Living the standard: How Komal M Jain drives research-backed health from personal habits to project design

For Komal M Jain, wellness isn’t just a professional framework—it’s a daily lifestyle built on research, intentionality, and active movement. Her journey began at Space Matrix Design Consultants, where working on WELL Certification projects as a sustainability analyst inspired her to earn her WELL AP credential in 2025. Honored with the 2025 WELL Rising Star Award for her early-career passion and promise, Komal bridges the gap between research-led statistics and real-world implementation.

How did you first hear about the WELL AP? What made you interested in the credential?

I heard about it when I started working as a Sustainability Consultant at Space Matrix, my first job as a sustainability analyst. WELL Certification was part of my job and the more I learned about WELL features, the more inclined I was to get this particular credential. I quickly realized WELL was much more than just a credential, it is holistic, important perspective on wellness.

What’s one way becoming a WELL AP has impacted your life and/or career?

I have been working on WELL features even before earning my credentials, but studying for the AP has not only helped me to understand why health strategies are important, but also to know that these features are based on real-time research and statistics, which makes it even more important and urgent to make a change. This understanding gives me a tangible purpose and inspires me to keep working towards making a greater impact on the health of both people and planet.

Did anything about the WELL AP process surprise you—from registering for the exam to your experience post-accreditation? What was it? How would you prepare WELL AP candidates for that?

I realized the WELL AP credential is not limited to people working on WELL Certification. It is beyond that and anyone could benefit from learning about how and why air, water, foods, etc. impact people. In my opinion, everything a person touches or experiences in daily life is important and knowing more can provide a holistic view on wellness. Knowing how our bodies work and how they are influenced by the environment around us is very important for any individual.

Do you have any advice you’d give potential WELL AP candidates?

Definitely go for it!! Whether it’s directly related to your careers or not, just knowing more about your environment and its effects on our body will help each individual in operating each day and recognize the importance of health.

What does well-being mean to you? How do you incorporate it into your life and routine?

I view physical well-being as based in nutrition and movement, and mental well-being in sleep and the people we surround ourselves with. I ensure I work out 2 hours a day or take small steps during my work, like taking walks. (In fact, I have stopped using elevators long before I knew about WELL and it surprised me that this idea exists in the WELL feature). I believe it is a very important and easy step to be taken. I love walking – I walk to buy things or add walking to my commute, rather than using quick delivery apps or booking cabs.

As for mental health, I actually find it more important than physical health, because it motives or drives the energy required in physical health. I ensure my mind gets enough rest and decluttering from time to time.

Is there a specific WELL concept, feature or set of features that have really resonated with you and that you’ve incorporated into your own life?

The WELL Building Standard concepts that resonate most deeply with me are Nourishment and Movement. These aren’t just theoretical frameworks for me; they are part of my daily lifestyle.

My commitment to Nourishment began with a rigorous challenge: eliminating all refined sugars and soft drinks from my diet. This experiment was eye-opening, revealing the profound impact that dietary choices have on energy and mental clarity. Since then, I’ve used the ‘intent’ behind the Nourishment concept to shift my focus toward whole foods, consistently integrating more fruits and vegetables into every meal.

Regarding Movement, I view physical activity as a non-negotiable mandate rather than an elective choice. Whether it’s opting to walk longer distances instead of driving or maintaining a dedicated daily exercise routine, I’ve found that prioritizing steps and active lifestyle is essential for my long-term health and vitality.

What projects do you have planned for the future? How will your WELL AP credential support the project’s success?

There are plenty of projects registered and in pipeline under Space Matrix for the upcoming year. My projects can achieve additional points for having a WELL AP on the team. I will ensure the clients try to incorporate features with intent and earn the highest level of achievement as I have ensured on previous projects.

Learn more about what it takes to become a WELL AP!