Category: Design-process


Design Process WebChat

Submitted by CohoUS Staff on
In her recent WebChat, architect Laura Fitch reviewed her Intensive Workshop process for helping future residents design their cohousing communities. The weekend-long workshops (one each for site, common house, units and eco-programming) include information and decision-making about elements of design as well as expertise in consensus or sociocracy.  Community members participate in the desig
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WebChat #10 with Laura Fitch

Submitted by Coho US Staff on
For our 10th WebChat, Architect Laura Fitch walked us through the process her home community, Pioneer Valley Cohousing, uses for Design Review. In other words, how the community considers requests from members to make changes to the exterior of their homes. Pioneer Valley’s detailed policy has developed over many years of trial and error. In... Read More

WebChat #8 Katie McCamant

Submitted by Coho US Staff on
Hiring Professionals to Get Your Community Built WebChat #8 brought one of the most experienced cohousing professionals in the US to us for a discussion of facilitators and architects and attorneys – oh my! Katie guided us through the usual process for creating cohousing, including common pitfalls for communities. She covered who to hire and... Read More

Compassion: A Secret Ingredient

Submitted by Mary Kraus - cohousing architect & consultant, resident Pioneer Valley Cohousing on
Imagine you have been a member of a forming cohousing group for several months now, and you have just joined the circle for a big decision-making meeting about the vision and future of this community where you hope to live. You’re nervous. You have some health concerns, and you absolutely need to have a clean... Read More

Living Large in a Small Home, Ecovillage-Style

Submitted by by Sarah Lozanova, Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage  on
As the American economy recovers, the average new home size has reached an all-time high of 2,300 square feet. This is part of a cultural shift where many Americans are shying away from children sharing bedrooms, and bathrooms are becoming more plentiful and sophisticated. Homes have more than doubled in size since the 1950s, meanwhile... Read More