Today we interview Ben Falk of Whole Systems Design. Ben developed Whole Systems

Design as a land-based response to biological and cultural extinction and the increasing separation

between people and elemental things. Life as a designer, builder, ecologist, tree-tender, and

backcountry traveler continually informs Ben’s integrative approach to developing landscapes and

buildings. His home landscape and the WSD studio site in Vermont's Mad River Valley serve as a

proving ground for the innovative land developments featured in the projects of Whole Systems

Design. Ben has studied architecture and landscape architecture at the graduate level and holds a

master’s degree in land-use planning and design. He has taught design courses at the University of

Vermont and Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum as well as on permaculture design, microclimate design, and

design for climate change. He recently served on the Board of Directors at the Yestermorrow

Design-Build School and teaches there from time to time. Ben latest book, The Resilient Farm and

Homestead can be purchased on his website.