BioLink Designs is an ecological design and consulting practice focused on biodiversity connectivity, living infrastructure, and the integration of ecological systems into the future of cities. Operating at the intersection of ecology, urbanism, and infrastructure, the practice explores how fragmented landscapes can be reconnected across scales—from soil and fungal networks to wildlife corridors, productive landscapes, and regional ecological systems. Through applied research, pilot implementations, and systems-based design strategies, BioLink Designs develops innovative approaches that position ecological processes as essential urban infrastructure. The practice combines scientific research, spatial thinking, and environmental systems design to support more resilient, adaptive, and biologically connected urban environments.
Dr. Vanessa Harden, is an urban ecological designer, researcher, and founder of BioLink Designs, working at the intersection of landscape architecture, biodiversity infrastructure, and environmental art. A graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Design and a lecturer at NYU and Toronto Metropolitan University, her research advances soil-based connectivity and mycorrhizal networks as critical green infrastructure for climate-resilient cities. With over a decade of interdisciplinary practice spanning academia, public installations, and municipal engagement, she is deeply committed to integrating ecological function into the built environment — ensuring that cities support living systems above and below ground.
Dr. Estefania Fernandez, is a restoration ecologist and Harvard Postdoctoral Fellow, and former Lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, working at the intersection of sustainable forestry, biodiversity conservation, and nature-based technology. With over a decade of ecological research experience, she has secured more than $3 million in competitive grant funding to advance projects focused on ecosystem resilience and conservation science. Deeply committed to protecting and restoring nature in all contexts — including urban environments — her work bridges rigorous research and applied ecological innovation.

