Jean Darling

Jean Darling is the founder of Commune + Co, which has moved from traditional architectural practice into placemaking and social architecture with a focus on ageing in place, socio-demographic integration, deliberative engagement, alternative housing models and regenerative design to inform community led architecture and property development. Jean utilises holistic design thinking and a human-centred, facilitative approach to people, spaces and spatial programming.

Jean is also co-founder of Yimby VIC, an advocacy for Better Development Outcomes, and is a current member of the Placemaking Leadership Council (PLC) with Project for Public Spaces. Yimby VIC says “yes in my backyard” to good development that makes for better living. As the voice of good development, Yimby VIC aims to bring back balance to the urban policy debate, so often dominated by the the negative NIMBY (“not in my backyard”) narrative. Yimby VIC recognises that development brings positive economic benefits through investment and job creation.