Information about Living System Designs
Who:
Living System Designs, is me, Jarrod Phillips. My goal is to create spaces, experiences, and ecological collaborations that honor the interconnectedness of all life. Ecosystems — whether natural or human-designed — are living, breathing networks that thrive through collaboration, not isolation.
My approach is rooted in two key principles: (bio)plurality and sympoiesis. I view the world through a lens that embraces the diverse expressions of life, understanding that every organism and every element plays a unique role in shaping our environment.
(Bio)plurality, a term coined by Professor Audra Mitchell, (bio)plurality reminds us that every species — from the smallest microbe to the tallest tree — contributes to the web of life in profound ways. Natural systems aren’t passive backdrops; they are co-creators of our world, each with its own wisdom and agency. This includes not only plants and animals but also the elements we don’t traditionally consider “alive” — the flowing stream, the sheltering rock, or the driving wind. I strive to honor these varied and unique lifeways, recognizing that humanity is part of, not separate from, the intricate dance of the world.
Sympoiesis — the process of making-with — is a concept developed by Donna Haraway. Rather than imposing rigid plans or preconceived ideas, this perspective invites us to collaborate with ecosystems and communities, allowing for organic, emergent solutions that are adaptive and evolving. Every project is a living, dynamic relationship — one that thrives through collaboration, understanding, and mutual benefit.
Through art, storytelling, and ecological communion design, I draw attention to the more-than-human world. My work is an effort to encourage individuals and communities to engage more deeply with nature through creative placemaking, eco-art, and co-constitutive ecological restoration. Rather than treating ecosystems as passive landscapes to be managed, I seek to foster relationships of reciprocity, where humans and the land shape one another in a continuous exchange. By deepening our connection to the land and the diverse beings that inhabit it, I hope to aid in the creation of environments where human and non-human life flourish together.
This work is an ongoing process of learning, collaboration, and discovery. Every landscape, species, and element have something to teach — and so do you. If any of this resonates with you, reach out. I’d love to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore what we can create together.
Offerings:
Photography & Videography
Fine art prints, commissioned works tailored to your vision, and creative visual storytelling rooted in connection and place.
Drone Services (Part 107 Certified)
Aerial photo and video projects, including high-resolution orthomosaics, restoration progress tracking, and environmental monitoring — all captured with precision and perspective.
Ecological Communion Design
Organic, collaborative approaches to land care — from rain gardens and micro-prairie conversions to gentle, non-invasive stream restorations rooted in low-tech, process-based restoration techniques. Always guided by slow water, reciprocity, and regeneration.
Consultation & Visioning Sessions
For those looking to begin a relationship with their land — Whether it's a small yard or a large property, I offer personalized sessions to help you see what's possible, rooted in (bio)plurality, beauty, and sympoiesis.
On the Horizon:
**Actively developing and hope to make available in the near future:
Workshops & Community Engagement
Gatherings rooted in ecological communion, regeneration, and art — designed to foster shared insight, skill-building, and sympoietic practice.
Art-Science Fusion Installations
Experiential pieces that blend photography, ecological overlays, and storytelling — intended for exhibits, educational settings, and public engagement projects.
Stay Connected:
To follow along with current projects, field moments, and reflections on art, ecology, and place-making, join me here:
📷 Instagram — images, process, and in-the-moment stories
✍️ Substack — essays, project insights, and seasonal reflections
📩 Email me anytime at Jarrod@ecolsd.com