Michael Pawlyn is a trailblazing architect and sustainability advocate, celebrated for his pioneering work in biomimetic architecture. As a motivational and sustainability speaker, Michael is renowned for his eloquence and depth of knowledge, captivating audiences with talks that blend innovative thinking with urgent environmental action. His unique perspective on using nature as a blueprint for design has positioned him at the forefront of sustainable architecture, making him a highly sought-after keynote speaker. Michael is frequently hired to inspire companies, professionals, and policymakers to rethink the built environment and adopt more regenerative, future-facing approaches.
Michael’s journey began at University College London, where he studied architecture and discovered a deep passion for the relationship between design and the natural world. After university, he spent a short period conducting research for television documentaries before joining Haworth Tompkins Architects. His career truly took flight when he joined Grimshaw Architects, becoming a key member of the Eden Project team alongside Tim Smit. The biomes of the Eden Project, which house diverse plant species in rainforest and Mediterranean environments, remain a landmark in sustainable design and a testament to Michael’s visionary approach.
In 2007, Michael founded Exploration Architecture Limited, a firm dedicated to biomimicry – using nature’s models, systems, and processes to address human design challenges. His company has developed a host of revolutionary projects, from an ultra-low energy data centre to a zero-waste textiles factory. Their work has been widely exhibited, including a solo exhibition at The Architecture Foundation. In addition to his architectural practice, Michael has contributed to high-impact sustainability projects such as the Plastiki expedition, with David Mayer De Rothchild, the Sahara Forest Project, The Biomimetic Office, and The Mountain Data Centre, all of which showcase the transformative potential of biomimetic thinking.
Today, Michael is not only a seasoned TED speaker and author of “Biomimicry in Architecture”, but also a Creative Collaborator at Hard Art and an Advisory Board Member at Climate.VC. These roles highlight his continued commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and climate solutions. Hired for his expertise, passion, and ability to spark real change, Michael inspires audiences to embrace nature as the ultimate guide in creating a more sustainable and resilient future.
