l’m Liesl Codrington, a social and environmental planner working with government and industry on the future of communities and place.
I translate complexity, connect ideas and bring people to the table in ways that feel steady, clear and often a little fun. I read patterns quickly, navigate sensitive issues with diplomacy and help solve problems before they grow. My work is practical, people centred and focused on creating futures that hold together.
Areas of focus
I work at the intersection of people, community and place. My focus is helping clients understand social and environmental context, make sense of complexity and plan for futures that are practical, connected and climate-aware.
The work varies by project, but the aim is always the same: planning that is grounded in how people live and what places need to be truly sustainable.
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Social and environmental planning grounded in how communities actually live and sustainable futures. Including social impact assessments and social strategy inputs into masterplanning and precinct planning.
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Clear insight into populations, lived experience and what supports wellbeing.
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Building climate resilience and adaptation into policy, projects and long-term direction. Particularly social.
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Translating ambition into grounded, workable approaches.
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Supporting precincts and regions to grow in connected, resilient ways.
About Vaere Social
Vaere Social is the practice of Liesl Codrington. The name comes from the Norwegian word være, meaning “to be”, which reflects the way I work: grounded, thoughtful and people-centred.
I help clients make sense of complex social and environmental questions by bringing clarity, insight, and a strong understanding of community experience, strategy, planning and policy.
My approach is practical, human and future-aware, shaped by how people live and what places need to thrive.
Planning for neurodiversity
How cities feel matters. Our environments can either support or overwhelm the mind — yet most planning frameworks still overlook sensory and cognitive diversity.
This new insight paper, Planning for Neurodiversity, shares findings from research conducted by Vaere Social exploring how neurodivergent adults and families experience public places, infrastructure, and policy systems — and what planners can do differently.
Let’s collaborate
Good planning happens through collaboration and shared purpose.
If you’re seeking fresh perspective or strategic clarity on the social side of planning, I’m always open to exploring where our work might connect.
Use the contact form to get in touch.