Our Principles

MicroLife specializes in developing “Pocket Neighborhoods”. We believe there is room for homes that come in all shapes and sizes, that meet the needs of all kinds of people in a way that creates complete neighborhoods, reduces carbon footprints, brings our communities together, allows people to age in place with dignity, and adds critical missing middle housing stock to the market.

Naturally Affordable Development

Right-sized Homes and efficient, sustainable Design.
'Gentle' Density at Neighborhood Scale

Shared use of land and infrastructure at a scale that fits into local context
Increased Sense of Community

Encouraging walkability and human interaction. Less reliance on cars.
Increase Diversity of Housing Options.

Filling in the ‘missing middle’ between single family homes and multifamily development.

Our Team

Will Johnston

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A trailblazer in the realm of missing middle housing, the Founder and Executive Director of the MicroLife Institute. In the past decade, his astute leadership has created pivotal policy reforms and fostering widespread acceptance of missing middle structures across the Southeastern region.
Sara Beresford

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & PROGRAMMING
Sara is an urban planner with a background in non-profit program development. She is passionate about building better housing and creating more livable and sustainable places. She focuses on program management and engaging with partners on site design and entitlements.
Devin Vermeulen

DIRECTOR OF DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
With a background in Architecture and a career enabling start-up growth at WeWork and Getaway House, Devin is focused on strategy and driving our projects forward while innovating on our product through great experience and efficient use of capital.

Our Board of Directors

Jennifer Fine

INVEST ATLANTA

Cayla Pucket

DAVINCI DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATIVE

Thurman Williams

EXECUTIVE PROFESSIONAL- FORMER COCA-COLA

Nicolia Robinson

COOPER CARRY ARCHITECTURE

Charles Slick

SOURCE CAPITAL

Rita Tene Ellison

T. DALLAS SMITH AND COMPANY

Ryan Burrell

DIAKIN COMFORT

WORK WITH US!

Our Commitment to Equity & Inclusivity

Equal Opportunities in Homeownership

Our naturally-affordable cottages sell well below average home prices, even without subsidy. This increases access to homeownership for people who may otherwise be stuck in a multi-generational cycle of renting. Our buyers can build equity in their homes and invest in the future of their families for generations to come.

Improving Access to In-Demand Neighborhoods

Our more efficient use of land and the lower costs of constructing small cottages introduces naturally affordable homes in existing desirable neighborhoods. People who have been prevented – through policies or pricing – from living in the neighborhood of their dreams have an opportunity to purchase a home there.

Preventing Disruption & Displacement

Atlanta has numerous neighborhoods experiencing pressure from growth and development. Existing homeowners and residents are often displaced – and communities are fractured – by rising property taxes and a strong incentive to sell their homes. Adding new naturally affordable housing creates options to remain in their communities and share in the success of their growth.

Strengthening Communities

MicroLife developments are built to encourage a sense of community and collaboration between residents. Residents of pocket neighborhoods know and support each other. People with similar cultural backgrounds can build stronger ties, and people from different cultures, household composition, and ages can build stronger ties through shared experiences and central amenities.