The Radical Massage Therapist Podcast #146 Massage Therapy Deserves Better Treatment Rooms with Jamie Smith
Jan 25, 2026
Jamie Smith, a former massage therapist turned interior designer and founder of Happy Haüs Studios, designs restorative treatment rooms using biophilic design and neuroaesthetics. She explains how clinics can feel more nervous-system safe. Topics include lighting, sound, clutter, storage, nature-inspired art, and practical design must-haves to support both clients and practitioners.
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Treatment Room Does Half The Work
- The treatment room performs about half the therapeutic work by shaping client receptivity and nervous system state.
- Design choices like lighting and clutter materially affect patient outcomes and therapist wellbeing.
Clinical And Relaxation Are A Spectrum
- Clinical and relaxation modalities sit on a spectrum because all require a calm, safe nervous system to be effective.
- Visual cues in the room signal safety and change how clients receive manual therapy.
Layer Lighting For Function And Calm
- Use layered, dimmable lighting to support task needs and create a calming atmosphere without relying on harsh overhead fluorescents.
- Provide soft diffuse daylight or transitional lighting to avoid disorienting clients stepping from dark rooms into bright outdoors.