Elizabeth Dunigan
M.A. Whole Systems Design, 2009
 She has been working as a designer in the commercial building industry.
"Years ago, I began asking myself the question, 'how do living systems synthesize in ways that are regenerative?' Ultimately, this inquiry has guided my life and career exploring the intersections between living systems and the built environment.
"In my search to understand ways the built environment improves the quality of our natural surroundings, I have been designing and lecturing the public about worm composting systems that are integrally designed in the interior environment," says Dunigan.
She chose Antioch and the Center for Creative Change because she says it encourages the imagination toward radical new ways of seeing and responding to experiences, all from a position of love.
"At Antioch, we are encouraged to understand the dance between the inner and outer thought processes, to see the world with entirely different eyes, and to live our lives in service of our highest aspirations."
"Antioch nurtures an exploratory pattern of thinking based on the premise that our experiences are not created of unrelated forces and that we are continually learning – learning new ideas, processes and systems," Dunigan says. "I chose the Whole Systems Design program because I wished to explore what it means to co-create order in infrastucture development and design that supports a collective aspiration while also nourishing our surroundings."
Dunigan took part in an independent study with a colleague where they explored sustainable infrastructure development and building design.
"It became apparent, as the study deepened, that radical new ways of building begin at the generative level with the individual. It starts with dialogue that brings to light assumptions about sustainable ways of living in an environment that is supportive with genuine desire to understand from the perspective of the other. Design that skips the steps of dialogue runs the risk of diverting from a long-term sustainable vision. As the focus of the study shifted, faculty members were flexible to change in new direction to support our insights," she describes.
She doesn't single out any one faculty member, but lauds all those who have supported her and her fellow students.
"I am inspired by all the faculty who gently and persistently encourage us all to turn the mirror inward on ourselves and to reveal the internal processes that influence how we respond and take action in the world."
She says she tells prospective students, "Antioch aligns the unique perspectives and skills of each person with purpose and vision to effectively realize their potential.
"At Antioch, we are encouraged to understand the dance between the inner and outer thought processes, to see the world with entirely different eyes, and to live our lives in service of our highest aspirations.
"After my experiences at Antioch, I am living the scenario I imagined for myself. I have registered a design, dialogue and development firm called Liminal Spaces with the purpose to find ways commercial real estate development and infrastructure design can support ways of living that nourish our spirit and our surroundings."
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