Paul Williams

Paul Williams OBE is a Visiting Professor of Architecture at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Manchester School of Architecture. He is a founding director of Stanton Williams, renowned for projects like the Museum of London (Smithfield), Zayed Centre for Research, and the Albukhary Gallery of the Islamic World. His work emphasizes user-centric design, heritage sensitivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Education: BA (Hons) from Birmingham College of Art and Design (1974), Fulbright grant at Yale (1978). Professional Qualifications: OBE (2014), RDI (2005), FRSA, RIBA.

Research interests include adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, sustainable design, and the interplay between art and architecture. Projects often integrate cultural narratives with functional innovation, such as the Millennium Seed Bank and Stevenage Life Science Quarter.

Awards include the Stirling Prize (2012), RIBA Awards, and Europa Nostra Award. He advises institutions like the Heritage Lottery Fund and chairs panels at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Key projects span museums, cultural institutions, and residential/hospitality spaces, emphasizing sustainability and public engagement. The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre exemplifies his legacy-oriented, flexible design philosophy.