A delegation from the UKAA attended Apartmentalize 2022 – an exhibition organised by the NAA (National Apartment Association of USA). Taking place in San Diego, the event offered the opportunity to explore community styles and apartment designs from key players in the US market – including HG Fenton, Greystar and Fairfield Residential.
Hosted by Roomservice by CORT, a hugely successful study tour enabled the UKAA delegation to gain an understanding of properties in the San Diego area, including a solar-powered community offering net zero living, homes in the city’s newly developed Bay Park area, high-end homes for cosmopolitan living, a joint public/private partnership development and a single-family development.
“The study tour was great and a real eye opener. I don’t think the UK is behind the US in terms of the amenity facilities we saw – certainly the leisure elements are common across the UK – but it was the service that their residents receive that really stood out. It was also really interesting hearing from the building managers about their day-to-day priorities and how their teams are structured, along with how they manage the building by subcontracting almost all of the services out to specialists.”
Rob Clarke, Director, Motive8
Delegates found the networking opportunities offered by the study tour and the Apartmentalize event particularly useful. Attending as a smaller group, the structure promoted the opportunity to build deeper connections. The style and the scope of the exhibition – which differed significantly from the UK approach to such events – delivered a range of learning points that will filter through to future UKAA events and those of its members.
The trip to California wasn’t complete without a spot of fun in the sunshine. From meeting ‘Maverick’ aboard the USS Midway to rooftop drinks in the sun, there was plenty to keep the group entertained in between property visits, networking and events. Between the study tour and the Apartmentalize event, the UKAA team is now bursting with ideas to share with the Build to Rent sector in the UK.
“It’s been a privilege to attend the NAA Apartmentalize in San Diego on behalf of the UKAA. We’ve gathered great Build to Rent content ideas and exhibition learnings to bring back to the UK. It’s been a very worthwhile trip.”
Lesley Roberts, President, UKAA
The UKAA is a global alliance member of the NAA, which represents over 82,000 members with over 10 million rental units globally.
