Balancing purpose and profit | Clare Cousins

There is a long-held notion that architecture is a luxury only available to the few. However, there are many designers finding ways to reclaim architecture’s role in everyday housing. Clare established her practice Clare Cousins Architects in 2005. Since then, her firm has designed and delivered a mix of social housing typologies, as well as cultural, private residential and workplace projects. The studio has found a balance between projects that sustain architectural practice financially and the projects that address broader social needs. In today’s conversation, Clare speaks about how architects can play a meaningful role in shaping an inclusive built environment designed for the 99%.   Further Reading Shiel Street North Melbourne, Community Housing Project by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/shiel-street-north-melbourne-community-housing-project-by-clare-cousins-architects/ The Architecture Symposium: Designing for the 99% https://designspeaks.com.au/events/2026/09/04/the-architecture-symposium-melbourne Courtyard House by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/Courtyard-House-by-Clare-Cousins-Architects/ Aesop Collins Street by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/aesop-collins-street-by-clare-cousins-architects/ Aesop Collins Street by Clare Cousins Architects https://architectureau.com/articles/nightingale-village/