A little bit more about us...
The Arctic exploration commenced in January 2003 with the registration of Arctic Associates Ltd. The company is now fully established and growing as a practice with lots of help from our associated partners within the building design profession.
As specialists in regenerating tired buildings and as an architectural practice with our lead architect Russell Trudgen, accredited in conserving heritage properties, we enjoy the opportunities to bring new life to listed and historic buildings as well as designing for the new. Both aspects keep us sharp as we apply our knowledge to both commercial and domestic buildings. Within the office, we encourage our staff to utilise their transferable skills between both types.
Igloo Interiors has become a vital part of the Arctic journey, designing commercial interiors for public spaces and adding a few well-earned awards to the practice on the way.
Meet the team
Russell
Trudgen
Architect Director
Russell is a qualified architect and founding Director of Arctic Associates with over 30 years of experience working with developers, community groups and individual clients throughout the north of England. He is an accredited conservation architect (AABC) with experience working on listed buildings. He was the former Membership Secretary and President of the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association.
The title ‘architect’ is protected – you can verify Russell’s registered status here.
Charlotte
Trudgen
Design Director
Charlotte is the owner and Design Director of our sister company acou.space, which designs and produces acoustic solutions and products for working spaces. The company grew out of Charlotte’s experiences as a weave designer of innovative woven fabrics and the founder of award-winning Igloo Interiors. Today, she works alongside and advises designers and specifiers to create fabulous interior designs.
Karen
Lakin
Secretary
Karen’s role and gifting are keeping the team here at Arctic in check! As the company’s secretary, Karen has been with us from day one and has seen the business grow. Karen has many years of experience in the construction sector. She loves learning new skills and finding interesting information for our projects identifying relevant details whilst motivating us all on.
Dora
Aidoo
Architectural Assistant
Dora is a Part III architectural assistant with 15 years’ experience in the commercial and residential sectors in both Bedfordshire and West Yorkshire. Dora’s more recent experience has been in the conservation and restoration of historic churches and the regeneration of high street buildings across West Yorkshire. She brings her experience in space planning and detailing buildings to the design team.
Eraj
Khorasani
Marketing Assistant
Ambitious and driven, with a creative problem-solving passion for media and marketing, Eraj plays a crucial role in developing and implementing effective strategies to promote our brand and engage our target audience. Outside of his professional life, Eraj is an accomplished violinist who finds solace and inspiration in playing the violin, honing his musical skills, and expressing himself through music.
Carl
Elliott
Architectural Assistant
Carl is a Part III architectural assistant and graphic designer with 5 years of experience in the commercial and residential sectors in both Merseyside and West Yorkshire. Carl’s more recent experience has been working as an architectural assistant in the conservation and regeneration of historic churches in Leeds, Bradford and York. He brings his experience in space-planning and modelling to every project.
Gemma Trudgen
Creative Designer
Meet Gemma, our talented Creative Designer who has followed her passion for design from fashion manufacturing and production to consulting for our sister company, acou.space, in 2019. With years of experience creating garments for prestigious brands like Burberry, Gemma now collaborates with our Creative Director, Charlotte, to design acoustic solutions and provide expert advice to designers and specifiers for stunning interior designs.
Affiliates & accreditations within Arctic Associates
Arctic Associates And Igloo Interiors
Award Winning Architects And Interior Designers
Architectural Awards
Commendation Leeds Architectural Awards 2017 - 92 Kirkgate, Leeds - The Wapentake
Commendation King of Prussia Award - All Saints Featherstone
Interior design Awards
Shortlisted - FX Interior Design Awards International - Public Sector 2017/18
Shortlisted - FX Interior Design Award International - Public Space Scheme 2017/18
Finalist - Northern Interior Design Awards - Commercial Interior Design Project 2017/18
Award Winner - United Kingdom Property Awards - Public Service Interior NW 2017/18
Women in Build Award 2016/17
Highly Commended - United Kingdom Property Awards - Public Service Interior NW 2015/16
Highly Commended - United Kingdom property Awards - Public Service Interior SE 2014/15
