Sarah WILLIAMS
BArch (Hons) DipArch MA(Cambs) RIBA;
As a highly experienced chair, executive director, architect and RIBA Client Adviser, Sarah has extensive client advisory skills in the public and private built environment sectors. An accredited and recognised expert in design, combining both a strategic and detailed understanding of buildings, programmes and development, Sarah is able to translate complex building issues into the language needed for stakeholders, client teams and the boardroom. She works closely with her clients and design teams, championing the design while ensuring clear communications and high levels of performance.
With over 25 years in the built environment sector in the UK and USA, Sarah has held both executive and board positions in private architectural practice and has been a design adviser and expert client for the Department of Education. She is the current chair of the RIBA Steering Group for Client Advisers. Experienced at influencing and advising clients, both public and private, on design development and construction, Sarah understands both her client’s needs and challenges and the requirements of the design and development process.
Sarah is energetic and passionate about achieving the highest quality and best outcomes for her clients, often in challenging situations. With an exceptional background in advising, leading, collaborating, managing and supporting the design and delivery of building projects, her collaborative approach and communication skills support clients in their strategic design leadership of projects and programmes.
Education
University of Cambridge, 1989-1991 (Diploma in Architecture, MA)
University of Cambridge, 1985-1988 (BA (Hons))
Career Roles
Director S Williams Architects, 2013-current;
Board Director, Aedas, London, 2010-2012;
Partner, Aedas, UK, 2002-2012;
Associate Ellis Williams Architects, 1994-1998.
Appointments and awards
Chair of RIBA Steering Group Client Advisers (2020-2022)
Steering Group, Sevenoaks Town Neighbourhood development plan (2018-2021)
Women of the City Award for Built Environment (2011)
Advisory Roles
The Crown Estate, London and the Regions.
Client Adviser to The Crown Estate on their strategic public realm and place making strategies in London and the regional real estate portfolio
RIBA Headquarters, 66 Portland Place, London
Client Advisory Services for the long-term strategic review of the RIBA Grade 2* headquarters in central London.
Station Approach, Winchester City Council
Client Advisory services for mixed-use developments for two key sites in Winchester with masterplan and public realm strategy for the area.
Twickenham Riverside competition, London Borough of Richmond,
RIBA Client Adviser for the competition developing an important transformative mixed-use project on an important stretch of the River Thames.
Bat and Ball Community Centre, Sevenoaks Town Council, Kent
Client Advisory services for the RIBA led design competition for the new Bat and Ball community Centre in Sevenoaks comprising hall spaces and ancillary services.
Station building, Sevenoaks Town Council, Kent
Client adviser for Grade II listed Victorian HLF funded operational station to create additional community space and a cafe.
The Landing, Maidenhead, Ryger Maidenhead
Client Advisory services for the regeneration of a key site in the centre of Maidenhead next to the station comprising 500,000 square foot mixed use scheme included apartments, retail units and offices.
Department of Education Expert Client and Design Adviser
With her significant experience in the school’s sector, Sarah was a Design Adviser for the Department of Education (2013-2019) working on primary, secondary, SEN and All-through schools programmes for central government in London and the SouthEast
Watford Primary School, Berkeley Homes
Client Advisory services for Berkeley Homes for a two-form entry Primary School as part of a wider Residential development in Watford.
Clore learning centre, RIBA 66 Portland Place, London,
Client Advisory services for RIBA for the new Clore learning centre within the Grade 2* iconic building in Central London.
Coitbury House, Winchester City Council,
Client Advisory Services for the refurbishment of this key 11,000 sq. ft office building within the central Winchester regeneration area to create creative co-working space.
Trinity Secondary School, Sevenoaks, Trinity Trust
Client Advisory Services for the development of a new four-form entry secondary school in Sevenoaks within the Greenbelt.
Cafe and Nursery, Highbury Fields, London Borough of Islington
Client Advisory services to select a design team for new café and nursery project in Highbury Fields.