Chatting with Paul Milner and Scott Savin, the badass founders of ALT STUDIOS, about Starting a practice during a pandemic, Designing a huge mixed-use scheme in Northern Ireland, and Mentoring the next generation through CANDID.
Updates from Newcastle: Alternative Creative Spaces Unveiled
How and when did you set up Alt Studios?Paul Milner: ALT STUDIOS was hatched during the pandemic. Back then, clients were assessing their assets and taking advantage of opportunities that emerged amidst all the chaos. We built the practice around the idea that architecture isn't just about the final product, but also about the process. It's about experimentation, purpose, and balance.Scott Savin: We set our sights on crossing disciplines – architecture, interiors, urban design, and development – all while cultivating a studio culture that values research, strategy, and collaboration. Our early gigs spanned feasibility studies, complex site appraisals, often for private commercial clients, who have since morphed into long-term partners.Paul Milner: Today, the studio is tight-knit. We're tackling projects across the UK, from London to the Lake District, Yorkshire to the West Highlands. Our largest ongoing commission is in Northern Ireland where we're leading a 36-unit apartment residential scheme and a commercial block on a 29-acre mixed-use development at an old barracks.Scott Savin: As ALT STUDIOS evolves, we're expanding our network of collaborators and refining our approach. We're always questioning, always testing, always pushing beyond what's conventional to uncover smarter, meaningful solutions.*
What's the size of the practice currently?Scott Savin: Currently, there are four of us. We came together in the second year of establishing ALT STUDIOS. Since the beginning, our focus has been on nurturing a core group, growing together with shared ambition and purpose.Paul Milner: We cultivate an environment where each team member is empowered to develop their skills, perfect their craft, and contribute their best work. Our team is naturally curious, blending diverse skills and perspectives. We're all focused on challenging the status quo and using design to drive bold, meaningful change.*
What cool shit about being based in Newcastle?Paul Milner: Turns out having a base in Newcastle has been pretty ace. In the early days, most of our work was outside the North East, but as our profile grew, we started landing projects in our hometown.Scott Savin: We've recently formed a long-term relationship with a prominent landowner in Northumberland and are partnering with some high-profile developers in Newcastle's city center – both are exciting developments and show how our practice is expanding. The city's proximity to diverse landscapes means we can swiftly engage with opportunities across Scotland, Yorkshire, and the North West. Plus, Newcastle's excellent airport connections are crucial when working on projects in other parts of the UK and in Europe.*
So, what's our first project to complete?Scott Savin: Our first completed project will be the giant Ebrington Gardens in Northern Ireland.*
Tell me more about this Ebrington project?Scott Savin: Last year, we secured planning approval for a 40-unit residential scheme within the historic Ebrington barracks site in Derry/Londonderry. The plan includes two apartment blocks offering one and two-bedroom apartments, each boasting generous layouts that exceed Northern Ireland's housing standards. The project also includes a commercial and workplace building, acting as a gateway to the masterplan's main entrance and an active frontage to Schoolhouse Lane.Paul Milner: The commercial site, originally deemed undevelopable due to road realignments, required an unconventional response. Our analysis unlocked its potential, allowing us to design flexible workspaces that respond to both historical constraints and contemporary needs. Together, the residential and commercial schemes bring a forward-thinking design approach to Ebrington's evolving civic quarter.*
Is there anything else in the works?Scott Savin: We have a bunch of exciting projects, some still active, others not. It's the nature of the beast. Some don't make it to site, but every one taught us something valuable.*
External influences on your work?Scott Savin: Absolutely. They'll always be there, shaping our work. In the beginning, we never imagined our portfolio would veer in this direction. We initially lined up a series of small, quirky hospitality fit-outs, but then the first lockdown hit, and those never materialized.Paul Milner: Despite the twists, we stayed true to our ethical compass. Ebrington, which we now expect to break ground soon, marks a milestone for us.Scott Savin: The most valuable lesson from this project has been patience. Momentum has been intermittent, and sometimes, that's out of our control. But sticking to our principles, even when the road wasn't smooth, has been rewarding.*
How do you balance creativity with commercial viability, particularly with private commercial clients or lay clients?Paul Milner: Honesty is the key. We begin by understanding what each client needs and face key challenges with transparency. We work together to set realistic expectations, creating designs that are both imaginative and financially viable.Scott Savin: Commercial viability doesn't mean compromising creativity. Instead, it's about crafting designs that respond to clients' aspirations and the market's realities.*
What about being architect-developers and acquiring property at auction?Scott Savin: Business plans often don't account for the unpredictability of reality, and property acquisition happened sooner than expected.Paul Milner: We've built a strong network of contacts and mentors within the property sector, which helps us explore and prepare for the right opportunities when they arise.Scott Savin: We've dabbled in potential joint venture opportunities, with a land deal lined up last year after six months of negotiations. Unfortunately, it didn't come together, but the group remains interested.*
What have you learned from exploring non-traditional income streams, and what advice would you offer to other small practices considering a similar route?Paul Milner: Be open to possibilities. Initially, we wanted to do everything ourselves, but we soon realized the importance of connections to unlock more worthwhile opportunities.Scott Savin: Set clear boundaries. Diversifying income streams can be enticing, but maintaining the integrity of your practice is crucial.Paul Milner: Adaptability is vital. The landscape for non-traditional income streams is always evolving, so you must be flexible and constantly reassess.*
Talk to me about CANDID.Paul Milner: CANDID started as a response to the pandemic lockdown that separated students and practitioners. It wasn't about giving lectures or networking. Instead, it was about stripping things back, creating space for honest conversations between students and practitioners.Scott Savin: Each session is candid, informal, but intentional. We support students with resume and portfolio reviews, design critiques, and career advice, fostering agency, encouraging them to challenge conventions and carve their own path.Paul Milner: We've mentored over 300 students, watching many secure roles, launch projects, and bring fresh thinking into the profession. It's a reminder that architecture isn't just about buildings – it's about people.*
You guys think there's a gap between architectural education and practice, and how are you trying to bridge it?Paul Milner: The disconnect between education and practice has been a hot talking point for 20-30 years. The issue isn't one-sided. Educators may not always address the realities of practice, but too many architects overlook the core principles of design, critical analysis, mapping, and theory taught in academia.Scott Savin: We know the jump from university to practice can be daunting, which is why CANDID is about more than career advice. It's about agency.Paul Milner: As individuals, we should take ownership of our career progression, seeking challenges, taking responsibility, and sometimes, being thrown in at the deep end. Some skills can only be learned through experience.Scott Savin: Ultimately, the challenge is to take back control of the conversation. To do so, we must find solutions that redefine the balance between education and practice.
- ALT STUDIOS, started during the pandemic, focuses on crossing disciplines, including architecture, interiors, urban design, and development, while cultivating a studio culture that values research, strategy, and collaboration.
- The studio's largest ongoing commission is in Northern Ireland, where they are leading a 36-unit apartment residential scheme and a commercial block on a 29-acre mixed-use development at an old barracks.
- The practice's first completed project will be the Ebrington Gardens in Northern Ireland, which includes two apartment blocks, one and two-bedroom apartments, and a commercial and workplace building.
- To bridge the gap between architectural education and practice, ALT STUDIOS initiated CANDID, a platform for honest conversations between students and practitioners, offering resume and portfolio reviews, design critiques, and career advice.
