Robin Allison earned a degree in architecture at the University of Auckland in 1987 and had her own practise in sustainable architecture for many years, while raising two sons as a solo-mother. In 1995 she initiated the project to develop Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood. As the Development Coordinator she was intimately involved in the entire development and construction phase from 1999 to 2008. Earthsong remains her home, and she now writes, teaches and consults around New Zealand to inspire and support thriving connected communities. Her workshops and seminars on cohousing have been a catalyst over the last six years for groups all over New Zealand, from Whangarei to Dunedin and New Plymouth to Hawkes Bay, to start working on their own projects.