RIBA, re-imagining 66 Portland Place
CLIENT ADVISER
Sarah Williams
2017 – 2019
CLIENT
RIBA
SERVICES PROVIDED
– Progress meetings with the RIBA steering group
– Online survey for all members, focus groups
– One to one conversations with staff members
– Workshop facilitation for members and stakeholders
– Development of briefing material for next stage of project
– Development of a programme and procurement
– Development of competition route
– Production of a strategic brief and presentations to council
Challenges
Why was a Client Adviser required?
RIBA commissioned a client adviser to assist with the strategic review of options for the future of its headquarters, a beautiful Grade 2 * landmark building in central London. The client adviser was required to develop the stage 0 brief in consultation with RIBA members from around the world, The British Architectural Trust Board, the venue, operations and exhibitions teams, Westminster City Council, Howard De Walden estate, external partners such as the BBC and many other stakeholder groups.
A number of issues and challenges needed to be understood and reviewed such as access, member facilities, exhibition, dining and catering and fundamental issues of how the building could accommodate future needs and requirements.
Outcomes
What value was created
Sarah was able to achieve overwhelming support for the four key themes and areas of focus that were developed during the briefing process. A consistent set of messages and requirements were created and signed off by the council of circa 60 architects, for what was a complex and potentially contentious project. The piece of work was delivered on time and within budget with the backing of staff, RIBA members and the wider stakeholder groups.
The four key outcomes that formed the basis of the strategic brief were: A cultural hub with display and venue for excellence in architecture, a learning hub encouraging participation and collaboration across the ages and diverse groups of people, a working hub as a place to meet, connect and socialise and a home for members and a broadcast hub networked to all the regions, rolling out events, exhibitions and activities. These proposals were welcomed by Council.
Additional work was undertaken to input into feasibility studies reviewing the existing building. This included detailed survey work on the building infrastructure, such as the mechanical and electrical systems, some of which is near end of life, in order to get some overview of costs. Sarah was retained for this piece of work to offer independent and impartial advice and offer consistency from the briefing stages as the project progresses.
Testimonials
“‘I had the great pleasure of working alongside Sarah for many months at the RIBA, whilst in my role of President. A very knowledgeable working architect, Sarah had been selected in 2015 to be the Client Adviser for a long term project instigated by RIBA Council, to assess the future opportunities for use of its HQ at 66 Portland Place.
Her calm and reassuring demeanour and cohesive and considerate leadership was truly a masterclass in advising clients. She managed to keep not only the committee members and staff aligned, but also in her frequent reports to Council (the 60 architect strong policy head of the RIBA) gained a significant reputation for the logic of her approach and subsequent work.”
