Meet Ipswich firm KLH Architects’ newest directors after decade-long succession plan

An Ipswich firm’s three new directors have vowed to help young architects follow in their footsteps as they step into their roles.

Stuart Edgar, Ben Moore and Will Ludkin have been named directors at KLH Architects.

Stuart and Ben began their careers at KLH as apprentices and their ascension forms part of a decade-long succession plan.

They now want to help the next generation get a foothold in the industry by providing opportunities for youngsters.

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.”

Will said KLH had always been a firm that invested heavily into staff.

This included opportunities with training and beyond.

“I want to carry that on and show our junior team members just how special this place is,” he said.

“We are the sum of our parts – and we're so lucky to have a great team behind us.”

KLH Architects was founded in 1988.

Some of its most recent projects include the new community diagnostic centre at Newmarket Hospital and the Health and Wellbeing Building at the University of Suffolk.

Ben has spent his entire career with KLH and expressed his excitement for the future.

He said: “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.”