Building a Healthy Home from the Ground Up with Brian Johnson

Building a healthy home isn’t about slapping a “green” label on a house and calling it a day. For Brian Johnson of Synergy360, it’s about stripping things down to what really matters—health, longevity, and getting builders back in control of the environment they’re creating.

In this episode of Builder Straight Talk, Brian returns for a deep-dive conversation with Michael Krisa—no fluff, just real systems, real strategies, and real talk. If you’re curious about what it really takes to start building a healthy home, this episode gives you the playbook.

“This isn’t about paper straws and bragging rights,” Brian says. “This is about homes that heal. That keep you breathing better, sleeping deeper, living longer.”

Brian walks through his no-BS approach to building a healthy home—starting with the structure, diving into materials, systems, and even furnishings. The key? Synergy. Everything connects. From non-toxic insulation to human-centric lighting, from advanced air filtration to low-EMF wiring—it’s a full-system mindset most builders aren’t even thinking about.

“We start with the building envelope,” he explains. “Mass wall systems, smart waterproofing, breathable designs. Then we get into materials—everything’s vetted. No formaldehydes, no VOCs. We know what’s going in the house because that stuff ends up in your lungs.”

Brian doesn’t just talk about healthy home theory—he’s putting it into action. Right now, he’s managing projects across the country and preparing to launch the Healthy Builders Academy in Tucson, Arizona. The goal? Train builders, trades, and even designers through real-time, hands-on experience.

“You’re not just learning from a PowerPoint. You’re picking up tools, cutting into walls, running systems. We’re going full-on field training,” Brian says.

Brian is also building two new communities in Arizona based entirely on these healthy home principles—spacious lots, natural trails, non-toxic materials, advanced filtration systems, and designs that actually support human well-being.

Cost often comes up, and Brian doesn’t shy away from the money talk. His approach includes “good-better-best” options that make building a healthy home accessible to more than just luxury clients.

“Even if someone’s building mid-range,” he says, “they can upgrade paint, ventilation, wiring. Small changes, big impact.”

Another major piece of the puzzle is the Healthy Building Alliance, a vetted platform Brian’s building to bring together serious pros—builders, health experts, designers, and materials suppliers—who are all aligned in building better, safer, healthier spaces.

“If I wouldn’t let you in my house, you’re not getting on that list,” he says. “This is about trust. We’re building a community of people who actually give a damn.”

The heart of the conversation is simple: if you’re a builder, contractor, or remodeler, and you want to step above the rest—not with gimmicks but with real, performance-driven builds—then Brian’s 12-step framework is your in.

“Your home should be your sanctuary,” Brian says. “If there’s one place to invest in your health, it’s where you live.”

This episode gives you the strategy, the language, and the roadmap to start building a healthy home right now. Whether you’re planning your next custom build or just looking to upgrade your specs, this conversation is packed with field-tested wisdom you won’t get from a showroom or a seminar.

Watch the full episode on YouTube.

About Brian Johnson and Synergy360
Brian Johnson is the founder of Synergy360—a builder, biohacker, and certified Building Biologist with over 22 years in the trenches of construction. He’s on a mission to bring healthy home construction to the mainstream by fusing performance building, non-toxic materials, and human-first design.

From managing multimillion-dollar projects to mentoring hands-on builders, Brian works across the U.S. as a project manager, consultant, and educator—helping pros build homes that heal instead of harm.

Want the blueprint?
Download Beyond the Build: A Blueprint for High-Performance Healing Homes, Brian’s free guide breaking down the 12 core systems behind building a healthy home.

Learn more at Synergy360.com

About Michael Krisa

Michael Krisa is the host of Builder Straight Talk and a long-time advocate for builders who want more than just hammers and handshakes. With a background in real estate, marketing, and media, Michael brings a rare mix of strategy and storytelling to the trades. He’s known for cutting through the fluff and getting to the heart of what helps builders scale smarter, fund faster, and build better.

Through Builder Straight Talk, Michael interviews real-world builders, remodelers, and tradespeople to share the lessons, mistakes, and wins that actually move the needle.

Want honest insight from the front lines of construction? Michael’s your guy. Learn more at BuilderStraightTalk.com