For development to better respond to the needs of the people and communities living there, Claire says the key is listening and observing behavioural patterns and preferences of all the demographic groups who reside there, rather than just making assumptions.
“People’s everyday lives are shaped by small, practical considerations—how far they walk to a bus stop, where children play after school, whether older residents feel safe and connected, and how neighbours casually interact. These details often determine whether a place truly works,” she says.
“To respond well, development needs to be informed by how people already use spaces, not just how we intend them to. That means designing for comfort, convenience and choice—providing a mix of housing, accessible services, shared spaces and adaptable environments that reflect different life stages and cultural needs.
“Importantly, communities also aspire to belonging and identity. When development reflects local character and gives people a sense of pride and ownership, it supports stronger social connections and long-term success.”
Cohere Projects’ most recent development is underway in Forest Lake. When Delfin developed the estate in the early 1990s, Forest Lake was structured as a series of distinct villages, each defined by its own character, housing styles and landscaping. Individual entry statements, streetscape themes and local amenities fostered a strong sense of identity and walkability, while the 10-hectare lake and Forest Lake Shopping Centre formed the community’s central heart.
When Cohere acquired six hectares of land in Forest Lake and began master planning, they chose to retain the existing name, Woodvale Village, to preserve its history and sense of community. As Claire explains, “keeping the name, refreshing the entry statement, and following the established landscaping theme helps reinforce our project’s connection to the precinct’s identity and character.”
Along with respecting the existing precinct, Claire emphasises that social and community benefits also come from offering a diverse mix of housing. “You can’t build thriving, inclusive communities by only constructing large homes on 450sqm blocks—people need choice. At Cohere, we create a variety of housing types to support all stages of the housing continuum, from first-home buyers to young families and downsizers. Housing isn’t one-size-fits-all; offering options that are both affordable and accessible ensures communities can accommodate different lifestyles, life stages, and budgets, strengthening social connection and long-term vibrancy.”
People are far more likely to support and care for places they feel connected to, says Claire. It’s her belief that a sense of shared ownership begins with meaningful collaboration throughout development.
“Early and genuine engagement builds trust, and trust fundamentally changes outcomes. When communities are invited into the conversation early, before key decisions are locked in, you uncover insights that improve design and avoid conflict later,” Claire says.
“The most successful projects emerge when intent is genuinely aligned across all stakeholders. When government, developers and communities work together, each brings a critical perspective, whether that be policy, delivery capability, or lived experience.
“Collaboration allows us to balance commercial realities with long-term community value. It improves coordination of social infrastructure, supports better sequencing of development, and ultimately leads to places that function well beyond initial delivery. Long-term success isn’t accidental—it’s the result of shared responsibility and sustained partnership.”
Claire and her team actively seek out opportunities to incorporate this into their developments by creating opportunities for residents and community members to connect and engage in spaces they genuinely love.
“It’s about creating the opportunity for those bump-in factors, for people to get to know their neighbours in a natural, unforced way.
When you design spaces that people want to use, connection becomes part of everyday life rather than something that must be organised,” Claire says.
“For example, incorporating landscaped footpaths that connect to existing walking tracks or designing parks with exercise equipment and play areas, or creating communal spaces that naturally encourage residents to pause, linger and interact as part of their daily routines.
“You also need to invest in quality landscaping, generous streets and frontages, along with strong architectural outcomes and thoughtful design covenants, as these elements are fundamental to creating long-term value and fostering pride in a community.”
