A Creative Mind with a Strategic Perspective

Since joining SPACE in 2022, Sara Townley has spearheaded the practice’s brand and creative direction, infusing the role with her distinctive vision and leadership. With a background in Fine Art, she brings a creative edge, seamlessly blending artistry with strategy. As head of the in-house marketing team, she collaborates on website rebrands and unique campaigns, ensuring much of the practice’s output is designed and delivered internally. Sara’s detailed and considered approach mirrors the discipline of architecture itself, uniting creativity and precision throughout her work.

Sara captures the essence of SPACE as it unfolds, regularly visiting sites to photograph, film and speak with those who inhabit the buildings. She distils architectural and sustainability thinking into compelling visual and written narratives, while also playing a central role in delivering the practice’s events, including the annual _shift conference and the year-long @70 programme celebrating SPACE’s 70th anniversary.

Based in Northern Ireland, Sara works remotely while remaining closely connected to the Newcastle studio, frequently travelling to spend time with the team and immerse herself in the practice's energy. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga and pilates as a way to reset, and spends much of her time with family, her other half, and their dog, Rupert. For Sara, she believes in giving equal visibility to the people behind the projects as to the buildings themselves.