DfE Schools and Colleges Development Projects

Client: Department for Education
Role: Design Adviser, 2013–2021

From 2013 to 2021, Sarah Williams served as a Design Adviser to the Department for Education (DfE), bringing her extensive expertise in the education sector to a wide range of complex school and college development projects across the UK.

In this role, Sarah acted as an expert client, working closely with individual schools, multi-academy trusts, technical advisers, and the DfE throughout the design and delivery process. Her involvement spanned the entire project lifecycle—from early feasibility and business case development to technical delivery and final approvals.

Sarah’s contributions included:

• Supporting the development of strategic and project briefs in close collaboration with schools and trusts.

• Advising on site strategy, educational visioning, and space planning through the creation of robust schedules of accommodation.

• Reviewing and evaluating design proposals to ensure alignment with DfE requirements, best practice, and project objectives.

• Advising on technical compliance, sustainability, and buildability considerations.

• Participating in design gateways, risk assessments, programme reviews, and cost planning exercises.

• Acting as a key liaison, ensuring the needs and aspirations of school communities were embedded in the final designs.

Her approach consistently prioritised quality, value, and the delivery of inspiring, sustainable learning environments—always within the constraints of funding and programme.