Recent Promotions at SPACE: Rebecca Eltringham, Joe Shaw, Liam Clerkin, Rob Gibson, and Leah Charlton.

At SPACE, we believe that the strength of our practice lies in the people who shape it. Over the summer, we’ve celebrated five colleagues who have each advanced into new roles within the practice.

Joe Shaw and Rebecca Eltringham step into new roles as Associate Architectural Technologists, while Leah Charlton and Liam Clerkin take on positions as Senior Architects. Rob Gibson has also been promoted to Associate Architect. Each promotion honours the contribution these individuals have made to our practice and the advanced expertise they bring to projects.

Joe Shaw has been part of SPACE for nearly 11 years, once balancing full-time work with his studies at Northumbria University. In that time, he has guided projects from feasibility through to construction for a range of leading industry clients. Joe is particularly focused on making design development and workflows more efficient, always looking for ways to enhance the quality of output across the practice. As part of the Technical Group, he also plays a key role in supporting and developing the wider team.

Rebecca Eltringham and Joe Shaw of SPACE Architects stand in front of a balcony with surrounding plants. Rebecca laughs with her hand in front of her face.

"This promotion is a proud milestone in my journey with SPACE. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to deliver projects that push me to think smarter and more creatively, supported by a team that values innovation and efficiency. I’m excited to play my part in shaping what comes next for the practice.”

Joe Shaw
SPACE Architects

Rebecca Eltringham has been working for SPACE Architects since 2016, joining shortly after graduating from Northumbria University. Some of the first projects she worked on for SPACE included the Isle of Wight Schools, where she was assigned as Project Lead for Carisbrooke College. Since then, Rebecca has focused on retail and housing, building a reputation for her technical precision and collaborative approach. She now leads projects for one of the UK’s largest Housebuilders, producing detailed drawing packs, technical design solutions, and complex Revit models.

Image of Rebecca - she has long curled orange hair and is wearing a striped top

“I’m thrilled to have been promoted to Associate Architectural Technologist, and I’m continually grateful for the opportunities SPACE has afforded me during nearly 10 years of working for the company. I look forward to continuing to grow and develop both as a professional and individual in the years ahead.”

Rebecca Eltringham, SPACE Architects

Liam Clerkin poses for the camera. He as glasses, a beard and is wearing a dark burgundy top. There are plants in the background.

Liam Clerkin joined SPACE Architects six years ago, after completing his Part II studies at Northumbria University. Supported by the practice throughout his Part III, he qualified as an Architect in October 2022. Liam has a particular interest in the adaptive reuse of existing and historic buildings. Since joining SPACE, he has contributed to projects such as the Farrell Centre and Hull Central Fire Station, describing this type of work as “the projects I’ve always wanted to be part of.”

“I’m really happy to be promoted to Senior Architect as it marks a new stage in my career. I would like to thank SPACE, especially Chris Holmes, for the guidance and encouragement that have helped me reach this point. I’m looking forward to taking on greater responsibility and to the opportunities this next stage will bring.”

Liam Clerkin
SPACE Architects

Leah Charlton joined SPACE Architects just over a year ago and has already contributed to a series of ambitious and rewarding projects. She has taken on the delivery of Woodlands Academy and Thorp Academy, strengthening her expertise and making a valuable impact along the way.

“After an enriching and very productive first year, I’m proud to be promoted to Senior Architect. I’m eager to embrace the responsibilities of this new role and to continue working alongside such a talented and knowledgeable team.”

Leah Charlton, SPACE Architects

Rob Gibson and Leah Charlton pose for the camera smiling. Leah is wearing a white top and pink cardigan while Rob is wearing a sandy coloured jacket.

Rob Gibson joined SPACE Architects in 2019 as a Part II Architectural Assistant, moving up the ranks as a Project and Senior Architect. He has been responsible for leading the design and delivery of large-scale public-sector projects, specialising in the Education Sector. In recent years, Robert has been project lead on schemes including Belle Vue, Woodham Academy and Woodlands Academy. Alongside many other successful bids, he was involved in the submission of Durham Academy and, most recently, Thornhill Academy, which has just achieved planning.

“My time at SPACE has been incredibly rewarding, with recent years dedicated to the education sector. I’ve had the privilege of working day-to-day alongside a passionate team, constantly exploring innovate ideas and forward-thinking solutions to enhance the way we design and deliver educational environments. I’m grateful that my contributions have been recognised. Supporting the Education team and leading on Thornhill is a great next chapter, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the project develops over the coming months.”

Rob Gibson, SPACE Architects

These promotions reflect the hard work and dedication that members of our team have shown. A promotion is a celebratory milestone in anyone’s career, and we congratulate Joe, Rebecca, Liam, Leah and Rob on theirs.