David Lawver On Client-Centered Development: How to Align Real Estate Projects with Community Needs

In the realm of real estate development, the traditional model has often been driven by profit, with decisions made primarily to maximize return on investment for stakeholders. David Lawver explains that as communities become more engaged, informed, and vocal about their needs and expectations, a new paradigm has emerged—one that centers the community, rather than just the capital. This client-centered development model integrates ethical practices and sustainable growth strategies, ensuring that real estate projects contribute positively to neighborhood revitalization while remaining economically viable.

David Lawver, investor, explains that this shift doesn’t come without challenges, but the long-term rewards—ranging from enhanced community trust to increased project sustainability—make it a compelling approach for developers seeking to future-proof their investments. Below, David Lawver explores how developers can effectively align real estate projects with community needs through a client-centered lens, creating a win-win scenario for residents and investors alike.

Redefining the “Client” in Development

In conventional real estate development, the “client” is typically viewed as the investor or financial backer. David Lawver, founder of Turnkey Ventures, understands that in a client-centered development framework, the community becomes a primary client. The people who live, work, and play in a given area are the ones most affected by new developments. As such, their input, needs, and well-being must be central to every decision.

David Lawver explains that this redefinition doesn’t negate the role of investors; rather, it broadens the definition of success. Developers must now ask: Does this project enhance the lives of those who live nearby? Will it address the needs of underserved populations? Does it contribute to long-term community resilience?

Community Engagement as a Cornerstone

Authentic and sustained community engagement is at the heart of client-centered development. Gone are the days when a single town hall meeting was sufficient community input. Instead, David Lawver emphasizes that engagement must be:

• Proactive: Engaging with the community during the planning phase—not after plans have been drawn up—is essential. This helps build trust and allows concerns to be addressed before they become points of contention.
• Inclusive: Community input should come from a diverse cross-section of residents, including renters, homeowners, business owners, youth, seniors, and marginalized groups. Developers should provide materials in multiple languages, offer child care at meetings, and hold events at varied times to ensure broad participation.
• Iterative: Engagement should be ongoing, with community members kept informed and involved at every stage of the development process. This iterative dialogue ensures that evolving concerns and priorities are continuously integrated into the project.

By making the community a true partner, developers not only gain valuable insight into local needs but also reduce the likelihood of project delays caused by opposition or legal battles.

Balancing Profit and Purpose

One of the most significant challenges in client-centered development is balancing profitability with social impact. David Lawver explains that these two goals are not mutually exclusive. In fact, projects that incorporate social good can often see long-term financial benefits due to increased community support, reduced turnover, and stronger market demand.

Strategies for balance include:

• Mixed-use and mixed-income developments: By incorporating a blend of residential, commercial, and community spaces—and ensuring that housing is accessible to various income levels—developers can create vibrant, economically diverse neighborhoods that serve broader populations.
• Public-private partnerships: Collaborating with local governments and nonprofit organizations can unlock funding opportunities, tax incentives, and other resources that make socially impactful developments financially feasible.
• Phased development: Spreading a project over multiple phases allows for more responsive development that adapts to community feedback and shifting market conditions.
• Value-based metrics: Beyond ROI, developers can track metrics such as community satisfaction, walkability, environmental sustainability, and local employment generation to gauge a project’s success more holistically.

Integrating Design with Local Identity

Design plays a pivotal role in how a community experiences development. Client-centered projects should be deeply informed by the culture, history, and identity of the neighborhoods they inhabit. David Lawver shares that this means engaging local artists, architects, and historians to ensure the built environment reflects local values and heritage.

Elements such as green spaces, public art installations, and community gathering areas can transform a development from an impersonal project into a celebrated neighborhood landmark. Additionally, incorporating sustainable building practices and climate-resilient infrastructure can signal a developer’s commitment to long-term community health.

Long-Term Stewardship and Responsibility

Client-centered development doesn’t end when construction wraps up. Developers must be willing to take on the role of long-term stewards, ensuring their projects continue to serve the community and adapt to changing needs.

This may involve:

• Partnering with local nonprofits to offer ongoing programming in public spaces.
• Establishing resident councils to manage communal areas and provide feedback.
• Providing ongoing maintenance and support to prevent disrepair or neglect.
• Monitoring displacement and implementing anti-gentrification measures to protect existing residents.

David Lawver emphasizes that by remaining invested in the outcomes of their projects, developers can foster goodwill, generate positive PR, and create enduring value for both the community and investors.

Case Studies: Real-World Successes

Several cities across the United States are already embracing client-centered development practices. In Atlanta, for example, the redevelopment of the BeltLine—a former railway corridor turned multi-use trail—was deeply rooted in community engagement and inclusivity. The project included affordable housing commitments, public art, and job creation programs, all driven by community feedback.

In Portland, Oregon, the Jade District initiative brought together local residents, small businesses, and developers to revitalize a historically underinvested neighborhood while preserving its cultural integrity. The result was a series of projects that strengthened community bonds and improved economic outcomes without triggering widespread displacement.

The Future is People-Centered

David Lawver, founder of Turnkey Ventures, understands that as the social and economic landscape evolves, the most successful real estate developers will be those who embrace the full complexity of community needs. Client-centered development is not a passing trend—it is a reimagining of what ethical, profitable, and sustainable real estate can look like.

David Lawver emphasizes that by anchoring projects in genuine community engagement, inclusive design, and long-term social responsibility, developers can build not just properties, but legacies. The balance of profitability with positive community impact isn’t just desirable, it’s essential for building thriving, resilient cities for generations to come.