Dr. Kasia Sterriker Discusses Her Unique Approach to Horticulture
Dr. Kasia Sterriker
Dr. Kasia Sterriker is a true pioneer in the fields of horticulture and biophilic design. She was born in Wroclaw, Poland, on September 15, 1982, and has a bachelor’s, master’s, and two PhDs, one in environmental engineering and the other in landscape architecture. Yes, you heard that right—two PhDs! This exceptional knowledge, combined with her passion for the environment, has given her a unique perspective to bridge the two disciplines.
We are honored to have this conversation with Dr. Kasia Sterriker and to learn about her ground-breaking work in both environmental engineering and landscape architecture. So, if you are a student interested in these fields, then you won’t want to miss out on what she has to share! This discussion is not only for students; anyone interested in sustainability and the environment, someone trying to turn their passion into a profession, or anyone seeking to make a real difference in the world today, will find valuable insight from Dr. Kasia Sterriker. So, without further ado, let us hear what she has to share with us today!
First of all, thank you for joining us. To get this conversation started, can you tell us about yourself and your work?
Thank you for having me here today! Well, I work in a number of artistic mediums including bonsai-based environmental art and Biophilic Design. My work has taken me from the lecture halls of a university, where I taught and developed patented materials to extend the life of plants during transportation and to accelerate their growth cycles, to projects across Europe for high-profile clients, where I transformed properties into serene, nature-inspired spaces.
I love creating biophilic designs that bring the outdoors inside and to create an environment that’s not only beautiful but also promotes physical and mental well-being. In my free time, I love to sail and ski, and of course, I continue to create art that reflects my admiration of nature’s beauty.
Who inspired you to take such an adventurous path in life?
The inspiration came from my father and grandfather. My father is a bonsai master and educator, and my grandfather was a university lecturer and engineer. Both instilled in me a love for art incorporating organic materials and a passion for the intersection of science and the environment.
My father was a TV and radio host for a long time, where he talked about botany, bonsai, and horticulture. So, growing up, I was exposed to the far eastern art of bonsai and associated art forms through his teachings and stories.
As a result, I developed a love for nature and all its intricacies. Afterward, through international congresses and exhibitions, I honed my skills under the tutelage of a number of international bonsai masters, but I wanted to push beyond the traditional boundaries of bonsai art. So, I took the techniques I learned and approached this environmental art form with a more flexible, modern, and open mindset, creating my own unique form that takes bonsai to a new level.
What do you like the most about working with environmental art and landscaping?
The versatility of environmental art and landscaping is one of my favourite things about them. I can make any indoor area feel more inviting and alive, as well as transform any outdoor space into an oasis of beauty and serenity. You just need to have that artistic flair and scientific know-how to be able to create something that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
It brings me great joy to create something that both aesthetically enhances its surroundings and improves the quality of life for its inhabitants. It’s utterly exhilarating to see a project come to fruition, especially when it has been carefully crafted with attention to detail and a dedication to quality, and seeing the expression of joy and contentment on the faces of the people who benefit from my design efforts is something that truly cannot be put into words.
Amazing! So, tell us about the achievements that you have accomplished in this field so far.
Well, I’ve had the privilege of being published as an academic in prestigious journals and having the opportunity to share my knowledge and inspire others through guest lectures at universities and conferences.
Also, as a scientist, I’ve developed multiple products that relate to the use of geo-composite that are patented and now widespread across the world to facilitate the transport of plants over great distances in a more secure and environmentally friendly fashion.
As for my artwork, I’m proud to say that I have exhibited in galleries and museums internationally, which has been the result of a long journey of experimenting with different techniques and media to express my creativity.
When it comes to landscaping, I’ve had the honour of creating and transforming properties for some of the biggest celebrity names in the entertainment industry, including rock stars, movie stars, and high-net-worth individuals in major European cities like London, Paris, Brussels, and Geneva.
Among those projects, what was the most memorable one, and why?
I’d say that my most memorable one was transforming a dull rooftop terrace into a lush, thriving garden for a prestigious hotel in the heart of Paris. It was challenging as the terrace had limited space and was surrounded by tall buildings, but seeing it come to life with the addition of vibrant flowers, shrubs, and trees was a beautiful sight.
The guests of the hotel now have a peaceful oasis to relax in, and I couldn’t be more proud of what my husband, Paul, and I achieved together. It’s these moments that make me feel grateful for the work I do, and I’ll always cherish that project as a highlight of my career.
There have also been some very memorable and interesting projects for some very famous people that have been very rewarding, but due to the level of discretion required when working for such well-known celebrities, unfortunately, I can’t share the details with your readers.
Lastly, what are your plans for the future, and what message do you have for the readers?
As for my plans for the future, I am determined to continue exploring and creating new opportunities in Dubai and the Middle East. My focus will be on promoting environmental art in the region and sharing my passion for this field with others. I believe that art has the power to bring people together and to raise awareness about important environmental issues. I want to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact and motivate others to do the same.
Finally, my message for the readers is simple: never stop learning and growing. Education is the only key to unlocking your potential and pursuing your dreams. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you, and always strive to be kind and make a positive impact in the world. Life is short, so try to make the most of it by doing what you love and cherishing every moment. Always remember to appreciate the beauty of the world around you, and never stop exploring and experiencing new things.
About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
