Innovation architecture for emerging fields
Ninth House is an innovation architecture practice working across emerging science, technology and society.
The studio works with ideas, fields and institutions taking shape between established domains, developing the structures through which new possibilities for public and planetary benefit can become coherent, collaborative and durable.
[ PRACTICE ]
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Making unfamiliar and fast-moving territories legible.
Landscape mapping
Field intelligence
Research synthesis
Strategic foresight
Opportunity analysis
Taxonomies and frameworks
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Developing the language, position and shared direction through which people can act.
Strategic positioning
Narrative development
Theory of change
Opportunity framing
Decision frameworks
Funding strategy
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Designing the structures that allow ambitious ideas to take form.
Programme architecture
Partnership strategy
Governance design
Operating models
Knowledge systems
Convening design
Implementation planning
Our practice spans research, strategy and implementation.
[ APPROACH]
We work at the edges, reconfiguring ‘business as usual’.
Ninth House works as a boutique hub-and-spoke practice.
A small core shapes each engagement, bringing together the particular researchers, designers, strategists and subject specialists the work requires.
The structure follows the project.
[ FIELDS ]
01
Frontier science
05
Mission-driven innovation
02
Nature & biodiversity
06
Climate & regeneration
03
Artificial intelligence
07
Philanthropy
04
Research & knowledge systems
08
Global networks
[ OUR PRINCIPLES ]
The futures we talk about require different systems and different ways of working.
To us, relationships are infrastructure and structure is stewardship. Decision-making is a form of care. Knowledge is a commons. Projects and programmes should be architected before they scale and designed for continuity from the outset.
These are our principles. We help you identify yours, then put them into practice.
[ ABOUT ]
Kate Armstrong
Australian · based in Asia · working globally
For more than fifteen years, I have lived and worked across Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, helping governments, foundations, universities, research institutions and global networks navigate complexity.
Living in Asia and working across more than 45 countries has shown me how ambitious ideas become real initiatives. From grassroots communities to international philanthropy, transformative work succeeds when diverse people are able to coordinate around a shared purpose.
I founded Ninth House to help turn bold ideas into practical forms, and to rethink the structures we often take for granted. Through frameworks, programmes, curricula, convenings and strategies, the work is focused on creating more life-sustaining ways of organising, collaborating and building for the now and the futures we want.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Emerging fields need more than ideas. They need the structures, systems and stewardship that turn possibility into practice.
[ LET’S TALK ]