The Founder’s Story: How I Built HMO Designers

In 2019, I made a life-changing decision to quit my job at ADAM Architecture and embark on a journey around the world with a close friend of mine, Dan. Travelling opened my eyes to the importance of independence and growth, both personally and professionally. This newfound perspective led me to realise that returning to a corporate job wasn’t an option. I wanted more control over my career and a way to leverage my skills as an architectural technologist in a more meaningful way.

When I returned to the UK in early 2021, just before the pandemic, I went back to ADAM Architecture, but my mind was already set on something different. During this time, I purchased my first property—12 Rockstone Lane in Southampton—and spent an entire year refurbishing it by myself. This project sparked my passion for restoring period properties while adding a modern touch, something that I continue to bring to my current work at HMO Designers.

Documenting the refurbishment on TikTok and Instagram led to unexpected success. Sharing my process with an engaged audience helped me build a significant following, but I soon realised that social media alone wasn’t a stable source of income. Although I collaborated with major brands like Samsung, I knew I needed to create something sustainable and closer to my core skills—architecture.

If you’re curious to see more of my work, check out my personal Instagram page: @edshomereno.

From Architectural Technologist to HMO Specialist

That’s when I decided to focus on what I knew best: architecture. Together with a friend I had studied with, I founded my first architectural practice. We soon found a niche in House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) design, working with developers who specialised in luxury HMOs. The demand for HMOs was growing rapidly, and we saw an opportunity to bring a level of design quality that was sorely missing in the market.

Many people view HMOs negatively due to their past reputation for poor management and substandard living conditions. At HMO Designers, we aim to change that perception by focusing on high-end, professional living spaces that solve both the housing crisis and the demand for affordable, centrally located homes. Our luxury HMOs elevate shared accommodation to a new standard, providing tenants with beautifully designed spaces that feel like home.

Quitting Corporate to Focus on HMOs

When our architecture business started generating consistent income—around £2,500 per month—I made the tough decision to leave my corporate job and commit full-time to HMO Designers. It wasn’t easy, and it came with its own challenges, but it allowed me to fully dedicate myself to transforming the HMO market.

The first year was busier than I could have ever imagined. My team and I worked on around 47 HMO projects, as well as several private homes. The surge in demand was incredible, but it quickly became apparent that HMOs needed our specialised expertise to meet higher standards. By focusing on quality design and functionality, we’ve been able to help developers create spaces that attract professionals and provide a more comfortable living experience.

Growing the Business and Facing New Challenges

As we expanded, my business partner decided that the journey wasn’t for him, and I bought him out of the company. It was a significant learning experience, but it gave me the freedom to take HMO Designers in the direction I wanted. Our mission remains clear: to become the go-to HMO architecture practice across the UK, providing exceptional design and consultancy for developers looking to create top-tier HMOs.

As we scaled, a new challenge emerged. Each region we worked in had different planning regulations and requirements, making client qualification a time-consuming process. To solve this, I created HMO Checker—a tool designed to quickly assess whether a property is suitable for HMO conversion. This innovation has not only streamlined our internal process but is also helping developers across the country break down the barriers to creating successful HMOs.

The Future of HMO Designers

With HMO Checker having just officially launched, we are ready to scale the business even further. The early feedback has been promising—six users have already sourced HMO properties through the platform. Our goal for 2024 is to grow HMO Designers to handle 120 projects nationally per year, and for HMO Checker to become the go-to tool for developers looking to source and assess properties for HMO conversion.

I am also working on a joint venture to build two new HMO properties. This collaboration combines my expertise in HMO design with my partner’s financial backing, allowing us to scale quickly. We plan to expand to three projects a year, further establishing HMO Designers as a leader in the UK HMO market.

HMO Designers is not just about creating shared homes—it’s about changing the perception of HMOs and raising the standard of affordable living spaces for professionals. Whether you’re a developer looking to convert a property into a high-end HMO or someone who wants to learn more about the process, we’re here to help. Stay tuned as we continue to grow and shape the future of HMO design in the UK.

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