Disrupting industry norms, Scape has become known for curating world-class living and learning environments for students. With stylish rooms and creative spaces, we provide a sanctuary that nurtures and shapes the minds of our future leaders. At Scape, residents have everything they need to feel safe, calm and at home while also feeling challenged, clued up and plugged in.

Our purpose

We believe that the home for our future leaders needs to be more than just a comfy bed. Sheltering them with rooms and buildings designed precisely for what they need and helping these brilliant minds take shape by introducing them to new cities, cultures, ideas and possibilities.
Student studying in her room

Shelter

At university, students will be doing some of the most important work of their lives. The place that they live needs to support them and make sure they feel safe, calm and at home. With that taken care of, they can produce incredible work, every day.
Students taking a healthy cooking lesson

Shape

It’s also important that students feel challenged. We’ll introduce them to new eye-opening ideas. Make sure they’re clued up and plugged in to their new city and community. And give them that little bit of guidance that will make a big difference throughout university, and beyond.

Scape in Australia

Scape launched in Australia in 2014 and has since become the biggest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) owner and operator.

Scape is home to over 17,000 residents in 35 buildings across Australia’s four key educational precincts – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide – as well as 10 buildings in planning and development, which will bring the portfolio to 22,000 beds by the end of 2024.

Scape employs more than 700 people and is the largest investor in Australia’s higher education sector, with $6 billion (AUD) in capital committed since 2018.

Awards and Recognition

2024

Winner – Best Places To Work 2024

The Australian

Scape Australia

Winner – Best Student Accommodation Development

Property Guru Asia Property Awards

Scape Victoria Street

 

2023

Winner – Best Student Accommodation Development

PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards

Scape Redfern

Recognised as an Inclusive Employer 2023 – 2024

Diversity Council Australia

Scape Australia

2022

Finalist

Business and Community International student Awards

Scape TLC Program

 


Recognition for outstanding design & innovation

The Australian Good Design Awards

Col James Student Accomodation project in collaboration with Turner Studio, Deicorp & Aboriginal Housing Company

 


Winner – Excellence in Facility & Development

Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association Awards

Scape Franklin, Victoria

 


Winner – Excellence in Marketing & Communications Corporate

Asia-Pacific Student Accommodation Association Awards

TikTok Cook-Up Campaign

 


Winner – Social & Community Infrastructure and Urban Renewal

UIDA Awards for excellence

Scape Redfern

 

2021

Winner – Urban Renewal Development

Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards 2021

Scape Redfern as part of the Pemulwuy Project

 

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Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is purpose-built and purpose-driven. We have people, the planet and a deep sense of purpose at our core. You can read all about our ESG efforts.
Sustainability at Scape

Meet the team

Volleyball King. Dad.

Craig Carracher AM,
Co-Founder and Executive Chairman

Craig co-founded Scape Australia in 2013. After a partnership at Minter Ellison Legal, he became General Counsel of Consolidated Press Holdings. Craig then made the move to the investment world, first as CEO of Arctic Capital and then as co-founder of Telopea Capital Partners. After seeing the importance and potential of student living, Craig took on the role of Executive Chairman at PAD Student Living, co-founding Scape Australia soon after. Craig was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022 for his services to Volleyball.
Exec-team-
Craig co-founded Scape Australia in 2013. After a partnership at Minter Ellison Legal, he became General Counsel of Consolidated Press Holdings. Craig then made the move to the investment world, first as CEO of Arctic Capital and then as co-founder of Telopea Capital Partners. After seeing the importance and potential of student living, Craig took on the role of Executive Chairman at PAD Student Living, co-founding Scape Australia soon after. Craig was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022 for his services to Volleyball.

Rugby League Fanatic. Aspiring Grill Master. Father of Two.

Stephen Gaitanos,
Co-Founder and Managing Director

Stephen co-founded Scape Australia in 2013. He built up his expertise in investment banking and real estate investing with positions at Macquarie Bank, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley before co-founding Telopea Capital Partners. He moved into the world of student accommodation as a non-executive director of PAD Student Living before co-founding Scape Australia soon after.
Exec-team-1
Stephen co-founded Scape Australia in 2013. He built up his expertise in investment banking and real estate investing with positions at Macquarie Bank, Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley before co-founding Telopea Capital Partners. He moved into the world of student accommodation as a non-executive director of PAD Student Living before co-founding Scape Australia soon after.

Sneaker Enthusiast. Mother of Three.

Anouk
Darling, CEO

Anouk is renowned as a disruptive thinker, strategically conceptual and highly creative. She has a global outlook and commercial creativity that has seen her transform brands and companies in luxury retail and publishing. Think Louis Vuitton, Conde Nast and Oroton Group. Anouk was the CEO and later Chairperson of creative agency, Moon Communications Group and currently sits on numerous Boards imparting her creative genius and strategic thinking. Anouk joined Scape as CEO in 2020 at the highly "unprecedented” time, navigating the company through a global pandemic and advocating for the return of international students to Australia.
Exec-team-2
Anouk is renowned as a disruptive thinker, strategically conceptual and highly creative. She has a global outlook and commercial creativity that has seen her transform brands and companies in luxury retail and publishing. Think Louis Vuitton, Conde Nast and Oroton Group. Anouk was the CEO and later Chairperson of creative agency, Moon Communications Group and currently sits on numerous Boards imparting her creative genius and strategic thinking. Anouk joined Scape as CEO in 2020 at the highly "unprecedented” time, navigating the company through a global pandemic and advocating for the return of international students to Australia.