Natsai Audrey Chieza

Operating at the intersection of design and biotechnology, Natsai Audrey Chieza is an internationally recognised authority in the rapidly emerging field of biodesign. Incorporating the co-creation of new materials, products and services with living systems; the development of novel biofabrication processes; and the implementation of innovative design strategies for an emerging bioeconomy. For Chieza, designing with biology presents unique opportunities to address significant ecological challenges, squaring the circle of sustainable production and finite resources. Driven by a whole-systems approach to innovation, her interdisciplinary practice engages industry, institutions and society at large.

In her TED Talk, Chieza sets out an agenda for a pollution-free future of fashion, pioneering work in the development of bacterially derived biopigments for use in dyeing textiles. She has exhibited these works at Bauhaus Dessau Foundation, TRESOR Contemporary Craft with the Crafts Council, the V&A, the Science Gallery Dublin, and Fondation EDF, among others. Recently listed as one of OkayAfrica’s 100 Women for her work in STEM, Chieza has spoken widely about her vision of a biodesigned tomorrow, appearing at SXSW Interactive, Biofabricate Synbiobeta and more, and has taught on biodesign programmes at Bartlett School of Architecture and Central Saint Martins. In 2018 she launches the Ginkgo Creative Residency with Ginkgo Bioworks in Boston MA as a curator and mentor on the programme.

We first met Natsai Chieza through our work with Seetal Solanki of forward-thinking materials agency Ma-tt-er. We were – understandably – fascinated by her work and its potential implications for countless modern industries. (Then we watched her TED Talk and got even more excited.) So, when Natsai needed support in transitioning her extensive research and experience into a biodesign lab and creative consultancy, we were thrilled to help her build and launch her new brand, Faber Futures. Watch this space…

natsaiaudrey.co.uk