We are Reid Coffman and Richard McKown
After decades of working in real estate and design industry, we started this firm to address the deep flaws in community development process—flaws that frustrate professionals like us, anger citizens, and leave residents perpetually unhappy. We know there is a better way forward.

We began our careers separately in the late 20th century, and fate brought us together in 2005 on a single project. Since then, we’ve collaborated on a wide range of communities. Some of our projects thrived through the Great Recession and remain beloved by residents, while others struggled—teaching us critical lessons about what makes communities succeed or fail.

Though we share a this mission, we’re quite different. Richard is a developer with hundreds of communities built under his leadership. He is an artist, healthy eater, and lifelong resident of his hometown community. Reid is a professor of architecture and landscape architecture with degrees in human health, design and ecology. He is a teacher, plant lover, and has moved around a lot. Together, we balance creativity, economics, and analysis, while valuing wellness, our families, and meaningful place-making.

Our shared motivation is simple: to challenge others and ourselves to create better neighborhoods where people feel connected, supported, and truly at home. With Complace Consulting, we’re able to assist you directly in community ideation and management—via an approach that prioritizes human happiness as much as market success.   

This photo is us investigating a Dutch community for its bicycling infrastructure - Reid (front) and Richard (back). Yes, its was fun and informative! Trying something is the best way to learn.