Rohan is a designer, builder, teacher and advocate of ReGenerative practices around the world. With a keen eye for the inherent synergies found in nature, he uses biomimicry to shape systems in the most beneficial and efficient way. He has managed a wide range of projects relating to self-sufficiency and adaptation to climate change, either for individuals, companies, NGOs or international institutions. Rohan also believes in giving back to the planet and communities in need. By...

Oliver M. Goshey is an accomplished natural builder who has worked in eleven countries on six continents. He is the host of "The Abundant Edge" Podcast where he interviews leaders and change-makers in the worlds of permaculture, natural building, and regenerative living. After six years of working in the industrial building trades and as a maritime engineer, he apprenticed with the Cob Cottage Company, specializing in cob and earthen plasters and finishes. Abundant Edge is his...

Agathe studied International Development at the University of East London and then obtained a Master in Education and Sustainability at London South Bank University. She then went to work with Earthship Biotecture, where she is now in charge of all International Builds. This allows her enough free time to live in Mexico while not traveling with Earthship. She bought some land there a few years ago to create a self sufficient orphanage, inspired by Earthship principles and has built...

Ricelli (Richi) is an architect by profession, artist by heart and musician in free time. After falling in love with permaculture, building with natural materials and communities, Richi now pursues a different way to practice architecture. Richi worked and studied in Brazil with Johan van Lengen (author of The Barefoot Architect), in Indonesia (Green School Bali), Japan (Kyoto University) and Mongolia and continues to collect experiences in a search for a way of building that speaks to...

Gregoire Durrens is an engineer and eco-builder who works with Earthship Biotecture among others. After graduating from the FabAcademy and attending the Earthship Academy, he was inspired to bring together the diverse approaches to the use of technology to solve our most pressing global problems. Fabships are off-grid workshops that empower communities to grow their own productive power to provide an alternative to the “take, make and dispose” mass-production mindset that is decimating our...

A life spent building solutions Michael Reynolds is the founder of Earthship Biotecture. He is an American architect based in New Mexico, known for the design and construction of Earthships which serve the following 6 principals: They self-heat and the self-cool They are made from recycled materials (used tyres and bottles) They collect water They treat sewage They grow their own food They generate their own power Over the last 50 years Michael has been one the of...

Too many short term solutions for long term problems? Our conversation outlines some of challenges for people living in two Jordanian camps (Zaatari and Azraq). We explore a few of the options and restrictions in using offgrid technologies as potential solutions - political will notwithstanding. Lara was awarded a Jordanian PhD scholarship to study at Edinburgh Napier University where her research relates to Architecture for Emergencies in the Middle East. Lara now focuses on...

Theory U - an offgrid and connected theory? Elizabeth Williams works with multidisciplinary, multi-interest groups of people to help them find common ground, energy and direction. This conversation was a little different in that it was focused on the "connected" part of "offgrid & connected". It was good to open up the conversation and step out of the strictly offgrid arena. Currently based in London, UK most of Elizabeth's work is with collaborative entities working together to...

One generation ready - many more to come! Matt is executive director of Long Way Home an organisation that uses sustainable design and materials to construct self-sufficient schools that promote education, employment and environmental stewardship. This conversation was fascinating. It is rare to speak to someone in the offgrid world who has worked for so long and so consistently on humanitarian education projects. We talk LWH's beginnings, what is real "development", hope for...

Natural building in the home of natural building Peter McIntosh is a natural builder from South Africa with almost 20 years' experience off the grid. This conversation could be the beginning of more to come. We talk about the reality of regular projects and how to work within the mainstream. Peter McIntosh started building with natural materials in 1999 when he built his own off the grid, earth-sheltered straw-bale house. For 10 years he embarked on a career as a natural builder...

Natural building in the home of natural building Guy Williams is a project leader and natural builder from Botswana.  This conversation was a four year overdue catch-up. We reconnect about building techniques, the offgrid movement in Africa, Theory U and much more. Guy has an experience and perspective of working in "developing" countires that is quite unique. We cover his "bubble wall", how to get started in natural building and urban regeneration. Mixed in to each topic are...

Big Oil Whistleblower John Bolenbaugh is founder of helppa.org and has worked tirelessly since 15th October 2010 to hold big oil accountable for cleaning up their mess. This was my first conversation with a whistleblower and it gave me the goosebumps a number of times. Since Julian Assange and Edward Snowdon showed the courage to speak out I’ve been interested in whistleblowing. I never liked the whole “telling” thing in kindergarten but at some point in our lives what we see...

Ten Friends: A non-profit with a long-term approach and vision Mark LaMont runs many of the day to day activities at tenfriends.org and has worked in Nepal for over ten years. Ten Friends is a non-profit organization formed by two teachers and a bunch of good friends. They improve lives with simple, hands–on projects that make a big difference to people in need in Nepal – one of the poorest countries in the world. Their projects focus on assistance that the Nepali people need – not...

BPE: A non-profit that pioneers Deborah is Biotecture Planet Earth’s global PR and fundraising manager. Originally from the Canary Islands, Spain, she has lived and worked in six different continents. She has a higher degree in International Marketing and Public Relations and has extensive experience in Project Management, Fundraising and Public Relations all over the world. Her passion lies in self-sustainable living and technologies and bringing this knowledge to those who need it...

Daniel's work has involved organic farming, natural building and construction, permaculture education, offgrid energy and water systems, and ecotourism. He has worked with a number of organizations including: Mohala Farms (currently); Vitruvian farms; Versaland ; Calling All Crows; WWOOF; Earthship Biotecture; WorkAway; Midwest Permaculture. Daniel is a former collegiate athlete and health and fitness instructor by education. Since stepping away from this four years ago, he has been...

More than "just" systems! Lou coordinates Earthship systems (solar and water) for builds all around the world. He grew up in New York but found himself in New Mexico working for Earthship Biotecture many moons ago. Hundreds of students (including yours truly) have benefited from his dedication to passing on what he knows. His other passion is music which he manifests in his punk bank Article 15. In this conversation we talk about building Lou can be reached on Facebook either...

Offgrid building around the world Harrison has a wealth of experience building structures of all kinds. He's worked in Australia, USA, Kenya, India, Columbia, Nepal. In his role of Earthship Biotecture foreman he leads groups of over 40 people in challenging conditions but still never misses an opportunity to pass on knowledge. In this conversation we cover building techniques, the challenges facing NGOs, what makes a good team and much more. Enjoy! Books mentioned in this...