Recalibrate the way we think and approach projects that have an impact on the land, essentially having an impact on our Earth.
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.
"Restoring Our Nature" is a mission that intuitively feels right. 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.
Every project stage has the opportunity to restore and support a vast network of life.
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 being+thinking
MEET KARA
"I imagine a world where design professionals are deeply connected to the Earth, and understand the systemic consequences of our human interventions."
Kara is a practising architect and an advocate for ecological regeneration, re-establishing connection within nature, and encouraging good design processes that are sensitive to local ecosystems and communities. She founded TerraLupa to support this approach.
Her work includes being CoLab Studio Lead for AWW in Bristol, co-developing leadership and research partnerships between university research bodies and the practice. She also works part-time in higher education, and is currently co-designing a new MSc course for Strathclyde University.
She holds a number of voluntary positions that focus on community, sustainable development, and leadership. She is a Board Director of Land is Life, an organisation that represents the voice of Indigenous People globally. She also gives her time as a Board Trustee for Artspace Lifespace in Bristol, and as Secretary and Co-Head of Events for The Association of Collaborative Design.
Kara’s previous experience beyond architecture include being a member of the TEDxBristol Core Team from 2013 to 2019, an Associate Lecturer at University of West England, External Examiner at the Welsh School of Architecture, and a visiting lecturer at Leeds Beckett University.
The foundation of her work is in sharing a design practice that promotes positive integration with local ecosystems and community.
Photo Credit: Zissou
@zissou_
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.
inspired by...
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TESTIMONIALS
Designing for Resilience
"...Kara draws on innovative and greatly needed understanding of regenerative, indigenous and importantly sensitive approach to a community's need in all sorts of cultural and social contexts."
Dr. Sonja Oliveira PhD
Associate Professor in Architecture and Design Innovation, UWE Bristol and founding member of Radical Architecture Practice for Sustainability, RAPS
Leadership & Facilitation
"...her inquisitive approach naturally leads to the best solutions. Kara's design thinking to energise processes and her project management capabilities are a really powerful combination. She is a really positive unifying force within Artspace Lifespace."
Kathryn Chiswell - Jones
Company Manager at Artspace Lifespace. Director of Illuminarium
Regenerative Design
"...bringing Earth-centred design thinking into the mainstream is brilliant, and is much needed as a counter balance to design that is only function-centered or people-centered."
Martin Brown
Author FutuREstorative
Vice President Living Future Europe, Vice Chair COSTRestore, ILFI Hero 2018. Founder #ZoomRegenerative 2020
Contribution to Education
"...her advice to students on matters concerning regenerative, resilient and biophilic design strategies proved to be invaluable, guiding students towards the right solution for their projects..."
Anna Pepe
Senior Lecturer in Architecture, Leeds Beckett University, Photographer & Designer
Gratitude Circle
This is a dynamic space that will expand, and is written with a sense of reciprocity...
Thank you to Jamie Pike for feeding me literally, lovingly, and creatively!
To Earthly @earthly_collective, especially @sophie__chatz for your guidance and encouragement.
To Glowacky for bringing Bucky Fuller and Thomas Berry back to life, reinforcing this trajectory.
Thank you Phil for being a really great support and mind-opener.
Thank you AWW colleagues James and Mark, and my sis-in-law Viv @brunchwithviv for the constructive 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.