Mike Gilliland
Building AI systems, communities, and businesses from a small town in the BC interior.
Founder · Builder · Podcaster
About
I'm the founder of Design Spore, an AI services studio, and co-creator of Future Thinkers, a podcast with 130+ episodes exploring technology, society, and human potential. My background spans filmmaking, design, branding, media, and technology — but these days I spend most of my time building real AI systems and the communities that use them.
I'm building Portal.Place, a flagship smart village prototype near Wells Gray Provincial Park in the BC interior — a living laboratory for off-grid systems, AI-assisted community governance, and resilient rural living. It's where I test everything I build.
I'm not theorizing about AI. Every tool, system, and platform I build is deployed, used by real people, and tested against real constraints. If it works in an underserved, resource-constrained environment, it works anywhere.
Ventures
AI services studio — chatbots, automation, websites, and launches.
designspore.co→
Podcast exploring technology, society, and human potential. 130+ episodes.
futurethinkers.org→
Smart village prototype on land near Wells Gray Provincial Park.
portal.place→
Golf & RV resort with custom booking system and channel management.
wellsgrayresort.ca→
Speaking
Available for keynotes, panels, and workshops on AI adoption, regenerative communities, and technology for a resilient future.
Consulting
I help businesses and governments understand, adopt, and govern AI — practically, without the hype. Starting with clarity, not complexity.
AI Readiness Briefing
60–90 min session covering where AI fits in your org today, what to watch, and what to avoid. Free for qualifying orgs.
AI Policy Framework
Custom policy document covering data governance, acceptable use, procurement guidelines, and staff training roadmap. $5K–$8K.
Retainer
Ongoing advisory for orgs actively implementing AI — monthly check-ins, implementation support, staff Q&A. From $2,500/mo.
Projects
Design Spore
Mission Control
activeUnified business dashboard — Kanban task management, CRM with Gmail import, and an AI agent fleet manager with cost tracking.
Government AI Consulting
activeAI readiness briefings, policy frameworks, and implementation support for local and regional governments.
Clearwater AI Meetups
ongoingRegular AI-for-business education events making practical AI accessible to local business owners and decision-makers.
Portal.Place
Get in Touch
Mike Gilliland · 2026