Humans, host Joe Menchefski sits down with interior designer Molly Polehna of Little Diversified Architectural Consulting
for a wide-ranging conversation about the powerful role interior design plays in human health, sustainability, and authentic building experiences. From her unexpected path into design through themed entertainment and storytelling, Molly shares how thoughtful interiors can shape the way we feel, behave, and connect within spaces.
The discussion explores everything from daylighting and acoustics to material selection, biophilic design, and the hidden science behind occupant well-being. Molly also dives into regenerative hospitality, mass timber, adaptive reuse, and how collaboration between designers, architects, and engineers leads to healthier, more resilient buildings.
It’s an inspiring look at how truly great spaces don’t just look beautiful — they serve people honestly, intuitively, and authentically.
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More About Molly Polehna
Molly Polehna is a commercial interior designer at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting in Orlando, Florida, focused on regenerative design and the creation of immersive environments. With a diverse portfolio that spans education, hospitality, and workplace projects, Molly has contributed to the design of two mass timber buildings in Florida—exploring how sustainable materials can transform spaces and elevate the human experience. At the core of Molly's work is a belief that interiors have the power to shape how people feel, work, and connect. With a strong focus on sustainability and place-making, she designs environments that foster well-being, creativity, and community. Whether designing collaborative workspaces or restorative educational environments, Molly approaches each project with a commitment to creating spaces that not only meet functional needs but also inspire and uplift the people who use them. Molly is passionate about pushing the boundaries of interior design through innovative, regenerative practices. She is dedicated to creating spaces that balance aesthetic beauty with environmental responsibility, helping to shape a built environment that supports both human and ecological health.
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