BIOMIMICRY CHICAGO - Key Persons

Amy Coffman Phillips

Job Titles:
  • Architect
  • Consultant
  • Founder, the B - Collaborative
Amy Coffman Phillips is a licensed architect, consultant, and educator with expertise in biomimicry and systemic resilience. She is a Network Leader at Biomimicry Chicago, a local node of the global biomimicry network, and the creator of their Deep Roots Initiative. This initiative seeks to establish a science-based definition of sustainability that references the local ecology of the Chicago region to set measurable performance standards for the built environment. Amy is a Certified Biomimicry Professional, Naturalist and Educator with The Conservation Foundation, Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG), and a LEED Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Professional. Through strategic planning facilitation, immersive outdoor experiences, and hands-on project assistance, Amy brings together diverse, interdisciplinary groups to help businesses, communities, and organizational leaders embed sustainable resilience into strategic planning and strategy.

Rachel MW Hahs

Job Titles:
  • Sustainability Professional
Rachel is an innovative systems thinker rooted in the firm belief that life-centered design will lead us to a sustainable future. She is a Biomimicry Chicago Network Leader and co-creator of its Deep Roots Initiative. Rachel is also the creator of Think Biomimicry, a blog and resource website that aims to enable people to shift from biomimicry-based ideas to implementation to game-changing disruption. As a biomimicry expert and thought leader, Rachel develops and facilitates biomimicry-based workshops and design charrettes, conducts original biomimicry research on the topic of disruptive innovation, and provides other related services including private and public speaking engagements. Rachel holds a Master of Science in Biomimicry, and is a Certified Biomimicry Professional (CBP), Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) and project manager with over 14 years of experience focusing on sustainability, innovation and environmental consulting.