How I Came to Design HMOs (And Why I Still Love It)
[2 Min Read ]
You might be wondering how I ended up specialising in designing HMOs. After all, when most people think of architecture, they imagine glossy magazines and high-end homes — not necessarily co-living properties. But let me tell you, there’s a lot more to HMO design than meets the eye.
The Early Days
Before I launched Portfolio Architects, I’d always worked on residential projects. I’ve long been passionate about creating homes that not only look beautiful but are functional, practical, and easy to live in. I’ve always loved optimising layouts — finding clever ways to make spaces work harder and smarter.
My first own HMO
Rewind to 2017 — the same year I quit my architect job to launch Portfolio Architects — I also began my first personal investment project: a 5-bed HMO in Reading. I converted a tired, derelict terrace house into a Scandinavian-inspired co-living space. It was the perfect blend of my passions: design, development, and delivering value through great architecture.
I always knew I didn’t want to just be an architect — I wanted to use my skills as a property developer too. That first project lit the spark, and I haven’t looked back since.
The Instagram Effect
When I first started Portfolio Architects, much of our work was with homeowners. But over time, something interesting happened.
In 2016–2017, I started my own Instagram account (@emmaspropertydiaries) to share the journey of one of my personal projects — a back-to-brick HMO conversion. I wasn’t trying to build a brand or win clients. I was simply sharing what I loved: redesigning unloved spaces into homes people genuinely enjoy.
That one HMO renovation caught people’s attention. Suddenly, I was being contacted by other property investors — they wanted help designing their own HMOs. And just like that, things began to shift.
We have now designed 585+ HMO bedrooms across the UK
A New Direction
What started as a side project organically snowballed into a new business direction. Today, Portfolio Architects exclusively works with design-led property investors. We no longer take on homeowner projects. Our entire service has evolved to serve the unique needs of property investors.
Why I Love HMO Design
Here’s something you might not know about me: I’m a self-confessed floorplan geek. I love spatial problem-solving — especially when it comes to HMOs. These projects are floor-space intensive, and layouts need to work incredibly hard. Bedrooms must feel spacious yet practical. Storage is key. And communal areas need to look great, feel comfortable, and function well for multiple people at once. It’s a design challenge I genuinely enjoy.
Another thing I love? Working with repeat clients. Unlike homeowners who might renovate once or twice in their lifetime, property investors come back again and again. Many of our clients are now on their 3rd, 4th, or even 7th project with us.
Over 75% of our work comes from repeat business or referrals.