Zola of Common Ground found out about the Wayshaper toolkit recently, spoke with the creators Jim and Blase in the UK, and have asked them to present about how the toolkit has enabled a more collaborative, participatory process of designing and developing housing projects that value community.

Whether you are a charitable housing provider, a developer, a government or commercial housing professional, or self-organising group wishing to house yourselves, you’re invited to learn and ask questions as to how this could be adapted to work in your country/region for housing and neighbourhood creation.

Wayshaper is the decision-making toolkit for community-led/collective housing groups

Wayshaper helps to simplify, accelerate, and support the process when developing a community-led/collective housing group model. It provides a way for advisors and groups to explore the needs and preferences of group members, map out priorities, explore options and make decisions.

The toolkit was created following surveys and in-depth research to identify key difficulties and best practises with 16 accredited advisors* and 43 groups at different stages of development, from early planning to post-build.

The UK edition was launched in May 2021 and is currently in use by 45 accredited advisors as well as several groups using it as a standalone toolkit, without advisor support. Localised editions are being planned for Canada, Wales and Switzerland.

The toolkit comprises 86 cards, workshop instructions and online resources linked to each card, such as downloadable documents, guidance and case studies, accessed under an annual subscription model.

The key benefits of using Wayshaper are allowing a group to see all the options available to them, and critically, which options are interdependent or incompatible, greatly simplifying and accelerating the process.. Some example topics covered by the toolkit include: Residents, Ownership, Finance, Tenure, Planning and 11 other topics.

Some feedback from active users

‘I think it saved us months of discussion and research.’ — Sofia Silva, North West Nest.

‘Makes the whole process of decision making around community housing seem much more manageable.’ — Laura Clapp, Exeter Tiny Homes.

‘Really lightens the load of trying to convey all the maze-like twists and turns re housing development and CLH.’ — Prana Simon, accredited advisor.

Jim Holt

Co-creator and designer of Wayshaper

During training as an accredited advisor* and building on expertise in user-centred design, Jim identified a possible means of helping advisors and groups move through the development process more smoothly. Commissioned by the Confederation of Cooperative Homes, Wayshaper was developed over a year long period. Jim has been active in coliving and cohousing and co-founded an intentional community in London in 2017, and is currently exploring further reaches of the UK for a more rural experience.

Blase Lambert

Co-creator of Wayshaper

Chief Officer, Confederation of Co-operative Housing (cch.coop)

Founder Member, Community Led Homes

Treasurer, Co-operative Housing International