Liesl Codrington | Director
MEnvPl, BA (Human Geography & Demography), MPIA, MEIANZ, MSIMNA
Liesl Codrington is the Director of Vaere Social. Liesl is a widely recognised leader in social sustainability, with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, social impact assessments, social infrastructure assessments and community needs analysis. Her expertise also extends to social research, where she excels in analysing data to uncover and understand community dynamics, identify trends, and drive informed strategic decisions.
Liesl has led high-impact projects across New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Queensland, and South Australia. Her work spans infrastructure, property, renewable energy, transport, water, health, and education. Notable projects include the Snowy Mountains and Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precincts, Ginninderry, and Harbourside, along with numerous social impact assessments for schools, hospitals, and mixed-use property developments.
As a skilled social researcher, Liesl excels at distilling complex data into meaningful insights that drive policy and planning. Her current research focuses on the experiences of neurodivergent people in public spaces, contributing to more inclusive planning and urban design.
A values-driven leader, Liesl is committed to creating places that serve diverse communities. She amplifies the voices of neurodivergent individuals, youth, older adults, women, and marginalised groups, ensuring their needs shape planning and development.
Known for her warm, people-first approach, Liesl has built a reputation for delivering high-quality outcomes and fostering inclusive, well-designed spaces that enhance community well-being.
Outside of work, Liesl enjoys running and hiking on Canberra’s scenic trails, lifting weights, reading, cooking healthy recipes, and spending time with family and friends. An active Parkrun director and regular trail runner, she proudly celebrates the Canberra’s natural beauty, ease of transport, open spaces, vibrant café culture, and exceptional work-life balance.
“I am passionate about contributing to the creation of socially sustainable communities that are built for people, with humans at the heart. I want to see kindness, love, wellbeing and community at the core of each place and space that I am privileged to work in. And, importantly, I want us to value the social impact created by designing places like this.”