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Erin Rovalo

Erin Rovalo

Biomimicry 3.8 Senior Principal

Erin Rovalo is a senior principal at Biomimicry 3.8. Drawing from an architectural background, Erin weaves design thinking expertise with biomimicry to achieve a distinctly innovative approach to sustainable solutions. Between her work at Biomimicry 3.8 and as a Ph.D. researcher, Erin’s goal is to deliver a holistic methodology for driving innovation alongside ecosystem regeneration and conservation.

Erin’s scope of work includes leading innovative built environment projects. During the course of her career, she has supported more than 30 built environment projects, including a groundbreaking project to help a carpet factory function like a forest. She works with developers, planners, architects, and engineers to help them seize unique opportunities to design, build, and operate resiliently and abundantly within Earth’s operating conditions.

Her work also stretches beyond built environment to include solving packaging design and consumer products challenges for clients. She has successfully managed biomimicry innovation initiatives for Natura, Estee Lauder, Lone Meadow, Interface, and Burt’s Bees.

Erin is a Certified Biomimicry Professional who also serves as a biomimicry and design trainer to adult learners around the world and has supported the professional training of more than 150 participants in the Biomimicry 3.8 certification programs. She has served as a lead instructor for immersion workshops around the world. Through the Arizona State University Master’s of Science in Biomimicry degree program, Erin teaches both the Biomimicry and Design and the iSites: Biomimetic Nature Journaling courses.

Erin’s sustainability framework experience includes knowledge of biomimicry, Living Building Challenge, The Natural Step, and LEED.

Erin enjoys using her design skills at home as well, where she designs and builds her own furniture with her husband at their cabin in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.


Erin's Speaking Engagements

  • Factory as a Forest, SXSW Eco 2015
  • Living Future unConference 2016
  • Americas Innovation Development Team Summit, WD-40 2015
  • The Future of Biomimicry and Design, Loughborough Design School, UK, 2015
  • Innovation Speakers Series, NCR, Global via WebEx, 2014
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