Originally an academic at UCL, Ness has a PhD in Greek and Latin, and also worked in the British Museum, honing her interest in research in how societies flourish and how the visual and physical environment informs our behaviours. After editing a London newspaper, she set up her own media company and consultancy working with clients that include the BBC, ITV, banks, manufacturing and the NHS.

But it was after witnessing first-hand the biophilic healing effect a nature view had on recovery in hospital, that she founded The Journal of Biophilic Design to share interviews with thought leaders on how biophilia supports wellbeing for people, planet and place. Passionate about this beautiful planet we live on, Ness is an artist, nature lover and professional photographer, and creates “Virtual Nature Walls” for healthcare, third age spaces, schools, offices and homes. Ness is also founder of the philanthropic media agency Photo Aid Global Foundation where her team support NGOs and charities, as well as train local people in media and story-telling skills in Africa, India, Nepal, UK, and all over.