Sonder (NASDAQ: SOND)

Alix McAlinden

Alix McAlinden is the Director of Real Estate – UK and Ireland at Sonder, a leading global brand of premium, design-forward apartments and intimate boutique hotels serving the modern traveler. McAlinden is a multidisciplined real estate professional with extensive experience across various industry sectors. He is renowned for his accomplishments in all stages of the property investment, development and management cycle, from acquisition and deal structuring to disposal. McAlinden has an excellent track record of identifying opportunities and delivering significant returns through planning gain, change of use, refurbishment, leasing and asset management.

Building a Career at the Forefront of Real Estate

I’ve been working in the property industry across the UK and Ireland for 17 years, with experience in residential investment, development & hospitality. I have been with Sonder for the last 4 years, serving as a Director of Real Estate for the UK and Ireland.

My primary focus is identifying new opportunities to expand our market presence, sourcing properties, negotiating leases and ensuring the successful delivery of projects. Currently, we manage close to 700 live units in the UK and Ireland, with additional properties in the pipeline set for completion over the next few years.

Tackling Regulatory Shifts and Market Volatility

Regulations have become significantly more stringent, making the pursuit of planning consents that align precisely with our operating model a critical requirement. Compliance with regulations is vital to the continued operation of our properties and mutually beneficial partnerships with landlords and investors.

Capitalizing on Adaptive Reuse Opportunities

The adaptive reuse of buildings is the single biggest opportunity I see. Cities around the world are adjusting to shifts in how people work, leading to rising office vacancies. Converting underutilized office spaces into hospitalityfocused or mixed-use properties is a logical and efficient solution, particularly in dense urban areas such as London, Chicago & Washington DC, where there is limited amount of land available for new developments.

This approach offers a sustainable alternative to demolition and new construction, aligning with financial constraints and growing ESG standards. Repurposing these buildings revitalizes urban spaces and enhances value when paired with innovative design and strong operational partnerships.

The foundations of successful projects remain the same—finding assets at the right value and maximizing design potential. However, the importance of value engineering at the design stage cannot be overstated. Partnering with skilled architects and planning consultants can make all the difference.

The hospitality sector, traditionally dominated by hotels, is now experiencing rapid growth with the emergence of alternative models such as serviced apartments and extended-stay accommodations. This shift reflects the needs of today’s travelers, including digital nomads who prioritize flexible, amenity-rich environments over conventional hotel offerings and millennials who have started families and want space for multigenerational travel.

Embracing Technology to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Technology has become indispensable. From operational efficiency to customer experience, it touches every aspect of our industry. The real challenge is keeping pace with the evolution. Companies that integrate smart platforms are enhancing consistency and cost management.

AI is making waves by significantly enhancing decision-making and streamlining operations. While AI is not a direct replacement for people, it offers tremendous potential for improvement. Those who embrace these advancements will be well-positioned for long-term success.

The Mantra for Real Estate

Success There’s no substitute for experience. You can’t buy or fasttrack it. Hands-on learning remains essential. I’d recommend gaining a broad understanding of the key real estate disciplines early on.

At the same time, staying curious about technology is vital. The industry is evolving rapidly, and future leaders must understand how innovations like AI and data-driven tools can enhance traditional real estate pillars like acquisitions and asset management. Most importantly, never underestimate the human element.

Real estate, at its core, is about people and relationships. Negotiation, market understanding and human connection are irreplaceable skills. However, it’s just as essential to keep your eyes open to how technology is shaping the industry— ignoring it, in my view, would be a mistake.