The Cohousing Company
Creating Sustainable Communities Through Design
Originally founded as The Cohousing Company, our firm has evolved alongside the growing need for intentional, sustainable community design. After realizing the full potential of implementing state-of-the-art cohousing, we became McCamant & Durrett Architects, and later, Durrett Architects. Today, The Cohousing Company has returned to its roots—designing communities as specialists, in close partnership with local architects. We now have a clear and proven methodology for setting local teams up for success, ensuring that each community we create is thoughtfully designed and effectively executed.
Our Approach
What sets The Cohousing Company apart is our deep commitment to understanding who the people of a community are and, perhaps more importantly, who they want to become. This philosophy has driven our work since the beginning. In 1984, founder, Charles Durrett, immersed himself in the study of cohousing for six months. After realizing there was so much more to learn, he stayed for an additional seven months, totaling 13 months of intensive, hands-on study. It was during this period that Durrett decided it would be unethical to accept payment until he was truly prepared to guide others. His dedication to learning from the best of the best formed the foundation for everything The Cohousing Company does today.
Our Expertise
Principal Charles Durrett is widely recognized as a leader in the design of cohousing communities, sustainable architecture, and community-driven planning. Since 1987, we have been offering complete architectural services to a wide range of clients, with a current focus on the schematic design of cohousing communities. Our experience extends beyond the typical residential model, having adapted our design expertise to affordable housing developments, senior living communities, childcare facilities, pedestrian-friendly town planning, and mixed-use developments.
Durrett co-authored the seminal book Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves with Katie McCamant in 1988, which introduced the concept of cohousing to the English-speaking world. His book, Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities, was released in 2011. These works have been instrumental in advancing the understanding of cohousing and community-based design worldwide.
Our Services
The Cohousing Company offers a range of services centered on the design and creation of intentional communities. Our core focus remains on cohousing design, but we also offer services such as Accessory Dwelling Unit design and development, implementing Affordable and Energy Efficient practices, and a long history of safe and functional Childcare Centers.
See Services for more.
Our Process
We believe that the best communities are not built brick by brick, but decision by decision. Our unique participatory design process places a strong emphasis on collaboration with clients. Through a series of engaging guided workshops, we help clients articulate their goals and desires, allowing the community to take shape in a way that reflects the values and needs of its future residents. This process not only fosters a sense of ownership and investment but also ensures that the community is designed with intentionality and care.
See The Cohousing Design Process for more.
Our Dedication to Designing Housing for All
We are deeply committed to creating spaces that improve the lives of those who need care and consideration. Families, seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness, and neurodivergent individuals all need the support of a community. We believe that thoughtful, inclusive design is essential to providing a sense of dignity, security, and belonging for all people, regardless of their circumstances. Our team works closely with clients to craft environments that are not only functional but also nurturing and empowering. From accessible layouts to sensory-friendly features, we prioritize the specific needs of each group, ensuring that every design fosters a supportive, welcoming atmosphere. Whether it's designing senior living communities that promote independence and connection, housing for those experiencing homelessness that offers stability and hope, or spaces that support the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals, we are dedicated to delivering the best possible architectural solutions that create lasting, positive impact.
For further insights, please refer to Charles Durrett's books on the subject.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From the energy-efficient systems we incorporate into our designs to our commitment to using environmentally friendly materials, we work tirelessly to ensure that our projects are both affordable and sustainable. Our focus is not just on creating beautiful, functional spaces, but on fostering environments that support long-term ecological health and vibrant, thriving communities.
At The Cohousing Company, we are passionate about creating places where people live connected, purposeful lives. We are committed to continuing our work with communities that want to build, grow, and live sustainably together.
See Sustainability for more.
THE COHOUSING COMPANY
241 Suite B Commercial Street
Nevada City, CA 95959
United States
