Dora Pollak grew up homeschooled in rural Iowa, but has always been drawn to exploring distant lands and the many ways that people inhabit this planet. Her adventures have led her to bicycle across the continent, study classical Chinese philosophy at Reed College, and explore dense urban design while living in Shanghai. She believes that experiencing different cultures can spark new ways of thinking and generate a more inclusive approach to design.

While great design may transcend culture, Dora appreciates that every design is grounded in a specific ecological place with a unique cultural background. Between her adventures, she has spent several seasons back in the Midwest, where she lived in an off-grid cabin, worked in sustainability education, developed a passion for resilient systems, and made many jars of local fruit jam.