Services

RIBA Client Adviser

The traditional role of the architect is changing, especially with integrated Design and Build routes. It’s important to strengthen the client team with independent expert advisers from the earliest stages to maintain the quality, value, sustainability and lifecycle of a project.

What is a RIBA Client Adviser?

RIBA Client Advisers are highly experienced architects but not the ones designing the building. They provide client teams with clear, impartial advice and help to manage the design process.

Client advisers are selected by the RIBA for their all-round procurement expertise, design experience, business knowledge and track-record of delivering high-quality results in construction projects.

The UK Government recommends the early appointment of an independent client adviser to provide high level expert advice and to help protect the client’s interests.

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Meet our accredited RIBA Client Advisers.

Project experience

Project

Role

Year

Client

Caerphilly Placemaking Plan 2035

RIBA Client Adviser

2022

Caerphilly County Borough Council

Cora provided strategic RIBA Client Adviser support for an ambitious, wide-reaching regeneration programme shaping Caerphilly’s future based on their Placemaking Plan. The Council was coordinating multiple complex projects, including a new transport interchange, market, housing, leisure quarter, public realm improvements and enhancements to the Grade I listed Castle environment, each being developed by different design teams including some by Stride Treglown.Cora supported brief setting across the programme, advised on how to maximise value across the different projects, and helped setting the quality standard for various design teams to ensure individual projects contributed to the overarching placemaking vision.

Cora’s ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans is invaluable. She provided insightful guidance and strategic advice, which significantly contributed to the project’s direction and success. Her professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail were evident throughout the process.

Paul Seaver, Urban Designer, Stride Treglown

Skills & Simulation Suite and Learning & Science Centre

Advisory role under architectural remit

2023

London Metropolitan University

As Project Director and Technical Advisor, Cora oversaw the delivery of a flexible SKA Silver teaching facility for health-related courses and a series of strategic interventions optimising 16,360sqm of existing buildings.

Stride Treglown worked with us to achieve what we needed for our students, and along the way our own vision was expanded by the thoughtful and practical use of the space to create more than we thought was possible!

Dr Julie MacLaren, Head of Nursing, School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University

Bristol Business School, UWE Bristol

Advisory role under architectural remit

2015-2016

University of the West of England

Stride Treglown served as Lead Designer and Technical Client Adviser during the construction phase of this 17,000sqm academic building. We ensured design intent was maintained through delivery and provided expert guidance on construction-phase challenges for this £39m investment.

The team at Stride Treglown played a major role in exploring and assembling the brief and proposing well-designed inspiring spaces and finally delivering a building of great quality which at the same time is good value and fit for purpose

Robin Holloway, Deputy Masterplan Director

Campus Park, University of Plymouth

RIBA Client Adviser

2024

University of Plymouth

Cora provided RIBA Client Adviser support from inception to RIBA Stage 3 for this significant campus development. She helped to establish a clear project brief through a methodical approach, engaging diverse stakeholders and facilitating workshops to ensure all voices were heard—considering all issues from broader placemaking principles to detailed technical design matters.Working with AECOM, Cora led the design team selection process on the architectural side, supporting the University through key early decisions to secure the right team and establish a solid foundation for delivery.

Cora Kwiatkowski's expertise and methodical approach helped us create a robust brief and navigate the challenges of the Campus Park project. She supported us through some key early decisions and helped us get the right team on board. We found her to be completely impartial and always focused on what would deliver the best outcomes for the University.

Trevor Wills, Director of Estates, University of Plymouth

The National Archives, Kew

RIBA Client Adviser

2023

The National Archives

North East Quadrant, University of Southampton

Advisory role under architectural remit

2024-2027

Kier / University of Southampton

Initially Stride Treglown was engaged by contractor Kier in 2024 to provide peer review services for this £123m state-of-the-art teaching and learning building.The team around Cora and her locally based colleague Tony Russell was then appointed as Technical Adviser to the University of Southampton (2025-2027), supporting the client team and ensuring independent oversight throughout project delivery.

Land Economy & School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge

Advisory role under architectural remit

Ongoing

University of Cambridge

Stride Treglown is providing strategic option reviews for alternative accommodation for Land Economy and the School of Biological Sciences in the context of the University’s new ‘Reshaping Our Estate’ strategy.The work involves evaluating alternative locations and space optimisation opportunities across various existing buildings, providing medium and long-term strategic options. Cora and the team are also providing Technical Adviser services for interventions at the Austin, Balfour and Cockcroft Buildings, which involves office space and aquatics facilities.