Frustrated by stale, formulaic, short-sighted
practices in land use and real-estate development in the central
New Jersey region, Lise Thompson founded Conservation Development
in 2004 in order to explore alternative methods—new possibilities—for
the planning, construction and use of buildings and communities.
Unlike “conventional” development companies, Conservation
Development attempts in each of its projects to take a regenerative
approach using integrative design tools. Concretely, this means
that Conservation Development goes “beyond sustainability” by
identifying and enhancing the spirit of the communities and places
within and upon which it works.
Because places are complex, understanding them requires a variety
of intellectual and professional tools. Conservation Development
maintains a network of highly competent collaborators who provide
additional expertise and insight when needed. In general, Conservation
Development does not view itself as a discrete actor, but as a
node in a network of knowledge and expertise which encompasses
both local stakeholders and geographically dispersed thought leaders.
Since its inception, Conservation Development has successfully
harnessed its deep local connections and broad expertise in real-estate
development in order to complete a number of projects. The company
has also harnessed its contacts to prepare a number of opportunities for even more powerfully regenerative projects.
Conservation Development represents the continuation of a family
tradition. Lise’s father, Bryce Thompson, is the principal
of Thompson Land Co., one of the largest private land investment
firms in New Jersey. Bryce has been responsible for preserving
some 2,400 acres of land within a twenty-mile radius of Princeton.
Lise’s interest in regenerative development has emerged organically
from and remains deeply rooted in her family’s commitment
to rural New Jersey.
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