It is one thing to understand the theories of feng shui, and another to follow them to the last detail. If one follows the advice of some practitioners, one’s house is likely to end up looking like a Chinese restaurant, festooned with bamboo flutes, mirrors and shades of bright red and yellow all around. The challenge is to integrate feng shui principles into the architecture, design and interior design in such a way that it reflects one’s personal tastes and spiritual beliefs.

The Chinese based the art and science of orienting and designing buildings on the workings of mysterious earth forces which are known as feng shui, literally meaning wind and water. Energy lines crisscross the earth; lines that are affected by virtually all geographical and topographical phenomena. This means that we are affected by our environment, and we in turn modify our environment by what we do within it.

In feng shui there are two primary natural forms which must be respected and utilised - water and mountains. In the analogy of Tao, water carries the active or yang principle while mountains carry the passive or yin principle. When you adapt feng shui principles for designing an office, you need to ensure that the entrance is well-maintained even if you do not have regular visitors.

What the staff see as they arrive each day is important. Avoid waste bins at the entrance and keep it clutter-free. Displaying positive images at the entrance will encourage the staff. Shabby decorations and maintenance inside the building is depressing. Shadowy corners and ill-lit passageways will discourage the staff from working late hours. Fresh paint and clean floors create an air of efficiency and together with positive images on the walls, give the suggestion to employees that they are valued.

Cramped working areas lead to cramped minds. We feel resentful if we there is no elbow space between colleagues, desks or cupboards. Mirrors in such areas create an illusion of space provided they don’t reflect the clutter.

An open plan office can leave people feeling vulnerable so it is important that they personalise their spaces and are not surprised from behind. Staffs rooms are places where employees meet, discuss work and air grievances. The feng shui of these rooms is important if the staff are to remain positive. However they should not feel too comfortable, or the breaks will be extended.

Finally board rooms are places where important decisions and strategies are planned, so the feng shui of these rooms should be well-balanced to attain perfect harmony. Boardroom tables are best if oval in shape. Round tables are useful in brainstorming sessions of the management teamAligning the interiors and the furnishing alone ensures excellent feng shui when tuned with the compass directions.