Studio

We are Staniforth Architects – an award-winning design-led architecture studio.

Founded in 2007, we are a creative team of designers skilled in delivering a design-led and client focused service.

From our studios in Leicester and Market Harborough, we work with clients across a wide range of residential and commercial sectors, throughout the UK including:

• Housing and apartment projects
• Student living
• Later living
• One-off private dwellings
• Mixed use developments
• Large scale refurbishments
• Conservation and listed buildings
• Retail and leisure
• Warehousing and distribution
• Community and education
• Medical and care facilities

Services

Our national client base ranges from large-scale developers to individual self-builds, to whom we offer a full, flexible package of architectural services, from concept design and planning to construction and project completion.

Architectural services we offer include:

• Concept design and brief preparation
• Site appraisals
• Feasibility sketch studies
• Interior design
• Pre-planning applications
• Developed design and planning applications
• Listed building applications
• Technical design and tender drawings
• Building regulation drawings
• Construction drawings
• On-site role and contract administration
• 3D visualisation and marketing material

Team

We pride ourselves on the architectural talent of our team. Our experienced and creative team are well versed in delivering well designed and commercially balanced projects.

**Lee Staniforth**
Managing Director
lee@staniforth.co.uk
Architect
BA(Hons) Dip ARCH RIBA
Lee is the founding director of the practice and offers over 30 years of practical experience to any project, having worked across a broad range of sectors, including residential schemes, conversions, large commercial and industrial projects, car showrooms, business parks and hotels.
With an expert and comprehensive knowledge of the construction industry, Lee is “hands-on” and ensures that the practice maintains its forward-looking philosophy. He brings an extraordinarily fresh and practical approach to any type of project, with a real drive and enthusiasm for navigating the construction industry and seeing client’s schemes come to fruition.

**Ian Palmer**
Director
ian@staniforth.co.uk
Architect
BA(Hons) Dip ARCH PS RIBA
Ian is a highly experienced architect and a central figure in the team. Qualifying in 1997, he studied principally in Leicester, but also in Birmingham and Los Angeles. Ian’s extensive design and on-site job running experience covers a broad range of sectors across the UK, including residential schemes, conversions and restoration, healthcare facilities and large commercial developments. With his extensive, practical background, Ian has a leading design role in the team.
He has an enthusiastic interest in all areas of design, but particularly conservation and restoration of historic buildings. If he’s not drawing buildings, he’s touring around the country looking at them.

**Peter Staniforth**
Director
peter@staniforth.co.uk
Solicitor
(Retired)
Peter specialises in company, commercial and insurance disputes and litigation. Retired from private practice in 2007, preferring to concentrate on the affairs of Staniforth Architects with responsibility for all legal insurance and financial matters.

**Yoyo Duncan**
Studio Manager
yoyo@staniforth.co.uk

Yoyo joined Staniforth in 2024, with a background in creative photography production. In her role, she is responsible for the efficient day-to-day operation of the studio, as well as providing valuable support to the wider Staniforth team. Her effective coordination and organisational skills make her a great asset to the studio’s success.
Outside of work, Yoyo enjoys working alongside her family on the farm and competing with her horse in equestrian events.

**Simon Cretney**
Associate
simon@staniforth.co.uk
Architect
BA(Hons) BARCH(Hons) PGDipAP RIBA
Simon joined us in 2012 and is an experienced architect with a leading design role in our team. He has considerable skill and enthusiasm for all types of design, from individual bespoke buildings to complex mixed-use urban sites. He has 20 years of experience in the construction industry, delivering buildings across a broad range of sectors, including residential schemes, conversions and restoration, healthcare facilities, retail and large commercial developments
Simon has a genuine enthusiasm for architecture and design, from individual products to the built environment as a whole and its impact on society. When he is not drawing buildings, he is visiting, talking and reading about them.

**Mathew Bell**
Associate
mathew@staniforth.co.uk
Architect
BA(Hons) BARCH(Hons) PGDipAP RIBA
Matt is a highly experienced architect, with extensive work in the health and education sectors. He is a great all-rounder with excellent design skills, construction knowledge and job running expertise. He joined Staniforth Architects in 2015 bringing his considerable knowledge and experience as well as his expertise in BIM modelling and management. Matt is running some of our most high-profile jobs, from concept design to completion.

**Charles Kennett**
Associate
charles@staniforth.co.uk
Architect
BA(Hons) MARCH PGDip RIBA
Charles qualified as an architect in 2014 whilst working at a national design-led practice, where he gained experience on a wide range of high-profile projects throughout the UK. Since joining Staniforth Architects in 2015, he has led several projects, from large scale residential schemes to one-off houses, including the restoration and extension of a Grade II listed 18th century property.
Charles has a passion for creating healthier, happier places and spaces. Whilst studying at the Leicester School of Architecture he explored ‘How Architecture can Influence the Healing Process’ and received a number of awards for his design work and research, most notably being shortlisted for the RIBA President’s Silver Medal for his project ‘Invisible Wounds’.
His broad experience in concept design and early-stage development, through to knowledge of project delivery, has made him a valuable member of our studio. Away from architecture, Charles enjoys running and is never too far away from a cup of coffee.

**James Evans**
Associate
james@staniforth.co.uk
Senior Architectural Technologist

James has over 25 years of experience within the construction industry and is an enthusiastic and skilful technical expert. After starting his career in Leicestershire, delivering projects in a variety of sectors, he then worked in London, predominantly with high-end residential clients where attention to detail was critical. This involved the detailed design and delivery of a broad spectrum of projects, from new build private residences to refurbishment of listed buildings.
He also gained valuable client and industry contacts running his own practice, project managing schemes from initial conception to completion. James brought his great experience to us in 2017.
Outside of the office, James is a very keen cyclist, competing in events around the country.

**Vincent Billington**
vincent@staniforth.co.uk
Architectural Technologist
BSc(Hons) MCIAT
With over 20 years of experience, Vincent originally trained as a commercial building surveyor and worked on many retail, office and education refurbishment projects. He then moved into Architectural Technology, becoming a Chartered Architectural Technologist in 2008, and ran a small practice in East Yorkshire gaining experience in a wide variety projects. Although now based in Leicestershire, having been born and brought up in Scarborough, he can often be found back there at weekends, out at sea in his kayak

**Robert Bailey**
robert@staniforth.co.uk
Senior Architectural Technologist
SCI-ARC
With over 25 years of experience, Robert has worked with leading architectural practices and interior design firms in Los Angeles, Singapore and London.
He completed his Architecture degree at Manchester University and went on to earn his Master of Architecture at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (Sci-Arc).
Robert brings a wealth of expertise across the architectural field, from small bespoke projects to designing and project leading hotels and high specification homes of over £15m. His experience extends from design, planning, conservation and listed building consents to the preparation of detailed production information and tender packages.
Throughout his career, Robert has received several prestigious awards, including the RIBA President’s Medals for Architecture finalist and the Nottingham 9NCC Civic Society Award for work on listed buildings.
Outside of work, Roberts is an enthusiastic quiz master, with *The Chase* and *1% Club* among his favourites, making him a valuable addition to any pub quiz team!

**Paul Bukin**
paul@staniforth.co.uk
Senior Architectural Technologist

Paul has over 35 years and brings a broad knowledge and experience in construction technology and systems. In his career he has worked on projects in the healthcare, residential, commercial, pharmaceutical, entertainment and education sectors in fast-track design and build environments. His career has predominantly been spent in London.
At one of his former practices, he has led the detail design and delivery of 10,000m2 of new offices in Croydon for Abstract Securities - completed in 23 months from inception to completion. He has also redelivered numerous retained façade projects in London for the Howard de Walden Estate.
Paul has also delivered 800 student apartments in Luton for Campus Living Villages and oversaw technical compliance and construction quality at the Royal College of Music’s development of 420 student apartments in Shepherds Bush.
He has also gained valuable knowledge and experience running his own practice, managing schemes from conception to completion where he established a reputation for thoughtful, robustly detailed, added value architecture that endures and delights.
Outside of the office, Paul has a passion for cooking, reading and art.

**Anna Myrna-Krzemińska**
anna@staniforth.co.uk
Architect
BA (Hons) MArch PGDip
Anna joined our studio in 2019 as a Part II Architectural Assistant and has since qualified as an architect, become an essential part of our design team.
She studied at both Opole University of Technology in her homeland of Poland and later at De Montfort University. Her Masters project ‘The Prosthetic Shelter: The Way to Reigning Lost Mobility’ was a standout at the University Degree show and received attention for her experiential approach and presentation techniques, which are strong skills she applies to her work in practice.
Anna has an interest in residential design and always looks for new creative ways of representing projects. Outside of the studio, she enjoys graphic design and comic illustration.

**Daniel Bates**
daniel@staniforth.co.uk
Part II Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons) MArch
Dan joined our studio in 2018 as a Part I Architectural Assistant. Whilst working with us, Dan studied part time at De Montfort University completing his Master of Architecture Part II qualification in 2021. His balance of design and technical knowledge has made him an important member of our team.
Dan has an interest in architectural detailing and 3D modelling. Outside of work, he enjoys travelling, health and fitness and guitar/music.

**Vaughan Stillman**
vaughan@staniforth.co.uk
Residential Design Manager
MCIAT
Vaughan has specialised in residential design for over 25 years, gaining experience within private practice and with national house-builders. Vaughan is central to our residential design and is focused on achieving optimum development value out of any scheme for the client. He takes great pleasure in designing and developing innovative responses to the brief; combining inside knowledge of housing developers’ requirements and a special interest in historic vernacular architecture.

**Declan Sandiford**
declan@staniforth.co.uk
Architectural Technologist
BA (Hons) MSc BREEAM AG
Declan joined our studio in 2024 after graduating with a First-Class Honours in Architectural Design and Technology BA (Hons) and a distinction in Sustainable Building Design MSc from Southampton Solent University.
He strives for the highest precision and accuracy throughout his technical work. An aspect that his academia focused on was sustainable resources and innovation which is an asset to the studio.
His interests include Formula 1, motorsports and he loves hiking and exploring nature.

**Agnieszka Lewicka**
agnieszka@staniforth.co.uk
Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons) MArch
Agnieszka joined our studio in 2025 after completing her Architecture degree at De Montfort University. Throughout her studies, she explored the concept of ‘Pet Architecture’ and the role of design in enhancing everyday life. Her particular interest lies in creating spaces that respond thoughtfully to human needs.
Her keen attention to detail and people-centred design approach contribute meaningfully to the studio’s creative energy and collaborative culture.
Outside of work, she enjoys attending dance classes and travelling the world.

Brooke Wilson
brooke@staniforth.co.uk

Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons)

Brooke joined the practice in 2025 after graduating with a First-Class Architecture degree from the University of Nottingham. Her design work explored architecture in the urban context, focusing on the transformation and adaptive re-use of overlooked spaces to promote regeneration and create stronger community connections.

She brings a thoughtful, people-centred outlook to projects, combining creativity with collaboration to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Outside of work, Brooke is training for the London Marathon to raise funds for the mental health charity Mind.

Natalia Boot
natalia@staniforth.co.uk

Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons)

Natalia joined our studio in 2025 after completing her Architecture degree at the University of Nottingham. During her studies, she developed a strong passion for user-friendly designs creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically compelling, along with a focus on environmentally conscious projects, building towards a greener future. Her thoughtful approach and commitment to sustainable design brings valuable insight to the studio’s collaborative environment.

Natalia has an interest in health and fitness along with, relaxing and visiting places in the sun.

Ted
Studio Dog

Ted, a Pedigree Border Terrier is responsible for debt recovery, office security and general staff well-being. Prone to over-licking and occasional bad wind.

Awards

Large Residential Scheme of the Year Award Finalist
Northgate Street, Leicester
Medium Residential Scheme of the Year Award Finalist
Briscoe Lane, Woodhouse
Best use of spam in a commercial project - Winner
Small Residential Scheme of the Year Award Finalist
Stoney Lane, Coleorton
Oadby Civic Society Award
Stoughton House, Oadby
Large Residential Scheme of the Year Award Finalist
Brooks House, Oadby
Innovative use of recycled spoons in the built environment - Runner up.
Restoration Award Commendation
Burnham House, Elms Road
Small Residential Scheme of the Year Award Finalist
Hall Farm Barns
Small Residential Scheme of the Year Award Finalist
Shackerstone Walk, Carlton