I am a regenerative designer, and I want to productize this practice.
I design spaces, systems & communities around the principles of regeneration:
"The mindset of a regenerative designer is first and foremost to focus on creating conditions for health and potential. Outcomes and performance become a by-product of a healthy system."
More and more people are getting on board with sustainability, and regeneration is just the next level.
While sustainable design practices have enabled the architecture industry to work towards achieving net-zero carbon, water, and waste in many facets of the built environment, regenerative design aspires to realize net positive benefits in these areas and move towards long-term circularity.
I see regenerative design synonymously with independence and self-sustainability. It’s not just about ecology, it’s about resilience.
There is a massive opportunity to rebuild human civilization in harmony with nature, rather than “on top” of it. Regenerative design harnesses resources at every stage of the production → consumption cycle, and puts more money into everyone’s pockets—and makes everyone healthier in the process.
That‘s what I’m most passionate about in 2023.
What exactly is regenerative design?
As the NRhythm blog post explained, the job is to create conditions for health and potential. Specifically, that can look like using natural systems to:
- improve natural conditions, e.g. soil, food production, water quality
- increase happiness in a group of people
So — who needs regenerative design?
Now, I get to begin the work of branding myself & building a consulting business around this combination of passion, knowledge, and skill.
So who needs it? Everyone, really. Lol.
As this concept’s popularity grows, every type of organization can benefit from aligning with—and marketing to—regenerative-minded buyers.
Let’s get more specific for various use cases.
Residential communities & municipalities
Cities, neighborhoods, property management companies, and landlords all want the same thing: to attract responsible tenants/community members, charge a fair price for their assets & services, and remain resilient in the face of economic downtowns.
They can do so by branding themselves regeneratively.
Regenerative product offerings for a residential community can look like:
- Building out community gardens & orchards that feed their members
- Compost organic matter in partnership with local food producers
- Installing clean energy production systems on-site, e.g. solar
- Offering rebates & other incentives for members who invest in their personal
- Collecting & directing rainwater in communal spaces
Restaurants, hospitality & venues
Restaurants, hotels & other venues all want the same thing: to attract patrons who will gladly spend their time & money on the offerings, because they align with their goals & desires.
Product offerings for establishments in this category can look like:
- Offer locally sourced food
- Compost organic matter in partnership with local food producers
- Use compostable takeout containers & disposable items