Director of Ipswich firm KLH Architects reflects on his 30 year career as he steps down

The founder of an Ipswich-based architects firm has reflected on his career as he prepares to step down from his role.

Robert Keeble set up KLH Architects in 1988 alongside friends Graham Lambert and Alan Howard.

Now, 37 years later, he bids farewell to his day-to-day position at the firm. He will now become a trustee.

Robert said he had loved every moment of his career.

He said: “It was always the dream. Architecture was something I latched onto in my school years. My family has a background in construction, so I sort of grew up around buildings.

“We had a careers day at school when I was 16 and I picked up a booklet on how to become an architect, and I still have it to this day. I later did my training before we formed KLH in the 80s.

“We never saw this level of growth coming. We never set out with a grand plan – we just wanted to go out there and practice architecture and enjoy our profession.

“Gradually more and more projects came our way and our team grew as we took on more complex work.”

Under his leadership, KLH has worked on a number of major projects, including the Digi-Tech Centre at Adastral Park, in Martlesham, and Two Rivers Medical Centre, in Woodbridge Road East, Ipswich.

However, the firm started life with domestic work such as extensions or new-builds, Robert said.

One highlight from this period was when he designed a winery, with Robert particularly enjoying the research that came with it.

He said he felt being involved in so many iconic and influential projects throughout East Anglia was ‘something to be proud of’.

Looking to the future, he added: “I’ve gradually been winding down over the last four years and we’ve had a transition plan in place.

“I’ll be moving to a trustee role, so will still be around – I’ll be doing much more managerial work rather than practice.

“I’m stepping down from the board as the last full-time founding Director of the business and it feels like a good time to take that next step now.

“The business is in great hands and it is a really exciting time ahead.”