RAA In Practice | We're All in This Together: Investigating the Role of Cohousing in Australia | Michi Moses

The Session
Architect Michi Moses, recipient of the 2023 Paul Pholeros Architecture Scholarship, presents findings from her research into cohousing as a response to Australia’s housing crisis. Her report, We're All in This Together, explores how cohousing can foster community, sustainability, and affordability through shared resources, participatory decision-making, and environmentally conscious design.

Drawing on case studies from across Australia—including Wybalena Grove (ACT), Narara Ecovillage (NSW), Nightingale Urban Coup (VIC), and Cascade Cohousing (TAS)—Michi examines the legal, financial, and governance structures that support successful cohousing developments. The report offers insights into how alternative housing models can address contemporary challenges such as housing security, climate resilience, and social isolation, while providing recommendations for improving the affordability and procurement of future developments.

Michi Moses
Michi Moses (nee Playford) is a registered architect with a decade of design experience, dedicated to creating sustainable, equitable, and affordable housing. A recipient of the 2023 Paul Pholeros Architecture Scholarship and 2017 Parker Fellowship, her research has explored cohousing as an alternative to urban sprawl and the role of vernacular housing in climate adaptation.

As a Project Architect at Light House Architecture & Science, Michi has worked on high-performance, energy-efficient homes that prioritise affordability and user experience. Previously, she was with COX Architecture, where she led projects across civic, educational, and social housing sectors.

Michi is an advocate for better housing standards and has contributed to public discourse through media and research. Now based in Hobart, Michi is committed to advancing sustainable, energy-efficient housing that strengthens communities and responds to place with intelligence and care.

Paul Pholeros Foundation
The Paul Pholeros Foundation was established in 2018 to honour the life and work of Australian architect and humanitarian Paul Pholeros. We work to improve people's living environments through investment in skills and knowledge development.

The Foundation supports young and recently graduated trades people, architects and designers to gain experience in challenging environments through exposure to real projects and cross-cultural environments. The Paul Pholeros Architecture Scholarship was established in 2022 to encourage recently graduated architects to study an issue relevant to improvements in health and living conditions in Australian society.

This one hour session offers 1 formal CPD point

RAA members are eligible to utilise the discount code available in the member content area for free attendance of this session.