A multi-award-winning Ipswich architecture practice has entered a new chapter in its history after promoting three employees to its new-look board following a decade-long succession plan.
The three new Directors at KLH Architects share more than 40 years experience at the business, with two – Stuart Edgar and Ben Moore – having joined the firm as apprentices.
Together with Will Ludkin, the three had previously served as Associate Directors and now join long-term Directors Bryan Wybrow and Tom Bryce in leading the practice following the retirement of founder Robert Keeble earlier this year.
Their appointments come after a decade-long succession strategy, reflecting the firm’s commitment to a steady and stable evolution through developing talent from within.
Stuart said: “I’m thrilled for us all, having taken this journey together makes the moment feel even more special.
“It feels like a natural progression, that we have always been given the support to develop ourselves professionally and take on more responsibilities.
“It’s never felt like we’ve had to chase it – and that trust has always been placed in us.”
The three new Directors all said they want to help the next generation follow in their footsteps at KLH – providing opportunities and pathways for young architects to pursue their careers in specialist areas.
Will said: “KLH has always been a business that invests heavily into staff, giving people new and exciting opportunities throughout their training and beyond.
“I want to carry that on and show our junior team members just how special this place is.
“We are the sum of our parts – and we’re so lucky to have a great team behind us.”
Ben added: “I joined the company as a 17-year-old apprentice and have grown with the business since then. It’s the only job I’ve ever had, really, and I love it.
“There were only eight or nine of us back then, now there’s more than 40 – but we still retain that close-knit family feel.
“I don’t foresee too much changing, in honesty as we’re doing so well. But I’m really looking forward to the future.”
Founded in 1988, KLH has worked on countless projects across Suffolk and beyond – with recent projects including the new state-of-the-art community diagnostic centre at Newmarket Hospital and the Health and Wellbeing Building at the University of Suffolk.
Bryan Wybrow, said he is proud of the trio’s evolution.
He added: “Our practice’s leadership transition reaffirms our dedication to sustaining a strong, cohesive team while embracing our future with confidence.”
More information on KLH Architects can be found at www.klharchitects.co.uk.