Sarah Williams, Grimshaw
Sarah Williams
Principal
Grimshaw

With over 20 years of experience in architecture, specialising in sports and major events Sarah, joined Grimshaw in 2018 after 12 years at Nicholas Hare Architects working across education and commercial sectors. Drawing on her background in competitive team sports, she champions a collaborative approach to design, viewing complex arena projects through the lens of team performance and multidisciplinary expertise. Sarah is an advocate for the ‘365-day stadium’ concept, moving beyond single-use venues to create year-round community hubs that support health, wellness, and social cohesion. She is currently leading the redevelopment of Villa Park in Birmingham and worked on the YTL Arena in Bristol, balancing high-performance requirements with sensitive urban integration and community impact. A dedicated mentor and thought leader, she is helping to shape the evolving standards and social context of arena design.

My Sessions
Design as the mediator: architecture that plays the long game
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