Description
A new kind of introduction to regenerative design
Regenerative design is gaining momentum — but it’s not always clear where to begin. This short online course offers one of two different starting points: an interactive, practice-based introduction to regenerative thinking that begins with feeling your way in, before building toward models and frameworks.
These courses are for engineers, architects, designers, and professionals across the built environment who are ready to explore new ways of thinking and working.
They’re designed to build practical capability — helping teams improve design outcomes, respond to shifting client expectations, and embed long-term regenerative thinking.
Two ways in — choosing the one that fits you
This course is one of two new online introductions to regenerative design offered by Constructivist:
- Feeling the Future and
- Seeing the System.
Both are grounded in The Pattern Book for Regenerative Design, using Pattern 01 (Canvas) and Pattern 02 (Twill) as their core structures.
Each course covers similar themes — but they start in different places:
- Feeling the Future begins with observation, story, and experience, before moving toward frameworks and systems.
- Seeing the System starts with systems thinking and conceptual tools, then turns to application and lived experience.
Choose the one that suits how you (or your team) like to learn.
Why this course?
Regenerative design is on the rise — but many professionals are still figuring out how to bring it into practice. This course helps you bridge the gap between theory and application.
You’ll build foundational understanding, learn to see systems differently, and develop practical tools you can use in projects and conversations — whether you’re introducing new ideas to clients or shaping your own design approach.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Apply three proven frameworks to guide regenerative strategy and design
- Analyse project contexts using systems thinking models
- Communicate regenerative ideas clearly with clients and collaborators
- Identify leverage points for change within your current practice
It’s a good place to start if:
- You’re intrigued by regenerative design and want to understand how to apply it
- You feel the current way of designing and building isn’t working — and want to try a different path
- You’re looking for a sense of purpose or inspiration in your work
- You prefer to explore new concepts through examples, imagery, intuition, and story — before diving into systems diagrams or strategic models
- You want confidence and clarity before introducing regenerative ideas to others
Looking to upskill your team in regenerative practice? This course is a practical on-ramp — and a great foundation for deeper systemic work.
What it covers
Week 1 — Connecting with the future.
We use the Three Horizons model to explore your vision for a regenerative future, identify destabilising factors in the present, and map possible transition pathways between the two.
You’ll gain a practical tool for future-oriented strategy and client engagement.
Week 2 — Exploring regenerative thinking through observation.
We focus on regenerative mindsets — interdependence, abundance, and emergence — and how they shape our view of the present and our sense of opportunity.
You’ll learn how to use these mindsets to uncover project opportunities and support culture shifts.
Week 3 — Introducing systems thinking.
We use the Living Systems Blueprint model to understand regenerative systems at the level of behaviour and design patterns.
You’ll gain a systems model to inform design choices and communicate regenerative principles at the level of a design brief.
Week 4 — The broader systems picture.
We explore the Systems Bookcase model to place regenerative design within the wider built environment context. We then return to Three Horizons to define possible roles for the regenerative designer.
You’ll leave with a map of where you can act — and practical ways to bring regenerative thinking into your projects.
Format and commitment
- Four 2-hour sessions over four weeks
- Hosted on Zoom, using Mural for visual collaboration
- Weekly “workwork” (like homework, but that you do at work)
- Live, interactive, and cohort-based
Next course runs: Thursday 11th September to Thursday 2nd October
This course is for…
This course is designed for:
- Engineers, architects, designers, and project leads
- Professionals across the built environment sector
- Anyone ready to design differently — and willing to begin with story, intuition, and exploration
It’s particularly useful for people who:
- Want to use regenerative design tools with clients or collaborators
- Are early in their regenerative journey
- Want to reconnect their professional role with personal values or purpose
- Prefer starting with examples, metaphors, and visuals rather than systems models
Pricing
We operate a simple three-tier pricing structure:
- £350 – Commercial and academic institutions
- £250 – Freelancers, NGOs, and community organisations
- £150 – Supported places for those operating on a shoestring (apply here)
About the trainer
This course is facilitated by Oliver Broadbent, founder of Constructivist, Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers, and co-author of The Regenerative Structural Engineer.
Oliver is an award-winning educator in design thinking and regenerative practice, known for making complex ideas accessible and applicable. He works across sectors to support engineers (and other humans) in integrating systems thinking, creativity, and long-term flourishing into their work.
He is the author of The Pattern Book for Regenerative Design, which forms the foundation of these courses. His teaching style is energetic, facilitative and deeply human — rooted in lived experience and systems insight, with a good dose of humour and reflection.
