An Architect woman with long blonde hair working at a desk, surrounded by a laptop, books, and papers, in a room with white paneled walls and a framed picture.

About

Portfolio Architects is a design led architectural practice dedicated exclusively to design led property investors and landowners. We help our clients unlock the full potential of their sites through smart, efficient, and value-driven design.

Our mission is simple to design properties that not only achieve strong rents and GDVs but also create homes people genuinely want to live in which boosting tenant retention and reducing voids to support long-term property portfolio performance.

Founded in 2017 by RIBA Chartered Architect Emma Smith, Portfolio Architects was built around the specific needs of property investors and landowners. With over a decade of experience and as a property investor and landlord herself, Emma brings a unique dual perspective to every project.

We understand development from both sides: not just planning and design, but strategy, risk management, exit planning, ROI, and cost effective value adds. We have also built up significant experience in more ‘niche’ projects for Architects such as HMO conversions.

We are proud to be part of many design led investors power teams across the country.

A young woman with long blonde hair wearing a beige turtleneck sweater and black pants, sitting barefoot on a wooden chair with a green cushion in a cozy living room. There are pictures on the wall, a stack of firewood, a black fireplace, and a small wooden table.

Founder & Director

Emma Smith BA(Hons) MArch P.Dip ARB RIBA

Emma Smith is an RIBA Chartered Architect and her love for design and property began early, having grown up on a building site while her parents built the family home in the Midlands.

She studied Architecture at the University of Liverpool (BA & MArch) and completed her Professional Practice Diploma with distinction at the University of Westminster. Before founding her own practice, Emma worked on high-end residential projects in London with PDP London, TFF Architects, and BHB Architects in the Midlands.

Emma specialises in transforming unloved, derelict buildings into high quality homes through intelligent space planning and design. Alongside client work, she also develops her own projects, including BTLs, HMOs, and flips, and is currently converting a derelict barn into her next home.

Outside of architecture and property, Emma is a mum of 1 who enjoys countryside living, going to the gym, spinning, padel and spending time with her son, friends and family.

Awards:
• National Property Awards 2025, Architect’s Practice of the Year - Finalist
• RIBA Journal's 'Rising Stars 2019' long list for entrepreneurial development and architecture.
• RIBA Silver President's medal nomination
• Sir Charles Reilly Medal for best thesis project, UoL

ARB Registration No: 087749B
RIBA Chartered Architect No: 20000344