Alumno

Alumno has specialised in the design and development of modern accommodation for students since its inception in 2006. The firm has consistently collaborated with universities, colleges, and other key stakeholders to deliver homes for over 9,000 students across various UK cities, including London, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Norwich, and Bristol. Alumno's approach extends beyond merely providing accommodation, focusing on creating high-quality living environments.

The company employs an innovative, thorough, and consultative methodology in its projects, with placemaking serving as a central tenet in its designs. Alumno's developments have contributed to local communities by providing workspaces for graduates and local startups, establishing new public art spaces, and undertaking the restoration of historic buildings. The firm prioritises ensuring that its projects generate benefits for the surrounding local community.

Collaboration is fundamental to Alumno's approach to student housing. The company works closely with its partners to design and develop high-quality, safe, affordable, and sustainable purpose-built homes suitable for living, learning, and leisure. This collaborative effort involves engagement with students, local communities, universities, colleges, and investors. Alumno's success is attributed to forging strong partnerships from the outset, which facilitates a deep understanding of each project and its community, thereby addressing objectives from future demand to operational needs.

Alumno maintains a strong focus on the communities that surround and utilise its buildings, aiming to create developments that integrate seamlessly into their environments and foster a sense of place. Each project is designed to offer a lasting legacy and give back to the community. The company actively involves students throughout the development process to ensure the accommodation meets the high standards and specific needs of its future occupants. Furthermore, Alumno is committed to maintaining unique heritage structures in historical cities, evolving them into modern, usable buildings.

The multidisciplinary team at Alumno possesses diverse knowledge and experience, with a collective passion for design-led architecture and placemaking. The team strives to ensure that Alumno's schemes provide positive additions to the entire community. Despite economic challenges and complex legislation, the company has continued to evolve and grow. Alumno is currently managing five projects across the country, with a mission to create diverse buildings that offer enhanced value to residents and communities, while also exploring opportunities for post-university accommodation to address the need for affordable single-person housing.

Alumno was established in 2006, specialising in the design and development of modern, high-quality accommodation specifically for students. Since its inception, the company has focused on creating purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) that supports positive living and learning environments. Alumno works closely with universities, colleges, and other key stakeholders to deliver these essential homes. The firm has successfully provided accommodation for over 7,000 students across more than 20 projects, reflecting its commitment to the sector.

The company's approach is rooted in a collaborative methodology, engaging with local authorities, educational institutions, and community groups from the outset of each project. This ensures that developments are not only well-integrated into their surroundings but also meet the specific needs of students and the wider community. Alumno prioritises design quality, aiming to create vibrant, safe, and supportive environments that enhance the student experience. This commitment extends to the careful planning and execution of each development.

Alumno places a strong emphasis on regeneration and enhancing local communities through its developments. The firm frequently undertakes projects on complex urban sites, including those involving listed buildings or situated within conservation areas, demonstrating its expertise in sensitive urban renewal. A core aspect of Alumno's strategy involves integrating public art and cultural engagement into its schemes, often collaborating with local artists and cultural organisations. This approach contributes to the unique character of each development and fosters a sense of place.

Sustainability is a fundamental principle guiding Alumno's development process. The company is committed to sustainable design and construction practices, often targeting BREEAM Excellent ratings for its buildings where feasible. This focus ensures that its student accommodation is not only modern and comfortable but also environmentally responsible. Alumno's portfolio spans numerous cities across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Norwich, Brighton, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Durham, and Manchester, showcasing a broad geographical reach and diverse project experience. The company has delivered over £500 million of development value since its founding.

The firm's extensive experience in the PBSA sector allows it to navigate the complexities of urban development while maintaining a focus on student well-being and community benefit. Each project is conceived with a view to long-term positive impact, contributing to the urban fabric and providing essential infrastructure for higher education. This dedication to thoughtful development underscores Alumno's position as a specialist in the student accommodation market.