Living Textures, Wild Pigments: Suzanne Lee on Nature’s New Aesthetic Toolbox
In this episode of Grow Everything, Suzanne Lee—founder of Biofabricate and a pioneer in microbial materials—returns to reflect on 25 years at the intersection of biology and design. She shares insights on why today’s most promising biomaterial startups are led by designers, how cross-disciplinary teams can build a shared language, and why adoption and education are the next critical frontiers for biodesign. From color-growing bacteria to the upcoming Biofab Fair in London, Suzanne makes the case for a future where biology is not just a tool, but a creative partner.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Welcome to Grow Everything: Big Questions Start Here
00:00:32 - Can AI Become Conscious? Let’s Get Weird
00:03:18 - Where Code Meets Cells: AI x Biology
00:05:06 - From Metal Bands to Microbes in Mumbai
00:09:22 - Meet Suzanne Lee: The Woman Who Grows Materials
00:24:48 - Innovation Isn’t Fast—But It’s Worth It
00:25:14 - Sometimes Old Tech is the Real Disruptor
00:26:17 - Designing 2050: Biology Will Shape Everything
00:27:05 - How to Break Free from Extraction
00:27:30 - New Tech, New Rules: Use With Intention
00:29:49 - What’s Next in Biofabrication (It’s Wild)
00:31:55 - How Do We Make Bio Go Mainstream?
00:36:35 - Why Great Design Is a Bio Superpower
00:40:06 - Rapid-Fire with Suzanne Lee: Future, Fears & Fun
00:44:44 - Final Thoughts + What’s Coming from Biofabricate
Episode Links:
BioFAB Fair - Use promo code: GROW10 for a discount to attend!
Terrarium - sustainable materials consultancy
