‘Designing for PBSA’ Design Insider in conversation with Jasper Sanders.
In this interview, Jasper Sanders, Founder and Director of Jasper Sanders + Partners, offers an insightful look into the evolution of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and how it continues to shape opportunities for interior designers.
With the sector’s growth driven by rising student expectations and shifting social habits, Jasper discusses how his studio’s design philosophy addresses the changing needs of students while balancing the operational demands of commercial residential projects.
One of the key themes is the transformation of student lifestyles. Jasper reflects on how the introduction of tuition fees turned students into more discerning consumers, raising expectations for quality accommodation. Meanwhile, social habits have shifted from a culture of drinking towards wellbeing, fitness, and self-improvement.
Designing spaces that support these new behaviours, whether it’s hydration stations instead of drinks fridges, or well-planned study zones, has become central to JS+P’s approach.
He also highlights a recurring challenge in PBSA design: working within architectural frameworks that often neglect the internal flow of spaces. Too often, amenity areas are planned as isolated rooms rather than interconnected environments. His studio works to overcome this by using glazing, sightlines, and careful spatial choreography to create seamless, engaging student experiences.
Sustainability is another key focal point. While environmental accreditations are typically pursued at the architectural level, Jasper explains that sustainability in interior design is often self-directed. His team scrutinises material choices to minimise carbon impact, despite the lack of standardised environmental data. He calls for clearer, industry-wide labelling to make sustainable choices more transparent for designers.
Looking ahead, Jasper notes a shift towards refurbishment projects as new-build development slows. For his studio, this presents an exciting opportunity to deliver meaningful, human-centred design interventions that improve how existing spaces work for students.
Read the full article in Design Insider
