We are inspired to help recalibrate the way we think and approach projects that have an impact on the land, essentially having an impact on our Earth.
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The name TerraLupa honours origins at many levels. "Terra" is Earth or Land in many Latin-based languages. "Lupa" (pronounced loo-pah) also means Earth or Land in the language of my home country, The Philippines.
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In response to the climate crisis and the call to reduce our carbon use in all aspects of our modern lives, we miss out on the importance of systematic low-impact approaches to practice. "Restoring Our Nature" is a mission that intuitively feels right. This statement is also multi-layered. It aims to restore us, as human beings, to become more intuitively connected to our living system, and aware of the consequences of our design decisions to other beings we share this world with.
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Every project stage has the opportunity to restore and support a vast network of life. The design process invites questions that will turn our thinking inside-out, introducing themes such as systemic design inquiries, regeneration, reciprocity, nature connection, and traditional systems.
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We will work together with values of a collaborative partnership, arriving at solutions that take into account the inherent complexity of projects and the relationships within them.
The logo is a Nautilus shell. This is a reminder that although we live on land, that we are systematically linked to water. The Nautilus is a popular and ancient symbol that honours the perfection of nature, it represents regeneration, delicate balance, and teaches us that there is no waste in natural systems.
founder - architect - educator
regenerative design thinking
MEET KARA
We cannot continue to pour concrete into our soils without deeply understanding the systemic consequences of this action. I have trained and worked in commercial architectural practice for over 15 years, and we are fundamental to both the problems and solutions that arise. It is now apparent that our design solutions must look beyond the limits of our site boundaries. The issues are entrenched in commodifying what essentially gives us life.
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I believe in treating Nature with respect, and the way we choose to live makes this challenging. My aim is to share ways on how to reconnect and restore ourselves to our living systems in a more meaningful way, and communicate this through my conversations, work, and approach to design.
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The foundation of this work is in sharing a design practice that promotes positive integration with local ecosystems and community. It is time to re-calibrate our approach and value set towards land-based developments, and I feel it is my mission to help this gain momentum.
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The dream is to co-create healthy, balanced spaces and places: consulting for projects, practices, and individuals to set long-term goals that restore native habitats, soil, and marine ecosystems while supporting local communities.
Photo Credit: Zissou
@zissou_
WORK + LIFE
+ COLLABORATIONS
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Gratitude Circle
This is a dynamic space that will expand, and is written with a sense of reciprocity...
Thank you to Earthly @earthly_collective, @sophie__chatz and Jamie Pike for your guidance, encouragement, and feeding me literally and creatively!
Thank you Phil B, James C, Mark AS and my sis-in-law Viv for the constructive yet direct feedback that is much appreciated.
Thank you to all collegues, team, and fellow Trustees at Artspace Lifespace and Land is Life for being great support, inspiration, and giving a sense of purpose.