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Intercultural Urbanism
The Lo-TEK Office of Intercultural Urbanism helps cities lead the way in regenerative design—merging Indigenous science, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and cutting-edge urban innovation. We approach urbanism with a mindset of reciprocity—centering ancestral systems to shape culturally grounded, climate-resilient futures. Instead of controlling ecologies, we engage cities as living collaborators. In place of sustainability as usual, we offer an urbanism where form follows flux.
We combine Indigenous knowledge and ecological science to redefine design for resilient and regenerative futures. Operating globally, we collaborate across urban, rural, and ecological contexts to embed ancestral wisdom into the built environment.
Re-Indigenizing Design and Science for Regenerative Futures
A Practice Rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Our work draws from TEK not as a nostalgic reference—but as a dynamic, adaptive knowledge system that frames the way we practice. We recognize sites and cities as eco-cultural systems that are both place-based and globally interconnected. TEKnology emerges at this intersection: a relational practice where Indigenous design principles guide the regeneration of place, policy, and practice.
TEKnology is the practice of applying TEK to transform extractive systems into regenerative relationships with place and planet.
The climate crisis is as much cultural as ecological, yet urban planning often ignores relational, land-based worldviews essential for resilience. Many solutions remain fragmented and technology-driven, while Indigenous knowledge systems—the world’s most enduring—are sidelined. We propose an intercultural model of urbanism where Traditional Ecological Knowledge shapes bold, regenerative, and equitable futures for cities and communities.
Our Collective
The Lo—TEK Office is a living studio, co-led by Indigenous and non-Indigenous designers and scientists, rooted in reciprocity, stewardship, and enduring relationships.
Our Advisory
Our work is guided by a majority Indigenous Advisory Circle of knowledge holders and allies, ensuring cultural and ecological integrity in all endeavors.
Julia Watson
Co-director
Watson’s visionary work bridges Indigenous knowledge and design, inspiring creativity, pedagogy, and tangible, real-world impact.
Dr. Charlene Smith
Co-director
Smith advances green chemistry through ecological design, championing the protection of social, cultural, and environmental diversity.
Dr. Lyla June Johnston
Consultant & Advisor
Johnston integrates Indigenous science and Western research to advance ecological restoration, food system renewal, and cultural resilience.
More than a consultancy, we embody a constellation of relationships.
Collaborator Ecosystem
We collaborate with clients across government, cultural, educational, design, hospitality, research, community, and corporate sectors. Our work integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge into resilient, culturally grounded, and climate-responsive design across diverse scales and contexts.
Strategic Services
Our practice is structured around five core areas of expertise that integrate Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to advance resilient, culturally grounded, and climate-responsive solutions. These areas guide our collaborative approach from research and design to implementation and stewardship.
01
Research &
Knowledge Building
Cultural-Ecological Research & Material Innovation: We integrate Indigenous knowledge, cultural mapping, and ecological assessment with applied TEK science to develop place-based strategies and regenerative biomaterials grounded in local bioregional resources.
03
Public Engagement
& Education
Public Engagement & Knowledge Sharing:
Creating exhibitions, digital tools, and publications that communicate TEK, cultural heritage, and regenerative material innovations to diverse audiences, fostering broad understanding and adoption.
05
Systems Transition
Systems & Material Innovation:
Guiding organizations toward regenerative sourcing, TEK-aligned design standards, and circular economy practices, while developing regional materials, documenting legacies, and creating community programs that embed stewardship and cultural respect.
02
Design & Planning
Applied Cultural Frameworks & Co-Design: Embedding TEK into planning and design through participatory processes that build local capacity and stewardship. We develop regenerative education, tourism, and hospitality experiences that honor Indigenous heritage, while advising on infrastructure and innovation through ancestral technologies to advance sustainable, nature-integrated solutions.
04
Implementation
& Stewardship
Culturally Engaged Implementation & Stewardship:
Managing TEK-informed design realization through prototyping, ecological monitoring, and adaptive refinement, while building local capacity, coordinating stakeholders, and preserving knowledge for long-term project sustainability and cultural continuity.
By centering ancestral knowledge, our work envisions cities as living systems—regenerative, culturally grounded, and in dynamic harmony with ecological flows.
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