In this insightful interview, we delve into the pioneering world of biodesign with Maja Halilović, an award-winning biodesigner from Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose innovative work transforms organic waste into sustainable biomaterials. She shares her journey, insights, and hopes for a future where design and nature work in harmony to shape a sustainable world.

Biodesign is more than a scientific endeavour; it’s a transformative philosophy that intertwines innovation, sustainability, and nature’s inherent intelligence. By collaborating with living organisms and organic materials, biodesigners are pioneering a shift in how we create and consume, turning waste into opportunity and products into regenerative contributions.

Maja’s groundbreaking projects, such as the BioCandle crafted from eggshells, exemplify her commitment to zero-waste principles and ecological harmony. Recognized internationally for her contributions, she has exhibited her creations in cities like London, Belgrade, and Cologne and collaborated on educational initiatives like Bio Co Culture to promote biodesign across the Balkans. Her expertise bridges science, art, and sustainability, redefining how industries can work symbiotically with nature.

How does bio-design actually work? How do living organisms and organic matters turn into products?

Biodesign is an intricate dance between science, intuition, and nature’s inherent wisdom. It’s about harnessing the complex life cycles of organisms as active participants, not just materials. In my work, I use the natural properties and behaviours of organic matter, treating waste as a treasure trove of possibilities. For example, my projects often start with everyday organic waste, like eggshells, that most people see as useless. By incorporating them into the design process, I’m not only creating something new but also elevating what’s considered ‘waste’ into a valuable component of the product.

This approach is more than just a technique—it’s a philosophy, where the ultimate goal is to produce items that not only serve a purpose but also honour the cycles of life and decay. Bio-design doesn’t just produce objects; it fosters a sustainable dialogue between us and the ecosystems we inhabit. Every creation tells a story of resilience, transformation, and respect for the interconnectedness of life.

Speaking of required knowledge, what degrees or studies did it require to start working with biodesign?

The journey to bio-design requires more than just formal education. While my background in environmental science, biology, and design laid the groundwork, biodesign is a continuous exploration that demands curiosity, adaptability, and a fearless approach to blending disciplines. Every project is a challenge to stretch beyond established fields and enter uncharted territory. Biodesigners must be willing to question, to innovate, and to trust that creative science can reveal profound ecological solutions.

Your work is delivering some impressive results. How do you see the future of bio-design, will it become a new approach with wide coverage in terms of approach to production and different industries?

Biodesign, as I see it, has the potential to fundamentally reshape industries. It’s not just a trend; it’s a necessary evolution. As we face the undeniable limits of traditional manufacturing, bio-design presents a new paradigm—one that’s responsive, adaptive, and regenerative. I imagine bio-design moving far beyond the niche, into mainstream industries like fashion, architecture, and technology, redefining production to align with nature’s principles and enabling industries to be not only sustainable but restorative.

What would that mean for the environment, for the climate, and eventually for our way of life?

If biodesign were to become widely adopted, it could transform our relationship with the environment at every level. Imagine a world where human activities not only reduce our footprint but actively restore ecological balance. Incorporating bio-design across industries could significantly reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources and help address the problems of waste and pollution. Instead of taking from nature, we would be working with it—viewing the planet not as an endless supply, but as a partner in our production processes.

This shift would change our way of life profoundly. Our society would be oriented around regenerative principles, where we consume mindfully, understanding that every product has a lifecycle that ends in renewal, not in waste. It’s a paradigm shift that would affect our mindset as much as our daily habits, encouraging us to embrace simplicity, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the natural world. Ultimately, it could pave the way toward a healthier planet and a more mindful, harmonious existence.

What do you see as the biggest potential of bio-design and what would you say to any young person interested to follow your footsteps?

The biggest potential of biodesign lies in its ability to reframe how we think about and interact with nature. We’re no longer spectators or mere users of resources; biodesign allows us to be partners with nature, integrating its processes into everything we create. This approach has the power to reduce environmental harm, create closed-loop systems, and restore ecosystems. But beyond its practical impact, biodesign represents a philosophy of deep respect and appreciation for life.

To any young person eager to explore this path, I would say: biodesign is for the bold, the endlessly curious, and those who see beauty in complexity. Prepare to be both a scientist and an designer, to innovate and challenge conventional thinking. Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions and to step into the unknown, because biodesign requires an adventurous mind and a resilient spirit. This isn’t just a career—it’s a movement, and your ideas have the power to shape its future. The world is waiting for the unique perspectives and groundbreaking solutions you can bring, so trust in your vision and stay true to it.

In a world driven by consumption and rapid production, what does bio-design dare to ask that other fields might ignore? What deeper purpose does it serve beyond creating sustainable products?

Biodesigner dares to ask: What if our purpose isn’t just to consume or create, but to collaborate with nature as equals? This field challenges us to rethink our role on this planet—not as dominant forces but as cohabitants, sharing and giving back to the systems that sustain us. Biodesign isn’t merely about sustainability; it’s a revolution in how we see ourselves. It confronts the notion that progress must come at nature’s expense and suggests, instead, that we can grow alongside it.

What biodesign offers is more than products; it offers a new identity for humanity. Imagine a future where our creations don’t just ‘do no harm’ but actively support ecosystems, where waste ceases to exist because everything feeds back into life. It’s a profound shift from extracting value to co-creating value. Biodesign, in its essence, is a call for humility, for understanding that true innovation honours the wisdom embedded in natural processes that have evolved over billions of years. This isn’t just about design—it’s about changing our mindset from entitlement to stewardship. To embrace biodesign is to embrace a vision of the future where humanity and nature evolve together, not in competition but in harmony.

So, biodesign doesn’t just make things; it makes us think, feel, and aspire to be better, as creators, as partners of the Earth, and as participants in a collective journey toward a thriving, balanced world.