practice | Pilot Projects

Pilot Projects has co-created sustainable solutions to complex challenges in global systems, cities, and the natural environment for more than 15 years.

our vision

Based in Montreal, Canada, we are a registered non-profit and have co-created dozens of programs and projects, symposia, and communities of practice. Led by founder Scott Francisco we are professional designers, planners, strategists, ecologists and craftspeople, all skilled at creating concrete, inventive and intentional solutions to challenging problems. Our initiatives seek to improve the beneficial interdependencies between urban and natural environments worldwide.

We lead global-scale networks, initiatives and communities of practice, such as Cities4Forests.

We have designed and led hundreds of co-creation workshops with a wide range of stakeholders, including:

Navigating and negotiating global socio-cultural systems with diverse values and structures is what we do best. Our work explores and models the systemic collaboration and culture change needed to turn today’s complicated and disparate efforts into interdependent, purposeful systems with emergent properties and exponential outputs.

We focus on the dynamic relationships between urban and natural environments, and the vital role of sustainable forestry in addressing our global crises of deforestation, climate change, migration and biodiversity loss. We build relationships with city leaders, university administrators, every level of the forestry value system and maintain ongoing partnerships with community workers who are leading the development of sustainable forestry in tropical rural remote areas.

The deep collaboration for cultivated common goals, trust and mutual confidence is the foundation of the work between our partners and Pilot Projects Collaborative. Our work encompasses a wide range of processes and deliverables, from the design of buildings, supply chain innovations, urban streetscapes, public spaces and new buildings, to brands, organizations and innovative workspaces. We also specialize in co-designing "communities of practice" and catalytic events that inspire collective action and culture change.

All of our work relies on working closely with clients and stakeholders to co-create solutions to unique and shared challenges. Guided by expert facilitation and visible constraints, our signature collaborative design processes aid in the creation of pilot projects and design solutions that are inclusive and sustainable.

Co-creating the Conservation Timber Value Chain in the Selva Maya, Mexico

ATU students and Uaxactún carpenters workshop

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Sarah Wilson guides Interlochen Arts Academy students

Officially welcoming Turin to the Partner Forest Program

Touring 80 Atlantic in Toronto at Wood at Work 2018

Celebrating the Partner Forest Program at COP 28

our research

We regularly publish aspects of our work that reflect our dedication to research, dialogue, and reporting. Through collaborative efforts and innovative approaches, our work not only advances knowledge but also fosters meaningful discussions and provides insightful reports. Thinking regularly is an important output for sharing what we have learned and ideas that we are testing in partnership with others.

Explore our array of publications where our projects have made a significant impact, showcasing our expertise and the tangible results of our ongoing endeavors. We have recently translated Better Forests, Better Cities to French.

our workshops

our workshops, pilots, and events

We believe in the power of hands-on workshops to foster dialogue and engage diverse audiences. Our Sandbox, Youth Visioning, and Systemic Collaboration workshops offer a unique co-design facilitation and consulting service, enabling organizations to understand, influence, and redesign the systems that underpin their mission and goals. We create spaces for leaders and stakeholders to explore, discover, and develop actionable design plans during our Workshops. Emphasizing early, incremental changes, our approach focuses on planting the seeds of long-term systemic growth and change. Led by founder Scott Francisco, our workshops harness extensive expertise in urbanism, education, research, and design to create workspaces that truly reflect the complex needs, values, and goals of all participants.

We are dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration through active facilitation and participation in conferences and summits. Our team frequently contributes to conference presentations, sharing insights and innovations that drive our field forward. We also take pride in leading summits, creating platforms for dialogue and the exchange of ideas. By employing diverse methods to bring participants together, we ensure that every voice is heard and that collaborative solutions are achieved. Our commitment to these activities underscores our role as leaders in facilitating meaningful interactions and impactful outcomes within the professional community.

Scott had the privilege of delivering a welcoming speech in French at the 3ème édition de la Conférence sur la Préservation des Forêts. The transcripts of the speech are available in both French and English.

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Sketches of the planned workshop design for Relèven

Sketches come to life at the Relèven workshops

Hosting events at our Montreal office during COP 15

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Scott presenting at Utopian Hours 2022 in Turin

our network and communities of practice

We prioritize building strong relationships and learning from those directly experiencing the benefits and challenges of forest work. Our Future of Forest Work initiative embodies this commitment by engaging young people in meaningful conversations about their future in forest communities. Through workshops and global collaborations, we gather insights from local forest workers and leaders, developing innovative strategies to support sustainable forest stewardship and community resilience.

We are dedicated to fostering vibrant communities of practice through initiatives like Wood at Work. Since 2015, this dynamic forum has brought together architects, foresters, urban planners, conservationists, and other leaders to explore the intersection of sustainable wood use and forest conservation. Through conferences and collaborative activities, we cultivate rich discussions and innovative solutions, ensuring that diverse voices contribute to shaping sustainable urban and forest policies. Join us in building a community committed to long-term, impactful change.

Systemic Collaboration discussion at COP 28 in Dubai

Michael constructing benches for Wood at Work 2023

Wood at Work 2023 at UIA in Copenhagen

our partnerships

Our organization proudly collaborates with a diverse array of funding partners and clients. Over the years, we have cultivated long-standing relationships with esteemed international funders who support our mission and initiatives. Our network includes a wide range of partners and clients from various sectors, all united by a common goal of driving positive change. These enduring partnerships are a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and impact.