Charisse Marei, IDBS, BBEC

Charisse Marei operates as a professional interior designer based in Pennsylvania, holding credentials as an IDBS (Interior Design Business Specialist) and BBEC (Building Biology Environmental Consultant). This combination of certifications positions her practice at the intersection of traditional interior design and environmental health consulting, a specialization that addresses both aesthetic and wellness considerations in residential and commercial spaces.

The business operates as a women-owned enterprise, providing interior design services through an appointment-based model. Prospective clients can obtain online estimates, allowing for preliminary project discussions and budget planning before committing to formal consultations.

Professional Credentials and Specialization

The IDBS certification indicates specialized training in the business operations of interior design, encompassing project management, client relations, and the commercial aspects of running a design practice. This credential suggests a structured approach to project execution and client communication throughout the design process.

The BBEC designation represents a more specialized area of expertise. Building Biology Environmental Consultants receive training in identifying and addressing environmental factors within built environments that may affect occupant health. This includes assessment of indoor air quality, electromagnetic fields, moisture issues, and the selection of building materials and furnishings that minimize potential health impacts. Practitioners with this certification typically evaluate spaces for factors such as volatile organic compounds from paints and finishes, mold potential, lighting quality, and other environmental considerations that standard interior design training may not extensively cover.

This dual expertise allows the practice to serve clients who seek design solutions that prioritize both visual appeal and environmental health considerations. The building biology approach originated in Germany in the 1960s and has since developed into a recognized field that applies scientific principles to creating healthier indoor environments.

Service Area and Operations

Based in Pennsylvania, the practice serves clients within the state and potentially surrounding regions. The appointment-required structure indicates a consultative approach rather than a retail or drop-in model. This format is typical for design professionals who dedicate focused time to understanding each client's specific needs, preferences, and project parameters.

The availability of online estimates provides an accessible entry point for potential clients to begin discussions about their projects. This service allows individuals to receive preliminary information about scope, timeline, and budget considerations before scheduling more detailed in-person consultations.

Interior Design Services

Interior designers with credentials similar to those held by Charisse Marei typically offer a range of services that may include:

• Space planning and layout optimization
• Color consultation and palette development
• Furniture selection and arrangement
• Material and finish specification
• Lighting design and fixture selection
• Window treatment recommendations
• Coordination with contractors and vendors
• Project management from concept through installation

Given the building biology certification, additional services may extend into areas not typically addressed by conventional interior designers. These could include environmental assessments of existing spaces, recommendations for low-emission materials and finishes, guidance on electromagnetic field reduction, and consultation on creating spaces that support occupant wellness through attention to air quality, natural light, and material selection.

The Building Biology Approach to Design

Building biology, or Baubiologie as it is known in its country of origin, operates on the principle that buildings should support rather than compromise human health. Practitioners in this field consider the built environment as a third skin, following clothing as the second skin, that mediates between occupants and the external environment.

This philosophy influences design decisions in several ways. Material selection prioritizes natural, minimally processed options when feasible, with attention to off-gassing characteristics of synthetic materials. Paint choices may favor low or zero VOC formulations. Flooring recommendations might consider not only durability and aesthetics but also the potential for dust accumulation, ease of cleaning without harsh chemicals, and the electromagnetic properties of different materials.

Lighting design under this approach considers not only illumination levels and ambiance but also the quality of light, including color temperature and its potential effects on circadian rhythms. Natural light optimization often receives particular emphasis, with window treatments and space planning designed to maximize beneficial daylight exposure while managing glare and heat gain.

For clients with specific health concerns or sensitivities, this approach can prove particularly valuable. Individuals with allergies, chemical sensitivities, or respiratory conditions may benefit from design solutions that minimize potential triggers while still achieving attractive, functional spaces.

The Design Consultation Process

Professional interior design services typically follow a structured process that begins with initial consultation and needs assessment. During this phase, the designer gathers information about the client's lifestyle, preferences, functional requirements, and budget parameters. For a practice incorporating building biology principles, this phase may also include discussion of any health concerns or environmental priorities the client wishes to address.

Following initial consultation, the design development phase involves creating concepts, selecting materials and furnishings, and developing detailed plans for the space. Clients typically review and provide feedback on proposed designs, with revisions incorporated until the final design is approved.

Implementation involves coordination of purchases, delivery scheduling, and oversight of any construction or installation work required. The designer serves as the client's representative throughout this process, ensuring that the design vision is realized as intended.

Considerations for Prospective Clients

Individuals considering interior design services benefit from understanding what to expect from the process. Initial consultations typically involve discussion of project scope, timeline, and budget. Design fees may be structured as flat rates for defined projects, hourly rates for consultation services, or percentage-based fees calculated from the total project cost. The specific fee structure varies by practice and project type.

For clients interested in the environmental health aspects of design, it is helpful to articulate specific concerns or goals during initial discussions. Whether the priority is reducing allergens, improving air quality, creating spaces that support sleep quality, or simply ensuring that new furnishings and finishes do not introduce unwanted chemicals into the home, clear communication helps the designer develop appropriate solutions.

The appointment-based model used by this practice suggests a personalized approach to client service. Scheduling consultations in advance allows the designer to prepare appropriately and dedicate focused attention to each project without the interruptions that might occur in a walk-in environment.

The Role of Certified Design Professionals

Working with credentialed interior designers offers several advantages over attempting complex design projects independently. Professional designers bring trained eyes for proportion, scale, color relationships, and spatial flow that develop through education and experience. They maintain relationships with vendors and tradespeople that can facilitate project execution and sometimes provide access to trade pricing on furnishings and materials.

Perhaps more significantly, professional designers can help clients avoid costly mistakes. Furniture that proves too large for a space, colors that clash under different lighting conditions, or materials that prove impractical for their intended use represent common pitfalls that experienced designers help clients navigate. The investment in professional design services often yields returns through avoided errors and more satisfying final results.

For projects involving environmental health considerations, working with a certified building biology consultant adds another layer of expertise. The assessment skills and specialized knowledge these practitioners bring can identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed and provide solutions grounded in scientific understanding of how built environments affect human health.