Coliving / Purpose Built Shared Living
A better way to share
Purpose-built shared living (PBSL), often called co-living, combines private, self-contained studios with generous shared spaces and a professionally managed community.
Done well, it gives people a well-designed, sociable and flexible alternative to the traditional flat-share — and gives operators and investors a durable, high-performing asset.
An operational living specialism
Shared living is an operational asset: its success depends as much on how it is run as on how it looks. Our team’s experience across later living, build to rent and co-living means we design from the operator’s point of view — how residents arrive, meet, cook, work and relax, and how staff manage, clean and service the building every day.
We work closely with operators from the earliest stages, so that the brand, the management model and the building are designed together.
View this project →Getting the balance right
The best shared living schemes find the right balance between privacy and community. We focus on:
Efficient, well-planned studios that feel generous
Shared kitchens, lounges and workspaces in the right size and places
A clear sequence from private, to shared, to public space
Active ground floors that bring life to the street
Back-of-house and servicing that work for the operator
Flexibility as resident needs and the market change
Planning and policy
Shared living is closely scrutinised in planning. In London, large-scale schemes must meet Policy H16 of the London Plan and the Mayor’s guidance on space, amenity and management.
We design to those standards from the outset and set out clearly how a scheme will be managed, giving planning authorities the confidence they need and reducing risk for our clients.
Let's discuss your next opportunity
Whether you're reviewing a potential acquisition, preparing a planning strategy or looking for an architectural partner for your next development, we'd be pleased to discuss how we can help.
We believe successful developments begin with confident decisions — and we're here to help you make them.
