About Patricia
Polymath. Ontological Designer. Protopian Futurist.
There's a moment when a group stops performing coordination and starts actually moving together. I design for that threshold.
If you've ever been part of something that suddenly clicked — capacity unlocking that you knew was there but couldn't reach — that's the territory I work in. It's called organizational emergence: the living process by which groups develop coordination, structure, and collective capacity.
For 18 years, I've led teams at pioneering thresholds — scaling a digital financial newsroom during the 2008 crisis, advising banks and Fortune 500s through early digital transformation, designing national programs reaching hundreds of thousands, leading design for the world's largest blockchain encyclopedia, directing design for an early metaverse platform, guiding first-of-kind digital transitions for MAPS, Burning Man, and Esalen, co-creating self-organizing coalitions reaching 15M people, designing an Indigenous nature regeneration network stewarding 140k acres, and shaping participation for Canada's largest civil disobedience movement.
The pattern is consistent: I get enrolled when groups face territory they've never navigated before. I build teams and shape systems of participation that let them move.
People describe me as a multiplier — someone who amplifies the capacity of others. I'm a polymath; emergence doesn't resolve within a single domain. My work weaves together spaces, stories, and systems. The environments we gather in, the narratives we hold, the structures we coordinate through — these shape each other. This is ontological design: designing the conditions that design us.
Our compounding crises led me to co-found OpenCivics — a philosophy, practice, and network for open civic innovation. We're building peer-to-peer coordination infrastructure for navigating emergence at civilizational scale: participatory governance, mutual stewardship, regenerative collective action from the ground up. We've distributed more than $350k USD to 47 projects through participatory funding. This is what I'm most devoted to — where everything I've learned meets what this moment requires.
My home, Imaginal House, on Salt Spring Island in the Salish Sea, is a community hub and sanctuary for practitioners designing regenerative futures. I also lead the arts collective Luminary Society, and tend a knowledge garden as the Kosmic Gardener.
Career Highlights
Recently
Wild Exploration
Early Career
Collaborators & Partners
ANZ Bank · AP News · ATYP · Bankwest · BioFi Project · BlockOne · Burning Man Project · Buckminster Fuller Institute · Center for Humane Technology · ChangeLabs · China Mobile · Clever · Commonwealth Bank · Concep · Consciousness Hacking · Crane Industry Association · Design Science Studio · Elanora Country Club · Esalen Institute · Everipedia · EY · FCB · Football Federation Australia · Gitcoin · Google · habRitual · Indigenous Commons · Johnson & Johnson · Kwaxala · Lionsgate · MAPS · Minter Ellison · Mondelēz International · MS Research Australia · NAB · Netflix · Optus · Pegasus Pictures · Pumpables · Rackett · Regenerate Cascadia · Rhizome Springs · Seven Seven Six · Shimano · Singtel Optus · Speakers Institute · Telos · Topia · Vision 2030 · Vogue · Westpac
Current Roles
OpenCivics
Co-Founder · Steward
A community of practice and solidarity network for open civic innovation.
2022 – Present
Localism Fund
Steward
Supporting community-led initiatives rooted in place-based resilience and local self-governance.
2025 – Present
Network Nations Alliance
Steward
A coalition advancing networked sovereignty and decentralized governance across communities.
2025 – Present
Future Historic
Founder · Director
A strategic consulting practice bridging design, culture, and systems to move organizations through uncharted territory.
2020 – Present
Luminary Society
Experience Director
A series of social experiences exploring the fusion of sacred and satirical participatory play.
2020 – Present
Imaginal House
Founder · Steward
A community hub and sanctuary on Salt Spring Island for practitioners designing regenerative futures.
2025 – Present

Kosmic Gardener
Curator
A living knowledge garden tending ideas at the intersection of systems, culture, and emergence.
2011 – Present
Areas of Focus
Explore garden →& Sustainable Development
& Self-Governance
& Web3 Technologies
& Complexity Science
& Rights of Nature
& Cultural Emergence
& Meta Narratives
& Ontological Design
My Vision
A future where thriving communities, resilient systems, and planetary well-being emerge naturally from cultures of participation, shared stewardship, and regenerative self-governance.
Humanity stands at the threshold of a radical reconfiguration — a time when exponential change and existential reckoning converge. Beneath every collapse lies a deeper wound — a forgetting of our belonging to the living systems that sustain us.
To move beyond collapse, we turn toward the principles life itself teaches: regeneration, reciprocity, emergence. Not as abstractions — as design conditions. This is not a moment for incremental reform. It calls for a renaissance of imagination, a renewal of participation, and a deep remembering of our interbeing with all life.
By evolving how we imagine, organize, and relate, I believe we can ignite a cultural shift — one that restores meaning, reveals new possibilities, and builds systems rooted in care.
Career Details
Organizations & Roles
- 2009 - Current | Strategic Consulting Practice
Currently under the name "Future Historic" - 2022 – Current | OpenCivics | Co-Founder & Steward
OpenCivics is a civic innovation network empowering civic innovators, organizers, and patrons to collaboratively reimagine governance, community-building, and civic life. As co-founder, I steward the vision, frameworks, and living experiments in participatory economies, decentralized systems, and civic infrastructure. - 2022 - Current | Design Science Studio | Advisor
Design Science Studio is a global learning community inspired by the work of Buckminster Fuller, dedicated to life-affirming systems change. As an advisor, I support regenerative artists, designers, and futurists in navigating complexity, refining their visions, and architecting transformative projects aligned with planetary flourishing. - 2023 - 2024 | Burning Man | Governance & Engagement Advisor
- 2023 - 2024 | Kwaxala | Organizational Designer
Kwaxala is a cultural and ecological initiative rooted in Indigenous wisdom and regenerative stewardship. I designed and advised on organizational structures to support self-governance, decentralized leadership, and place-based community resilience. - 2022 | Habritual | Design Strategist
Habritual is an interdisciplinary studio integrating art, technology, and nature to catalyze systemic change through immersive experiences. I led collaborative think tank design processes informing the masterplan of a 430-acre regenerative eco-village project, blending participatory design with living systems principles. - 2020 - 2021 | Liminalia | Founder & Creative Director
Liminalia was a digital-first experience design studio born in response to the pandemic-era need for transformative online connection. I co-led projects ranging from large-scale digital events to strategic consulting for organizations like Burning Man Project, Esalen Institute, and MAPS, crafting immersive formats that bridged technology and human connection. - 2021 | Topia | Experience Design Director
Topia is a pioneering social metaverse platform fostering participatory, collaborative digital environments. I led major UX/UI redesigns, creative processes, partner experiences, and branded world designs, including producing best practice case study worlds and hosting major events like Virtual Burning Man. - 2018 - 2019 | BlockCollab | Founder & Facilitator
- 2018 - 2020 | Decrypted | Partner + Design Director
Decrypted was a design and strategy studio specializing in the blockchain space, supporting startups to bridge early adopter and early majority markets. I led end-to-end design projects across UX, branding, and digital strategy, helping shape user-centric platforms like Everipedia and Telos. Our work emphasized simplicity, strong calls to action, and practical pathways to adoption. - 2018 | Blockchain Babes | Co-Founder & Movement Multiplier
Blockchain Babes was a global blockchain community created for women by women. Our goal was to foster the conditions where women can feel confident, competent and capable of designing a regenerative society, based on understanding of and appreciation for Blockchain technology. Over six months, we established in-person communities in 8 cities around the world and supported hundreds more women online in their exploration of the topic space. - 2018 - 2019 | Chestnut | Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer
Chestnut developed smart account technology designed to improve blockchain security and usability for mass adoption. I led product design, identity development, and market strategy, culminating in winning Best UX and 2nd Place at the EOS Global Hackathon London and competing as a finalist at the Cape Town Grand Finale. - 2017 - 2018 | SteemSmarter | Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer
SteemSmarter was an analytics and reporting tool created to support user growth and engagement on the Steem blockchain. I directed product strategy, UX development, branding, and operations, helping simplify complex blockchain interactions and deliver actionable insights to platform users. - 2015 | Reidefine Media | Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer
Reidefine Media was a media and technology venture focused on entertainment-driven eCommerce and eLearning for the Asia-Pacific market. I co-developed product designs, digital platforms, and partnership strategies, collaborating with Pegasus Media Group and China Film Co. on cross-continental initiatives including a $100M film fund and pioneering digital education pilots. - 2012 | Karrikins Group | Shared Creative Services Manager
Karrikins Group (formerly ChangeLabs) is a global behavior change consultancy focused on leadership alignment and organizational transformation. As a member of the senior leadership team, I managed a creative department, led strategic content development, supported facilitator training programs across Australia and New Zealand, and helped design award-winning financial, digital, and active play literacy programs for major corporate foundations like Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Singtel Optus, and Mondelez International. - 2011 - 2012 | Funke Labs | Creative Director
Funke Labs was a creative agency specializing in brand strategy, digital experiences, and transmedia campaigns for Australian arts, education, and media sectors. I led brand transformation initiatives, developed digital strategies, managed cross-disciplinary teams, and supported client projects for organizations such as Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), MS Research Australia, WotOpera, ABC Music, and Luna Park. - 2010 - 2011 | Concep | Creative Manager - Design & Interactive
Concep is a global B2B relationship marketing technology company focused on professional services firms. I led creative and technical projects across email marketing, microsites, content automation, and digital transformation, during a pivotal time when enterprises began integrating social media into formal marketing practices. Clients included: Google, Ernst & Young, Goldman Sachs, Johnson & Johnson, Capgemini, Randstad, CommInsure, Westpac, NAB, Colonial First State, MLC, Bankwest, and JBWere. - 2008 | Brookeshire Media | Digital Producer
Brookeshire Media operated a financial news network during the global financial crisis. I supported the rapid scaling of DEX.tv from a 10-person startup to a 100+ person 24/7 broadcast operation, developing digital asset management standards, creating branding materials, and assisting newsroom operations — a formative experience in startup adaptability and crisis-driven media environments. - 2008 | Drive Strategic | Junior Creative Director
Drive Strategic was a boutique digital agency based in Toronto, specializing in brand-driven digital storytelling. I contributed to social media campaigns such as "Blog Your Way to Antarctica" for Quark Expeditions (15k+ participants) and supported national campaigns for brands like Shimano, developing my early expertise in integrated marketing strategy and creative leadership. - 2005 | Tiens Biotech Group | Canadian Consultant Services
Tiens is a global health products and biotechnology company operating with a direct selling model. At Tiens, I helped establish North American operational systems, developed member acquisition strategies, and built early digital infrastructure including an eCommerce portal — an important foundational experience in building systems from scratch. - 2004 | Quirk Solutions | Founder & Production Director
Quirk Solutions was my first registered entrepreneurial venture, launched while still in high school, producing local music events and film screenings to support emerging independent artists. This experience sparked my lifelong dedication to creating platforms and ecosystems for creative collaboration and community development.
Skills
People
- Leadership Development & Coaching
- Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building
- Capacity Building & Talent Development
- Vendor & Partner Management
- Workshop Design & Facilitation
- Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
- Culture Building & Community Engagement
- Customer Experience & Relationship Stewardship
- Conflict Mediation & Resolution
- Employee Retention Strategy
Creative
- Product Design & Innovation
- Brand Strategy & Identity Development
- UX/UI Design & Gamification
- Research, Discovery & Concept Development
- Graphic Design & Visual Storytelling
- Immersive Experience & Transmedia Design
- Content Creation & Campaign Development
- Art Direction & Creative Strategy
Operations
- Vision & Values Definition
- Organizational Design & Modeling
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Project & Program Management
- Financial Planning & Resource Management
- Metrics, Evaluation & Reporting
- Change & Transformation Management
- Scaling & Growth Strategy
- Roadmap Development & Delivery
- Sales, Negotiation & Partnership Development
Technology
- Digital Strategy & Transformation
- Systems Architecture & Integration
- Data Analytics & Visualization
- Enterprise & Workflow Automation (ERP/CRM)
- Content & Knowledge Management Systems
- Ecommerce & Digital Platforms
- SaaS Tools & Integration
- IT Operations & Cybersecurity Awareness
- Process Development & Automation
- Media & Video Production
- Web & Interface Design
- Data Organization & Management
- Educational & Training Technology
Awards
- 2020 | Muse Design Awards
Silver Winner – Website / Art & Design (for "Bicycle Night – A Virtual Bicycle Day Experience") - 2018 | EOS Global Hackathon
2nd Place + Best UX / Chestnut – Smart accounts for automation and security. Issued by 2018 EOS Global Hackathon in London. - 2016 | Startup Weekend (Bali)
2nd Place (for "Plan of Attack" – a visual strategic planning tool for entrepreneurs)
Speaking
- 2020 | Consciousness Hacking | Future of Immersive
Exploring the future of virtual connection with the visionaries behind Liminalia, hacking participatory online experiences that blur the line between physical and digital.
View Talk - 2020 | Quarantime | Commander in Us : Quaranteams
How a global group of activists self-organized and deployed campaigns for COVID safety reaching millions, developing coping mechanisms that promote connection and well-being during physical distancing.
Watch talk - 2020 | Telos World 2020 | Telos Branding
Exploring the thought process behind Telos rebranding.
Watch talk - 2020 | EOS Podcast | Secret History of Blockchain's Future
Listen to episode - 2019 | Burning Man | Reinventing the web that wasn't
Talk on playa at Camp Decentral. - 2018 | Hubud | Brand-driven Innovation
- 2017 | Tulip Emerging Technologies | Brand-driven innovation
View Talk - 2017 | Punspace | Do polymaths own the future?
Our capacity for multiple talents is our true nature and greatest strength. Those who embrace their zealous minds will make a resounding impact on our future. - 2017 | ARD World Report | Digital Nomads in Bali
Watch Segment - 2016 | Fuck Up Night Bali | Story of My First Founding Fantasy
View Talk - 2016 | Pecha Kucha | Do polymaths own the future?
View Talk - 2012 | Pilab Forum | Finding an audience in the digital age
Contributed within this panel discussion on the subject of reaching audiences through digital media, serving as a subject matter expert to discuss trends and tactics to enhance engagement in the digital age.
Education
- 2009 | OCAD University — Design
- 2007 | Ryerson University — Journalism
My Values
The values that guide my being
Curiosity
Staying open to what I don't yet understand
Presence
Honoring what's here, not just what's next
Reverence
Remembering my web of relations
The values that guide my doing
Coherence
Aligning intention, action, and design
Plurality
Welcoming many truths without losing clarity
Wholeness
Designing for integrity, not efficiency
Gifts & Growth Areas
People describe me as having relational intelligence and a gift for synthesizing complexity into coherent, actionable systems. I make mistakes often and seek to learn and attune.
Activator
I bring energy and momentum that helps things get moving.
I can move too quickly, mistaking motion for progress and skipping over necessary depth.
Strategist
I clarify options and help others act decisively in uncertain situations.
I can default to decision-making too fast — narrowing choices before others feel heard.
Futurist
I inspire next steps and help imagine what's possible beyond the current stuckness.
I can get so focused on what's next that I lose patience for the present moment or pace.
Relational Intelligence
I create spaces of deep trust and meaningful connection across difference.
I can overextend emotionally — taking too much responsibility for harmony.
Synthesizing Complexity
I distill insight from complexity and make systems legible and actionable.
I can overwhelm others with frameworks, or over-architect things before people are ready.
Kind Words from Collaborators
My Life Story
I believe our story is a lens; a constellation of meaning through which we see and seek to be seen.
I was born into the blur of suburbia, at the edge of industrial decay and digital emergence. From the start, I sensed I wouldn't fit into a single role or follow a linear path. There's a Maltese tradition (Il-Quċċija) where a child's future is symbolized by the object they choose on their first birthday. I chose a machine gun and rosary beads. Even then, I was reaching toward something both rebellious and reverent.
By sixteen, life had already demanded I grow up fast. Loss shaped me. So did curiosity. I became a teenage activist and journalist, learning to move between stories and systems, behind and in front of the camera. In the years that followed, I carved my own path — through media, design, and technology — searching not just for success, but for meaning.
Eventually, the inner dissonance became too loud to ignore. I had spent a decade building things — brands, platforms, careers — but without a compass rooted in care, they began to feel hollow. So I walked away.
For seven years, I wandered the world as a digital nomad. I learned from elders and edge-dwellers, mystics and metaverse architects. I healed, studied, and listened. I learned that regeneration isn't just ecological — it's ontological. It's how we design ourselves, each other, and our shared worlds.
When I returned to the Pacific Northwest, I was no longer chasing titles or trends. I was in service — to something older, wilder, more whole. I found language for what had been guiding me all along: planetary regeneration, cosmolocal collaboration, civic imagination, and the sacred architecture of participation.
Today, I tend to experiments at the intersection of governance, culture, and care. But more than anything, I'm learning how to live in right relationship — with land, with time, with others, and with myself.
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."
Past Selves & Meaningful Moments






























If you're building something that matters and could use a thinking partner, I'd love to hear from you.
Let's Connect


























