Nature-Made: Understanding and Adopting Bio-Based and Natural Materials

As pressure mounts to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequities, architects and designers are increasingly looking to bio-based and natural materials as viable pathways toward healthier, lower-carbon built environments. Yet despite growing interest, widespread adoption remains constrained by fragmented supply chains, limited market familiarity, cost perceptions, regulatory barriers, and inconsistent implementation strategies.

This webinar bridges the gap between research and real-world application by translating industry insights into actionable guidance for design professionals, owners, and decision-makers. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the current landscape of bio-based and natural materials, emerging opportunities for implementation, and practical strategies for advancing adoption through advocacy, pilot projects, and strategic investment.

Through case studies from Perkins&Will projects, including Girl Scouts Camp Lakota and Enchanted Hills Camp, attendees will explore how material selection, fabrication approaches, and regional sourcing considerations shape project performance, accessibility, resilience, and user experience.

The session will also introduce frameworks such as the Switch List and the AIA Materials Pledge, equipping teams with practical tools to evaluate, specify, and advocate for healthier material systems in future projects.