SPACE Architects Welcome Leah Charlton and Matthew Turnbull to the Team

SPACE Architects are thrilled to announce that Leah Charlton and Matthew Turnbull have joined the team. Their experience and enthusiasm make them a wonderful addition to the SPACE family.

Leah Charlton, who has been a qualified architect since 2017, has worked across a range of sectors, including hotels, student accommodation, extra care, colleges, and private and mass residential. She played a key role in the conversion of the old Co-op building on Percy Street in the city centre, and her favourite project to date was the Motel One Hotel on High Bridge Street, which involved combining three existing buildings with a new build element to create a 220-bed hotel. Speaking about the project, Leah said,"Whilst stripping the existing building, we found some amazing original features that we were able to incorporate into the design, the most prominent being the original arched entrance."

Leah was attracted to SPACE Architects because of our use of BIM and Revit in our projects, and she is looking forward to developing her knowledge of Revit with the help of the team. Leah further stated,"SPACE's approach to Architecture and the Environment, and the practice's commitment to reducing climate change through the way we design and use spaces, recognising how we as Architects can make an impact, really resonates with me."

Leah continued, "Being local, I have always been aware of SPACE and their team-oriented and collaborative approach within the practice, as well as the family values that guide the company. I am thrilled to be part of the team and look forward to working closely with everyone here."

In her spare time, Leah enjoys HIIT training, weight lifting, and baking. She also loves being out in the garden attempting to grow her own veggies and roses, alongside a cup of tea and her two-year-old daughter, who can often be seen running through everything she has just planted.

Matthew Turnbull, who also joins the team, brings experience from a range of projects spanning retail, commercial, civic, cultural, and predominantly residential sectors. His strength lies in analysing project briefs to deliver designs that exceed client expectations. A notable recent project of his was the successful delivery of a bespoke housing development at Lambton Estates in County Durham, which included bespoke Arts and Crafts details reimagined to meet current building standards. Building on this achievement, Matthew designed a £10 million retail, leisure, and community hub for Lambton Estates, which is set to commence construction later this year.

In addition to his professional endeavours, Matthew has actively participated in various design competitions, receiving regional, national, and international recognition. Additionally, his upbringing alongside his father and skilled craftspeople on various developments has afforded him invaluable insights into the intricate tectonics of architecture and construction. One of these projects, working with his father, received the Durham County Council Conservation Award.

Matthew was attracted to SPACE Architects by our strong commitment to sustainability and our contemporary approach to design, particularly our integration of technology. He is excited to explore how technology can streamline workflows and enhance building efficiency while contributing to our commitment to impacting people's lives, places, and the planet. Matthew said,"The focus on efficiency resonates with SPACE's dedication to sustainability, which intrigues me. Since joining, I've been particularly impressed by our "Thinking Thursdays" presentations, and I look forward to delving deeper into the innovative initiatives of SPACE in my new role."

"At SPACE Architects, my primary goal is to use my expertise and skills to advance the company's overarching mission. I am committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and innovation, aiming to deliver projects that not only exceed client expectations but also establish new benchmarks for environmental responsibility."

Originally from County Durham, Matthew enjoys cooking, exploring different cultures through art and travel, and keeping up with futuristic or progressive art installations in his spare time.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to both Leah and Matthew and look forward to seeing all the great things they will contribute and work on within the team. Their fresh perspectives will be a great asset to us as we work towards achieving our shared goals.