Sarah started her role at DLUHC in November 2021. She is an architect, urban designer and project manager with over 25 years’ experience helping public and private sector clients deliver residential projects from masterplans to individual homes. 

Sarah has worked on projects from site finding stage to construction and post-occupation, working closely with design and construction teams as well as having involvement in large scale housing programmes and research and development into construction methods.

Prior to her current position, Sarah worked for nine years as development manager and then managing director at Solidspace, an independent architect-led developer bringing its unique split-level arrangement to spaces and volumes within each home.  

Before this Sarah worked in local government as housing lead for an Ecotown in Hampshire – delivering the programmes’ early win projects.  For over seven years at CABE, Sarah was head or urban design and homes, where she helped to embed design quality tools and processes in large scale government programmes such as the Thames Gateway and housing growth areas.  Sarah started her career as an architect working for eight years in private practices.

Sarah has contributed to design review panels for Hackney Council and the Design Council, supported a local community to prepare a neighbourhood plan and has provided her design expertise supporting two community-led housing funding programmes managed by the National Community Land Trust Network and the social investor CAF Venturesome.

Sarah Allan, Head of Architecture said:

“I am thrilled to have been appointed as DLUHC’s new Head of Architecture, and I’m excited to continue the department’s work to ensure high-quality design in housing and placemaking.

“Having worked for 25 years as an architect, urban designer and project manager in both the public and private sectors, I look forward to using my experience to support the work across central government to deliver beautiful homes and places that are fit for the future, prioritise the government’s net zero ambitions and level up the country.”

Joanna Averley, Chief Planner said:

“We are delighted that Sarah has joined DLUHC as Head of Architecture. She has a strong record as a client, adviser and architect that will contribute to the department’s work to deliver design quality in the built environment.

“Her appointment comes at a time when we continue to strengthen the commitment to delivering beautiful, sustainable and well-designed homes and neighbourhoods.”