Are You Ready for Radical Common Sense?
One person can change the world in amazing ways by starting in their own backyard. Why shouldn’t that person be you?
Rethinking Where—and How—We Live
For many Americans, life is no longer working. We are increasingly sick, stressed, anxious, and unhappy. Many feel left behind by the economy, disillusioned by once-respected institutions, and helpless in the face of environmental decline. I believe that much of this can be traced to where—and how—we live. However, by rethinking and reinvesting in our own communities, I also believe we can rediscover the joy of connected, meaningful lives for ourselves and future generations.
A New Kind of Community
I became an accidental developer over 20 years ago and created a community called Serenbe, just outside Atlanta. The first residents moved in twenty years ago and today the community is a nature-based model of living that is charting a path for others who wish to challenge the status quo, embrace optimism, and reinvent their communities…and themselves.
As a novice developer, many of the decisions we made in planning Serenbe were rooted in common sense—drawing inspiration from the way communities were built a century ago, rather than the sprawling, disconnected developments so common today. At first, we didn’t name what we were doing. But as the vision took shape, we discovered the word biophilia, which perfectly captured our approach. Biophilic design is about more than adding green space; it’s about intentionally shaping places that foster our innate connection to nature. At Serenbe, this means preserving forests and meadows alongside homes and shops, incorporating edible landscaping, creating walkable streets, nurturing community farms, and designing buildings that invite in natural light and materials. The result is a community where people feel healthier, more connected, and more alive—because they are living in rhythm with nature, not apart from it.
As I look back and recognize how much this journey has changed my life, I put pen to paper, found a willing publisher and have written a book about changing your life by starting in your own backyard, or your sphere of influence. That’s what happened to me, and that’s what I want for you.
It’s a paradox that light is often born out of darkness. The idea that eventually took root and grew into Serenbe was sparked by a moment of fear, anger, dismay, and that deeply embedded human trait (that often gets an undeserved bad rap): self-interest. Yet what came of it was something amazing—a place that honors the Earth and brings so many people rewarding, healthy, joyful lives.
The Book: A Blueprint for Better Communities
Start In Your Own Backyard: Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense provides a blueprint for developing sustainable communities where awe is found in everyday moments and citizens of all generations can thrive. Achieving this requires understanding:
The unintended consequences of sprawl, and why clustered development supports more green space, more housing, and lower costs
Why our disconnection from nature and each other is at the root of many environmental, societal, and health-related woes
Why a local food-based economy matters
How small yards, front porches, and blueberry bushes at crosswalks lead to strong, supportive neighborhoods
The benefits of aging in place, and how to nurture connections between uncaged elders and free-range kids
Join the Conversation
Whether you’re a placemaker, developer, civic leader, business owner, parent or grandparent wishing to improve the things that complicate your life, this book is for you. It educates and inspires, demonstrates the impact of local action, and sparks hope that one person can change the world in amazing ways by starting in your own backyard. Why shouldn’t that person be you?
I would be thrilled and appreciative if you would pre-order Start in Your Own Backyard, as I’ve learned that pre-orders are very important for how a book gets promoted, picked up by retailers and covered by the press.
AND if you’ve made it this far, thank you, and I’m hoping you’re close to hitting the subscribe button below and joining me on this inspirational ride.
I plan on using this space to share many of the principles upon which Serenbe is built and talk about how we can all make small changes in our backyards that result in hope and well-being for ourselves, our families and our neighbors. Placemaking is an art – it takes curiosity and patience and can lead to incredible outcomes for everyone who experiences thoughtfully designed places. Thankfully more and more of these places are being created by individuals around the world.
With gratitude,
Ready to explore new ideas and transform where you live with radical common sense?
Excited to follow along here on Substack!