OUR MISSION
TO MAKE IT BETTER, NATURALLY.
OUR VISION
We envision a world that is in harmony with nature, where our built environments are contributions to our natural ones. Where communities, companies and individuals tap into the genius of nature to learn to think, behave, and create from a paradigm that is inspired by nature.
Our Story
Biomimicry Frontiers was founded in 2017. The company is comprised of a network of diverse expert partners that we leverage to organize the best team for each project. We specifically focus on our partnerships with Indigenous People and ways in which biomimicry could offer a bridge in our efforts of reconciliation. In 2019, Fast Company named us a “World Changing Idea”.
The company was founded by Jamie Miller after he received a PhD in engineering, which focused on urban resilience and systems-level application of biomimicry. Jamie is an award-winning designer who has been studying, practising, and applying biomimicry since 2004 - when he first learned of the concept through the Fibonacci Sequence in a math and poetry course. He was originally trained by Janine Benyus (the co-founder of the Biomimicry Institute, biologist and author), co-taught the biomimicry program at OCAD University, and was named a “New Centurion” by the David Suzuki Foundation for his commitment to transforming our relationship with nature.
With his diverse team, Jamie and Biomimicry Frontiers provide clients the most sustainable solutions to today’s wicked challenges. They do this by leveraging the genius of nature and its 3.8 billion years of research and development for how to thrive on this planet.
Meet the Team
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Jamie Miller, Ph.D.
President & Founder, Canada
Jamie Miller is Founder of Biomimicry Frontiers and the Biomimicry Commons. He holds a Ph.D. in engineering and was the director of OCAD University’s biomimicry program. He’s been working in the field since 2004 and focuses on making biomimicry real through its application at form, process and specifically, the systems level.
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Lily Urmann, M.S.
Biomimicry Commons Director, United States
Lily Urmann received her Master's in Biomimicry at Arizona State University, where she also helped to design and launch one of the world's first undergraduate certificates in biomimicry. Lily is currently a Visiting Instructor at Pratt Institute where she teaches a course she created titled "Biology for Biomimicry'', and works with Biomimicry Frontiers to develop educational offerings for professionals. She is the host of her podcast "Learning from Nature". Lily’s ultimate passion lies at the intersection of biomimicry, place-based experiential education, and engaging change-agents in this exciting field.
Our Ecosystem
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Josée Oliphant, M.A
Office & Content Coordinator, Canada
Josée Oliphant runs our main office in Guelph, Canada. She holds a Master’s degree in Globalization Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Global Studies. She speaks French.
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Anuj Kain, PhD
Associate Ecologist, Singapore
Anuj Jain is an ecologist and trained biomimicry professional who specializes in ecological placemaking and biodiversity and ecosystem service assessments. He founded bioSEA and brings hands on experience in ecology and biomimicry for the built environment. He speaks Chinese and Hindi.
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Cam Fewer, B.Eng
Engineer, Additive Manufacturing
Cam Fewer is the co-lead on our impeller project, providing expertise in 3D printing and additive manufacturing. He is a mechanical Engineer with specialization in HVAC/R and Plumbing design.
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Curtis Ho, B.Des
Architecture Consultant, Canada
Curtis Ho has a Bachelor of Design and is currently completing his Master of Architecture at the University of Toronto. He speaks Cantonese.
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Melanie Levitin, M.Sc
Corporate Workshop Consultant, Canada
Melanie Levitin has a Master of Science in International Business and helps lead our corporate consulting. She speaks French and Russian.
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Nathan Stewart B.LA
Associate Landscape Architect, Canada
Nathan Stewart is our associate landscape architect. He is the founder of Escape Designs and brings more than 20 years of hands- on, practical experience to our application of biomimicry.
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Hadi El-Shayeb, MLA
Landscape Designer
Hadi is a Landscape Architect, & researcher advocating for the restoration of degraded landscapes. He explores traditional ecological values and data integrated computational design in order to tackle the climate crisis.
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John James
Ceremonial Artist, Energy Practitioner & Creative Director
John James specializes in the art of building conscious ceremony, empathic storytelling, thoughtful leadership, and talismans of identity - This metaphysical lens (and a shared engagement with the terra cosmos) was invited to help inform, shape and translate the dialogue of biomimetic reflection - "Inspired by Nature".
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Luca Di Gregorio, BDes/BEDS/MArch
Architect
Luca Di Gregorio holds a Master of Architecture from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Design from OCAD University. He’s passionate about public architecture, community oriented design, and creating a more sustainable and socially minded environment that will benefit generations to come.
