About Vaere Social

Vaere Social is a strategic advisory practice focused on embedding social foresight, equity, and resilience into the way we plan, invest in, and govern places.

We work with governments, infrastructure agencies, and multidisciplinary design-led teams across Australia to shape socially sustainable cities, equitable systems, and community outcomes that endure.

Our name, Vaere (pronounced VAIR), is drawn from the Norwegian word to be — reflecting our commitment to presence, purpose, and people. It also echoes velvære, meaning wellbeing — a guiding principle in all we do.

Our approach

At Vaere Social, better places start with better questions - and clearer thinking.

We combine strategic insight, social research, and systems thinking to make the human dimensions of planning visible, valued, and actionable. Our work spans infrastructure, urban strategy, and public policy — helping clients embed social value, equity, and lived experience from vision through to delivery.

With over 20 years’ experience in planning, policy, and climate-informed strategy, we offer clarity and depth to complex, people-centred projects. When needed, we collaborate with trusted specialists to deliver integrated, multidisciplinary advice.

Our mission

We help decision-makers put people first — in ways that are strategic, evidence-based, and built to last.

Whether supporting a major infrastructure investment, informing climate policy, or reviewing inclusive design for a public space, we offer insight that strengthens decisions and delivers long-term public value.

Our goal is not just to influence projects — but to reshape how social outcomes are defined, measured, and embedded into the systems that shape our cities.