I am a dynamic futures research and strategic foresight leader with over 20 years bridging academic research, design thinking and corporate strategy. I lead research for the Foresight Academy at gravity GmbH, conduct trend analysis for global corporations, and translate emerging transitions into actionable business strategies and innovative design solutions. I also regularly present keynote lectures at prestigious venues, including Harvard University, and collaborate across international conferences to advance future literacy and cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer. I specialize in turning complex shifts into practical business actions and design responses. My work spans architecture, urbanism, and strategic foresight, with a focus on adaptive leadership and future-proof strategies that help organizations thrive in polycrisis contexts. I enjoy mentoring teams, delivering workshops, and sharing insights in a friendly, accessible way to foster collective imagination and resilient leadership.

Dr. Cary Siress

I am a dynamic futures research and strategic foresight leader with over 20 years bridging academic research, design thinking and corporate strategy. I lead research for the Foresight Academy at gravity GmbH, conduct trend analysis for global corporations, and translate emerging transitions into actionable business strategies and innovative design solutions. I also regularly present keynote lectures at prestigious venues, including Harvard University, and collaborate across international conferences to advance future literacy and cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer. I specialize in turning complex shifts into practical business actions and design responses. My work spans architecture, urbanism, and strategic foresight, with a focus on adaptive leadership and future-proof strategies that help organizations thrive in polycrisis contexts. I enjoy mentoring teams, delivering workshops, and sharing insights in a friendly, accessible way to foster collective imagination and resilient leadership.

Available to hire

I am a dynamic futures research and strategic foresight leader with over 20 years bridging academic research, design thinking and corporate strategy. I lead research for the Foresight Academy at gravity GmbH, conduct trend analysis for global corporations, and translate emerging transitions into actionable business strategies and innovative design solutions. I also regularly present keynote lectures at prestigious venues, including Harvard University, and collaborate across international conferences to advance future literacy and cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer.

I specialize in turning complex shifts into practical business actions and design responses. My work spans architecture, urbanism, and strategic foresight, with a focus on adaptive leadership and future-proof strategies that help organizations thrive in polycrisis contexts. I enjoy mentoring teams, delivering workshops, and sharing insights in a friendly, accessible way to foster collective imagination and resilient leadership.

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Language

English
Fluent
German
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Design Researcher & Corporate Foresight Lead at gravity GmbH
August 1, 2021 - Present
Lead researcher for the Foresight Academy; conduct strategic futures research and facilitate corporate knowledge transfer across sectors; steer high-impact foresight projects and deliver insights for future-proof strategies.
International Visiting Design Professor at Nanjing School of Architecture and Urban Planning
September 1, 2017 - December 1, 2019
Developed and taught graduate courses in architecture and urban design; focused on design strategies for urban peripheries and global development models; organized faculty exhibition on growth policies in China.
Senior Design Researcher at Future Cities Laboratory, ETH Zurich & National University of Singapore
September 1, 2011 - September 1, 2017
Conducted territorial research on capitalist-led development impacts in urban and rural regions; co-authored research publications; taught graduate seminars on urban transformation in the Anthropocene.
Tenured Architecture Faculty at University of Edinburgh School of Landscape and Architecture
September 1, 2006 - December 1, 2011
Led Bachelor and Masters programs in Architecture Design and City Studies, guiding students in design scenarios for urban revitalization and economic development; founder of the architecture journal “Architecture &”.
Adjunct Professor at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich)
September 1, 1996 - January 1, 2006
Taught foundational architecture design methodologies and urban theory to Bachelor and Masters students; conducted territorial research on capitalist-led development impacts.
Principal Partner at Ruoss/Siress Architects
September 1, 1991 - May 1, 1996
Urban Planning Commission for Zentrum Zurich Nord – urban renovation and renewal; Honorary Prize for Europan 3 International Design Competition and First Prize at Zentrum Zurich Nord International Urban Planning Competition; curated international exhibition of the Zentrum Zurich Nord master plan.
Lead Design Architect at Burkhard, Meyer, Steiger Architects
September 1, 1994 - June 1, 1996
Urban Planning Commission for MAAG Industries – urban renovation and renewal (Zurich).

Education

PhD, Architecture & Urbanism at Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich)
September 1, 2002 - January 1, 2006
Master of Science in Building Design at Columbia University
June 1, 1990 - June 1, 1991
Foreign Exchange Scholarship at Università IUAV di Venezia
January 1, 1985 - June 1, 1985
Bachelor of Architecture at University of Kentucky
September 1, 1981 - June 1, 1986

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Real Estate & Construction, Media & Entertainment