Join host Ian Peterman on Conscious Design as he welcomes Gabe Tavas, the innovative mind behind Symmetry Wood. In this episode, Gabe shares the fascinating origin story of his company, which uses bacteria to produce cellulose for creating wood-like products. This journey starts from Gabe’s eye-opening experiences in Ecuador and leads to groundbreaking research in his college dorm room, where he began experimenting with kombucha cultures to produce bacterial cellulose.

Gabe discusses the challenges and triumphs of developing Symmetry Wood, from initial rough samples to winning the prestigious James Dyson Award. The conversation delves into how Symmetry Wood is tackling environmental issues with its sustainable material production, aiming to replace precious tropical hardwoods in various applications, from musical instruments to car interiors. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of industrial design, sustainability, and innovative material science.

Learn about the potential of bacterial cellulose in replacing traditional hardwoods, the importance of sustainability in material design, and how Symmetry Wood is shaping the future of eco-friendly product development. For anyone interested in sustainable design, environmental entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge material science, this episode provides a unique perspective and inspiring insights.