House of Architecture Programme: 66 Portland Place, London

Client: RIBA
Role: RIBA Client Adviser and Competitions Adviser

Sarah Williams was appointed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 2016 to lead a strategic review of its historic headquarters at 66 Portland Place, London. Following this, she was commissioned as Client Adviser for the wider House of Architecture Programme, an ambitious vision initiated by former RIBA President, Simon Allford.

Originally opened in 1934, 66 Portland Place is a distinguished Grade II* listed building that stands as an architectural landmark in central London. With its rich heritage and significance to the architectural community, the building now presents a rare, once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a bold, unified, and future-facing vision for the next 80 years. This transformation is being shaped collaboratively through extensive consultation with RIBA staff, the public, industry professionals, and a wide range of stakeholders.

Building on initial briefing work and feasibility studies completed since 2016, Sarah played a key role in managing the RIBA international design competition to select the architectural team for this transformative project. A full design team is now progressing through the RIBA work stages with construction anticipated for 2027–2028.

The project’s primary areas of focus includes the complete renewal of outdated infrastructure, such as mechanical and electrical systems, ensuring alignment with RIBA’s 2030 climate targets, enhancing accessibility through new lifts and reconfigured circulation cores, and upgrading the fire strategy. Additional priorities involve reinstating staff within the building and creating a more open, inclusive, and engaging environment for members, staff, and visitors alike.

Working within a carefully managed budget, Sarah has collaborated closely with the client and design team to deliver both an exemplary process and a high-quality project. Every aspect of the remodelling and refurbishment has been approached with great sensitivity to the building’s historic character, ensuring the thoughtful restoration and preservation of its Grade II* listed fabric.

As acting client lead during RIBA Stages 0–3, Sarah worked closely with the Project Sponsor, Property Committee, Board Chair, SRO/CEO, and the Executive Team. Her responsibilities included appointing specialist consultants, preparing operational briefs, inputting into a robust business case, financial strategy and cost plan, establishing governance structures, exploring procurement pathways, reviewing the design as it progressed and ensuring decisions were made by the Board and various committees in collaboration with the project sponsor.

This programme represents a bold and inspiring step into the future for RIBA, redefining how architecture is celebrated, learned, and shared.