Alastair Townsend
Founder of Township
Following an accomplished architectural career in Europe and Asia, Alastair realized harnessing real estate development could be a conduit for his creative passion: crafting communities. This led him to obtain a master’s degree in real estate, after which he managed $2 billion in U.S. real estate projects for global firm BGO.
Then Alastair discovered the potential of cohousing, a thriving yet often overlooked niche in real estate. He founded Township to channel his expertise into building communities that nurture social connection and empower residents to enjoy longer, happier, and more enriching lives.
Today, Alastair is a member of 500 Communities, a professional development program lead by one of cohousing’s U.S. pioneers, Katie McCamant. Recognized as a thought leader in housing, Alastair’s insights have been highlighted by leading media outlets such as CNN, WSJ, and NPR.
Strategic Partner:
Township’s services are bolstered by a strategic partnership with CoHousing Solutions, a cohousing consultancy lead by Katie McCamant. With over three decades of hands-on experience in designing, developing, marketing, and living in cohousing communities, Katie and her team bring an unparalleled depth of knowledge and a proven set of best practices to each project.
As Township diligently guides projects through the day-to-day intricacies of development, CoHousing Solutions provides invaluable mentorship to our cohousing groups. This empowers them with the tools and insights needed to collaborate effectively, professionalize recruitment strategies, and lay the groundwork for a thriving sustainable community. Our synergistic partnership is an effective combination of practical execution and accountability paired with visionary guidance, setting the stage for long-term success.
Cohousing Solutions guides cohousing groups through the following
- Facilitating key workshops, such as “Getting-it-Built”
- Developing effective group working structures and processes
- Programming the site and common house
- Implementing proven marketing systems and support
- Crafting tailored community outreach strategies
- Providing field-tested systems and agreements tailored for cohousing
- Guiding effective community management
Kathryn “Katie” McCamant
President, CoHousing Solutions
Katie McCamant, the driving force behind CoHousing Solutions, brings unparalleled depth and diversity of experience as an architect, developer, and cohousing resident. Her passion for creating sustainable, community-oriented housing models that offer a better version of the “good life” while reducing environmental impact has been the guiding principle throughout her career.
As a licensed architect and coauthor of the seminal book “Cohousing: A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves,” Katie introduced the cohousing model to North America. She co-founded McCamant & Durrett Architects / The CoHousing Company in 1987 and has since designed and developed numerous award-winning cohousing communities across the United States and Canada.
In recent years, Katie has focused on guiding groups through the cohousing development process, working on all facets from project kick-off to move-in. A thought leader in sustainable development, she frequently lectures and gives workshops on the topic.
Her newest venture, the 500 Communities Program, aims to train passionate entrepreneurs to build the next 500 cohousing communities while fostering collaboration and financial success. Township is proud to be a member of 500 Communities and to continue working closely with Katie to expand her vision.
