Our HMO architects turn residential properties into efficient, compliant, and desirable shared homes.
Our experienced HMO architects and technicians can take care of the your HMO development journey from start to finish. Landlords and investors are now converting their properties into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) to maximise their return on investment, boost the value of their properties and rental incomes. As HMO architects we specialise in HMO conversions for students and young professional. We have a track record of producing many successful projects for holiday lets, B&B accommodation, high-end HMO and large sui generis HMO.
We deal with all HMO planning permissions and building regulations application as well as contractor selection and also site visits during construction if required. We’ll assess how you can achieve the maximum number of HMO rooms, increase room sizes and provide high standards of multi-let accommodation with en-suite facilities
HMO conversion planning rules can be complicated and contradictory. New HMO regulations are launched daily stipulating new sets of requirements but we have the skills and expertise to guide you throughout. Our designs incorporate the best use of space to provide you with the maximum number of brand-new HMOs for individual rentals. Our planning and design concept will ensure that each room feels spacious, bright and appealing to future tenants.
So whether you’d like to convert your family home into a premium HMO for students or young professionals or plan to build large, high-end sui generis HMOs, we’ll help you generate significant ROI. Our proven approach to HMO conversions will help you avoid complications and monitor your building costs. Working collaboratively with your team of contractors, we’ll plan, develop and build your HMO with minimal stress to complete your project on time and on budget.
We’re straight-talking, approachable people who will listen first and guide you on your design and build journey.
Explore some of our amazing bespoke architectural designs.
Heritage
This East London project involved the conversion of a derelict listed mews house into an amazing three-storey property.
The works required construction of a new second floor, new windows and doors, extensive façade works, new chimneys and a full renovation throughout.
Residential
A contemporary extension and loft conversion elevate this terraced home.
The design draws on a range of materials, featuring a balanced mixture of metal, timber and concrete textured finishes.
The biggest issue with 2d plans and 3d images is that our clients struggle to understand the designs concept and when you are paying thousands of pounds on a building project this is not good enough. We use virtual reality as part of the design process to show you options and allow you to walk around the proposals as if you would in real life. You get a sense of how the completed building will feel and the sense of space.
We aim to create HMO buildings which offer high quality space for our client’s tenants. HMO is not what it used to be and now there is an expectation for good facilities and sociable areas. We respond to market trends and the requirements of our clients.
Find answers to common questions about our architectural services and how we can assist you.
This depends on the size of the HMO and whether your area has an Article 4 Direction. Small HMOs (3–6 people): Usually fall under Class C4. In many areas, you can convert from a standard house (C3) to a C4 HMO using "Permitted Development" rights without full planning permission. However, many local councils have "Article 4 Directions" which remove these rights, meaning any conversion requires a full planning application. Large HMOs (7+ people): These are classed as Sui Generis and always require full planning permission.
Beyond national rules, every council has its own "Amenity Standards" document. An architect must design specifically for these, which cover: minimum room standards for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas as well as external space.
HMOs are higher-risk properties and must comply with Building Regulations Part B. An architect should include for fire doors. Usually FD30-rated doors with self-closers on all "protected routes" (hallways and bedroom doors). Alarm Systems: A Grade D, LD2 system (mains-powered, interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms and heat detectors in kitchens). Egress Windows: Ensuring ground and first-floor bedrooms have windows large enough for emergency escape.
This is a major concern because the UK government is tightening Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards. For HMOs, which are naturally high-energy usage properties, this is more than just a "green" goal—it's a legal requirement to trade. The Target: Most rental properties are now being pushed toward a minimum EPC rating of C. If your property is currently a D or E, an architect must integrate "fabric first" solutions into the conversion plans.
This is about Space Optimisation. An experienced HMO architect will look for dead Space: Converting large hallways or oversized landings into en-suites or storage. Re-configuring Layouts: Moving non-load-bearing walls to ensure every room hits the minimum sqm threshold without wasting space. En-suites: Adding "pods" to rooms to increase rental value, provided the remaining bedroom floor area still meets the minimum licensing standard.
