Outpost Redwood Forum Interview: Philip Otto

PODCAST: REDWOOD FORUM INTERVIEW 5

A Cultural Engineer Creating Timeless Designs: Philip Otto Supports Emerging Businesses & Communities

Philip Otto, founder of Seeds & Growth, is a hands-on designer and big picture strategist. A Stanford graduate, he received a degree in Cultural Anthropology and began to immediately utilize it within the booming art world. His interest in fashion, spaces and experience design coalesced with a first job at Commes des Garcons. Phil’s direct engagement with brands began with Urban Outfitters, where he also played a central role in the Free People experience. He now resides in Topanga Canyon with his wife and two children, where he is a influential member of the Chamber of Commerce in his community.

His culturally based Seeds & Growth develops simple strategies with long-lasting solutions. The company has vastly explored the intersection between design, innovation, culture and enterprise. From pop-up shops, restaurants and cafes, to store designs for international retailers, their designs have stood the test of time in this ever-changing marketplace.

Phil and Seeds & Growth is currently working with REI to open a design concept for their new store location in the heart of Chicago’s “wild mile” along the north branch of the up-and-coming canal area.

Podcast Co-Hosts

Marcus V Colombano, Pineapple
Red Rainey, @findredrainey

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Everyday I like to feel like I am waking up to a new hike. I want to get past the weight of possessions.

Philip Otto, Seeds & Growth

About The Outpost Redwood Forum

For Outpost’s 2018 flagship event, Pineapple produced and hosted the Redwood Forum. As the business track for the event, Pineapple led an open discussion with industry insiders who shed light on business growth, market risks, and brand partnerships. They contributed anecdotal tales of past experience and broader insights from their current positions. As a forum, the panel and Outpost attendees joined in an interactive conversation to discuss key themes and related insights.

Open and engaging, the forums were held in a redwood grove in the middle of Camp Navarro, with the panelist and attendees at the same level. Instead of leading conversation from the front, the conversation was interactive, and started from topics contributed by the attendees. In the end, attendees talked as much as panelists, answering questions and contributing their experience to the conversation.