Founding director of award-winning Ipswich architects steps down after 37 years

Why it matters: Keeble is the last remaining founding director of what has become one of the region's most significant architecture firms, responsible for numerous high-profile projects across Suffolk.

The big picture: What began as a three-person operation founded by Keeble and friends Graham Lambert and Alan Howard has transformed into a multi-award-winning practice working across numerous sectors.

What they're saying: "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," Keeble said.

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

By the numbers: KLH has evolved significantly since its founding 37 years ago:

• Started as a 3-person team in 1988

• Now supported by many dedicated employees

• Has expanded from domestic projects to major regional developments

The details: Under Keeble's leadership, KLH has worked on high-profile regional projects including the Digi-Tech Centre at Adastral Park and the Two Rivers medical facility in Ipswich.

"It's very different from the work we started out with," Keeble added. "It was mostly domestic work like extensions and newbuilds back then. Now we're working in numerous sectors, taking on complex and exciting projects."

When pressed to name a favourite project, Keeble mentioned a winery he enjoyed designing, "especially the research that came with it!"

What's next: Keeble has been gradually reducing his involvement over the past four years as part of a planned transition.

"I'll be moving to a trustee role, so will still be around – I'll be doing much more managerial work rather than practice," he said.

"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 bottom line: After fulfilling the architectural dreams he first developed as a 16-year-old, when he picked up a careers booklet that he still has to this day, Keeble leaves KLH's day-to-day operations with the firm "in great hands".