“You don’t require perfection to make a difference in the world. You just require passion.”

Sustainability begins with the self, extends to relationships, and finally scales into business. When we approach design from this layered perspective, every choice becomes an opportunity to align with nature. Homes and communities are not just shelters—they can be built as living systems that protect health, conserve resources, and serve as legacies for generations to come.

Armando and Anita Ortega share their vision of Zero Energy Developments, a company committed to creating net zero, healthy smart communities. From filtered water and regenerative gardens to resilient energy systems, their work challenges the status quo of housing. They explain how shifting focus from profit to purpose opens the door to innovation that heals both people and the planet.

Armando and Anita have worked together for over three decades across ministry, business, and family life. Now, as co-founders of Zero Energy Developments, they are channeling their shared values into building America’s first net zero communities.

Zero Energy Developments: www.zendevhomes.com [https://zendevhomes.com/]

Emails: anita@zeroenergydev.com | armando@zeroenergydev.com

Green Box Homes: https://www.greenboxus.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SEGADORESDEVIDA

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/] https://www.paulownia-la.com/. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP35: Armando & Anita Ortega - The Future Of Regenerative Living 

“It’s very important that you be not only the change that you want to see in the world, but also finance that change that you want to see in the world.”

Regenerative design requires more than short-term fixes—it calls for long visions that outlast any single generation. At the core of this episode is the principle that farming is not ownership but stewardship, where land, biodiversity, and community are passed forward in healthier, richer conditions.

Peter Michel Heilmann shares his global journey through Africa, Europe, and beyond, where he witnessed both the harsh realities of inequality and the resilience of communities close to nature. He shares insights into creating a 1000 year vision for farms and land stewards to develop financing models like Earth Certificates showing how regenerative farming can move beyond debt and bureaucracy.

Peter Michel Heilmann is one of the pioneers in sustainability, founder of WholistiQ, a former Managing Partner of Nordic Circular Hotspot, and co-founder of Global Compact Networks in Finland and Greece. He has authored seven books and today dedicates his work to helping farmers and land stewards craft thriving, future-proof farms, estates and communities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmheilmann/

Follow Peter Michel's regenerative journey:

https://followthesigns.earth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmheilmann/]

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:
Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects. 

  [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]https://www.paulownia-la.com/.
Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.
Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.
Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP34: Peter Michel - Follow the Signs: How to Build a 1000 Year Legacy

“If we remove the building… nature should be able to take over… instantly and thrive there.”

Housing is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions—responsible for around 40% worldwide—and one of the most wasteful industries, generating 30% of global waste annually. In Canada, outdated zoning, urban sprawl, and material inefficiencies push costs sky-high while making homes less resilient to climate change.

Stéphane Doise, founder of CORE (Climate Oriented Real Estate), is tackling these problems head-on. His approach: dismantlable, small-scale multi-unit buildings made from natural, low-toxicity materials; optimized for energy efficiency; and designed to relocate if land becomes unviable. By combining low-tech reliability with high performance, he reduces embodied carbon, operational costs, and waste—while improving community connection and climate resilience.

Stéphane Doise is an architect, former firefighter, and urban infrastructure expert who has worked in Munich and Canada. With decades of hands-on experience in both public works and sustainable design, he now leads CORE to rethink housing for a finite world.

https://www.core-we-care.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/st%C3%A9phane-schneider/

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]. https://www.paulownia-la.com/. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP33: Stéphane Doise - From Soil to Structure - Housing in Harmony with Nature

“Creating community is so rewarding and beautiful. And those are the two reasons why I do it.”

Community transformation begins with the way we build—and sell. From regenerative soil care to designing spaces that nurture human connection, this episode explores how real estate can foster healing environments. The conversation blends principles of sustainability, densification, and wellness in business, asking: what if development meant community regeneration, not just construction?

Jennifer Dechaine shares how her childhood on an organic acreage and her two-decade journey in sales shaped a vision of real estate that’s as heart-centered as it is profitable. She talks about leading with values, rejecting burnout culture, and embedding education, nature, and multigenerational gardening into new builds. Her heart-forward framework reframes sales as a noble, creative act.

Jennifer Dechaine is the founder of Urban Bricks, a regenerative development company focused on community creation through infill densification. She’s also the founder of Congruent Projects, where she teaches transformational sales leadership with a focus on wellness, alignment, and soft skills.

Learn more & connect:

https://www.urbanbrix.ca [https://www.urbanbricks.ca/]

https://www.congruentprojects.com [https://www.congruentprojects.com/]

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/] https://www.paulownia-la.com/. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP32: Jennifer Dechaine - Heart-Centered Selling, Nature-Focused Building

“The only way to help people get out of poverty is to help them make money.”

The episode unpacks how long-term poverty alleviation must go beyond charity and shift toward systems that generate wealth locally. Using the lens of real estate development, the conversation reveals that when people are empowered with knowledge, infrastructure, and access, they gain both dignity and sustainability. The key lies in designing environments where communities can thrive economically, socially, and ecologically—not as recipients of aid, but as creators of value.

Sam Sells shares deep lessons from his years in military global health, working with NGOs and governments in underserved countries. He explains how Impact Growth Capital is rethinking affordable housing by integrating solar-powered infrastructure, on-site education, childcare, and an AI platform to guide residents from $0 to $50K income in two years. He critiques the inefficiencies of top-down aid and lays out how economic incentives can drive transformative regeneration.

Sam Sells is the CEO of Impact Growth Capital and the host of The Disruptive Capitalist. A U.S. military veteran, he spent over a decade in global health and now builds purpose-driven communities that uplift the poor while delivering returns for investors.

 * Website: https://impactgrowthcap.com [https://impactgrowthcap.com/]
 * Email: Sam@impactgrowthcap.com
 * LinkedIn: Samuel Sells [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-sells/]
 * Podcast: The Disruptive Capitalist

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/] https://www.paulownia-la.com/. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP31: Sam Sells - Redesigning Poverty Through Real Estate

“We’re losing the ability to think. Every waking moment is now consuming information… but we’re not thinking. We’ve stopped becoming creative. And my biggest fear for the new generation coming through is that they’re not thinkers, they’re not innovators.”

Real estate can be a tool for regeneration—not just profit. In this episode, we explore how land and buildings can be transformed to restore ecosystems, unlock creativity, and generate lasting value. Whether it’s converting sheep farms into vineyards or office buildings into AI data centers, this conversation reveals how design and innovation can turn real estate into an engine for ecological and economic resilience.

Dolf De Roos shares how he’s used real estate to regenerate deserts, spark local economies, and increase property value without heavy spending. From coffee shop installs to methane-powered dairy farms, his examples reveal how vision paired with practicality can create major impact.

Dolf De Roos is a world-renowned real estate educator, author of 23 books, and one of the top 20 real estate teachers globally. With a background in electrical engineering, he blends science, finance, and creativity to change how we see land and possibility.

Learn more & connect:

https://www.dolfderoos.com/homepage-a

101 Ways to Massively Increase the Value of Your Real Estate without Spending Much Money

https://a.co/d/bHhmniD

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/] https://www.paulownia-la.com/. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP30: Dolf De Roos - Building Wealth by Healing Land

“Making sure that we’re really blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, you know, and figuring out how to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor programming so it seems really seamless.”

Creating spaces that truly work means thinking beyond aesthetics. In this episode, we explore how thoughtful design can blend indoor and outdoor environments, support multiple uses, and foster genuine human connection. From health and wellness amenities to vibrant hospitality experiences, it’s about designing places that adapt to the way people actually live, work, and gather—today and in the future.

Paige Byrd shares her approach to creating multifunctional hospitality spaces by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, integrating nature into built environments, and helping clients phase developments through feasibility studies. She explains how to build “vibes,” not just buildings, and why thoughtful planning leads to more resilient and vibrant communities. Her advice? Listen deeply, adapt smartly, and lead with heart.

Paige Byrd is the Co-President of Thiel & Thiem, a multidisciplinary architecture and interior design firm specializing in hospitality, wellness, and community-centric projects. She’s a passionate leader who blends business savvy with soulful design.

Learn more & connect:

https://thielandteam.com/

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/] https://www.paulownia-la.com/. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP29: How Thoughtful Design Shapes Community | Paige Byrd

“I believe that the best way to inspire change is to live it out loud.”
In this special solo episode, I’m doing something new: every two weeks, I’ll be sharing personal insights and lessons from the field to help you make your business—and your life—more regenerative.

To kick things off, I’m telling my own story: how I went from a conventional path to designing landscapes, projects, and businesses that serve both people and the planet. I also highlight some of the most powerful moments from past episodes—so if you’re new here, this is the perfect place to start.

Expect reflections on soil, strategy, slow growth, and how small decisions can lead to big impact over time.

If you’re ready to build something meaningful, grounded, and truly alive—this one’s for you.

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/] https://www.paulownia-la.com/. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP28: Solo episode with me: My Personal journey in Regeneration and Highlights of the RDP so far

“I think it’s really important to like, keep your morals and your values in your business that you have in your private life.”

Many people dream of doing meaningful work, but few manage to build a business that regenerates both human health and the planet. This episode dives deep into what it means to grow a regenerative brand—literally and figuratively—rooted in whole foods, soil health, and uncompromising quality. From freeze-dried mushrooms to rainforest conservation, this is entrepreneurship in service to life.

We hear from someone who bootstrapped a business from a dusty festival stall to a globally shipped wellness brand without compromising on values. Through stories of failed ventures, compost bucket disasters, and high-integrity product decisions, he explains why growing food and growing business aren’t so different: both require patience, consistency, and reverence for nature.

Justin A.H. Snyder is the founder of Forest Superfoods, an Australia-based company offering high-integrity superfood products. A lifelong entrepreneur and regenerative advocate, he’s also a passionate home grower and conservation supporter funding rainforest protection through every sale.

Learn more & connect:

 1. Forest Superfoods

🔗 https://www.forestsuperfoods.com.au [https://www.forestsuperfoods.com.au/]

🔗 https://www.forestsuperfoods.com [https://www.forestsuperfoods.com/]

 1. Rainforest Rescue

The nonprofit Justin partners with to protect and restore Australia’s Daintree Rainforest.

🔗 https://www.rainforestrescue.org.au [https://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/]

 1. Bill Hicks

A comedian referenced by Justin for his sharp, unfiltered commentary on society and nature.

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Regenerative design at Paulownia Landscape Architects. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/] https://www.paulownia-la.com/. [https://www.paulownia-la.com/]

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

EP27: Rooted in Integrity: How Regenerative Business Can Heal People and the Planet | Justin A.H. Snyder

"Belonging is a human desire that we have. And so, you know, we just want to help people connect in a meaningful way. And here at HOA.com, we focus on doing life with your neighbors, the people that you live next to, and we believe you should help the people around you and really get connected to the neighborhood that you live in.”

Regenerative design isn’t just about soil health and water conservation—it’s about people. Strong, connected communities are the foundation of resilient, thriving ecosystems, and the way we design neighborhoods can either foster or hinder those connections. By rethinking homeowner associations (HOAs) and integrating communal spaces, shared green areas, and meaningful interactions, we create a future where people feel a deep sense of belonging. In an age of automation and digital distraction, real human connection may just be the most valuable resource we can cultivate.

Brandon Barnum has spent his career mastering the art of community-building, from the mortgage industry to tech startups to his current venture, HOA.com. He believes that unity through community isn’t just a slogan—it’s a necessity for both personal and business success. In this episode, he shares insights on how referrals, collaboration, and local engagement can transform the way people connect and do business. From creating local events to structuring partnerships that benefit entire neighborhoods, his work focuses on making communities more connected, functional, and profitable.

Brandon Barnum is the founder and CEO of HOA.com, a platform designed to improve homeowner associations and help local businesses connect with their communities. He is also the author of Raving Referrals, a book that teaches business owners how to build strong referral networks. With a background in the mortgage industry and tech entrepreneurship, he has dedicated his career to fostering trust, connection, and economic growth within communities.

Learn more & connect:

Home Owner’s Association website:

https://www.hoa.com [https://www.hoa.com/]

Raving Referrals by Brandon Barnum

https://www.amazon.com/Raving-Referrals-Blueprint-Attract-Clients/dp/1953153898

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

https://www.amazon.com/Ikigai-Japanese-Secret-Long-Happy/dp/0143130722

Podmatch (Podcast guest and host matching platform)

https://www.podmatch.com

Explore these valuable resources to further your journey in regenerative design:

Discover more about Paulownia trees and their sustainable potential at https://www.paulownia-la.com/.

Dive into the Twelve Laws of Nature and unlock the secrets of harmonizing with our planet at https://www.12lawsofnature.com/.

Fulfill your garden aspirations with expert guidance from the Garden of Your Dreams masterclass at https://www.gardenofyourdreams.com/.

Ready to take actionable steps towards your dream garden? Book a complimentary 30-minute training session with Matthieu for immediate results: https://calendly.com/garden-of-your-dreams.

Ep 26: Regenerative Communities & The Power of Connection | Brandon Barnum

This is the Regenerative Design Podcast with your host Matthieu Mehuys. 

In this show we interview the leading authorities in the world of regenerative practices, people who do well and do good. 



Matthieu Mehuys

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