Why I Do This.

I started this because I look at the world my young adult children are entering, and I see the struggle. The old ladder of homeownership is broken. I believe the solution isn't just about cheaper houses; it's about living differently. I love the concept of the family compound—not just as a building, but as a safety net.

I've also watched too many families agonizing over their elders. "Where will Mom live?" shouldn't be a question answered by a brochure for an institution. I am a massive fan of the "Golden Girls" model. Whether it's aging parents or best friends growing old together, I believe we are meant to age in community, not in isolation.

Community, village, and family are the heart of everything.

But you can't build a village on good intentions alone. You need a plan for the zoning, the money, and the difficult conversations.

That's why SharedRootsCo exists. We aren't just consultants. We're guides through the messy middle. We ask the hard questions about money and conflict before you pour the foundation, so your relationships survive the build.

If you're dreaming of shared living and feel overwhelmed by the "how," let's talk. I'd love to help you build a life that brings your people closer.

Ready to talk about your project?

What 15+ Projects Have Taught Us

The groups that succeed talk money first.

They talk about finances before they talk about floor plans. They know each household's borrowing power and monthly budget before looking at land. Transparency about money early on builds the trust needed for construction later.

Friendship isn't a governance structure.

The single biggest predictor of project failure is relying on "we're all friends" to solve problems. Friendship is great, but it's not a legal structure. You need written agreements on how to make decisions when you disagree.

The question nobody expects: "How do we break up?"

It's uncomfortable, but we always ask: "What happens if one of you gets divorced or needs to move for work?" Designing your legal agreement for the worst-case scenario protects the relationships in the best-case scenario.

Privacy makes connection possible.

Shared living isn't about being together 24/7. It's about selective togetherness. The most sustainable projects prioritize soundproofing and "retreat zones" just as highly as the shared kitchen.

Patience is the currency of community.

Building a village takes 2-4 years. It's a marathon. The groups that make it are the ones who treat the process itself as community building, utilizing the waiting time to deepen their bonds.

Expertise You Can Trust

Building a shared life requires a diverse set of skills. While Sonya leads every project, SharedRootsCo collaborates with a network of specialists to cover every angle.

Elena Rossi

Lead Architect & Design Partner

Elena specializes in adaptive reuse and multi-generational zoning. She finds the hidden potential in existing properties that others miss.

James Sterling

Legal Counsel (Partner)

A specialist in real estate joint ventures and co-ownership agreements. James ensures your handshake deal is legally bulletproof.

Sarah Jenkins

Community Governance Coach

Sarah helps groups establish decision-making frameworks before they move in, preventing conflict before it starts.