The Crown Estate – Regional Placemaking Framework

Client: The Crown Estate
Role: RIBA Client Adviser and Competitions Adviser

S. Williams Architects were appointed by The Crown Estate as their RIBA Client Adviser to support the delivery of a forward-thinking placemaking framework for their regional portfolio.

The Crown Estate is a £14 billion UK real estate business, with a diverse and influential portfolio that spans some of Central London’s most iconic places to work, shop and visit, as well as leading retail and leisure destinations across the country and significant offshore wind holdings. Committed to the public good, all profits are returned to the Treasury—amounting to £2.7 billion over the past decade.

Outside of London, The Crown Estate manages a £2.4 billion portfolio that draws over 100 million visitors each year. Their long-term vision is underpinned by a commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, and climate resilience, with ambitious aspirations for 2030 and beyond.

In support of this vision, The Crown Estate sought to review and strengthen their approach to placemaking—preparing for the evolving needs of communities and the built environment over the next 10 to 30 years. Working closely with The Crown Estate team and fellow professionals, Sarah Williams played a key role in shaping the strategic direction and delivery of this placemaking ambition.

Her involvement began with developing a detailed brief in collaboration with the senior leadership team. She then led a carefully curated invited competition to appoint leading urban designers and architects, followed by the procurement of the design team. Throughout, Sarah worked hand-in-hand with The Crown Estate’s placemaking and development teams to co-create a robust strategic framework for the public realm.

By fostering a spirit of collaboration and maintaining a clear focus on long-term impact, Sarah helped embed a design-led approach that will guide the delivery of vibrant, resilient, and welcoming places for years to come.