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Interview Jamie Miller

Jamie Miller is an award-winning designer and the founder of Biomimicry Frontiers. He was the director of OCAD University’s biomimicry program and obtained a Ph.D. in engineering from the University of Guelph, focusing on systems-level biomimicry and resilience theory. In 2019, Biomimicry Frontiers was named a “World Changing Idea” by Fast Company for their collection of services in consulting, education, incubation, and investing. Their mission is to make it better, naturally.

What are your impressions of the current state of biomimicry/bio-inspired design? There is unlimited potential for biomimicry. I am happy to see more platforms, educational spaces, and funding being directed to its pursuit but I also see an opportunity for more businesses in biomimicry that are committed to its application. With the economic shift taking place, we need more entrepreneurs - pioneer species - jumping in to build a service or product that shares the story of biomimicry. That’s where the hard work needs to be done. What do you see as the biggest challenges? I believe that the biggest challenges will be in our collective shift from a status-quo that seems to disregard the deeper value of nature. Paradigm shifts can be difficult to coordinate. Especially at a systems level, where they can be fiercely resisted because of their disruptive nature. And naturally, humans avoid disorder. What areas should we be focusing on to advance the field of biomimicry? Honestly, whatever area you are passionate about. I believe we need multiple smallscale revolts that are based on the principle

Jamie Miller

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