Clore Learning Centre, London

Client: RIBA
Role: RIBA Competitions Adviser

Sarah Williams was appointed to support the RIBA in delivering a feasibility study for a new Clore Learning Centre within its Grade II* listed headquarters in central London. Following this, Sarah led and chaired a formal RIBA design competition to appoint the architectural team responsible for developing and delivering the final scheme.

The Clore Duffield Foundation has been a champion of cultural leadership and learning for over 50 years. At the core of its mission is a deep belief that active learning is essential to a thriving cultural organisation—shaping how programmes are created and delivered across institutions.

At 66 Portland Place, the existing education spaces had become insufficient to meet growing demand and were no longer fit for purpose. The spaces could not accommodate the increasing variety and scale of learning programmes RIBA sought to deliver.

RIBA successfully secured funding from the Clore Duffield Foundation to transform its educational offer. The aim was to reimagine and enhance several spaces within the building, creating a vibrant, hands-on learning environment that could support learners of all ages.

Sarah oversaw the entire competition process and chaired the final selection panel, which—after thoughtful deliberation—awarded the project to Hayhurst and Co.

The result is a dynamic and inspiring new learning studio, enhanced external terrace, dedicated study space, and the thoughtful integration of exhibition and wayfinding elements throughout the building. The transformation has not only elevated RIBA’s educational offer but has also become one of the Clore Foundation’s most celebrated learning environments.

“Sarah has been an absolute pleasure to work with on the Clore Learning Centre project. Her knowledge and experience as an architect and client advisor shine through in every way. She really listened to the project team, understood what we hoped to achieve with our project and helped us articulate that at different stages of the process and to different audiences. We valued her advice and are very happy with the end result”

Elizabeth Grant , Head of Learning, RIBA