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 while working at a nationally recognised, design-led practice, where he gained experience across a diverse portfolio of high-profile projects. He joined Staniforth Architects in 2015 and has since led a wide range of projects, from large-scale residential developments to bespoke private homes, including the sensitive restoration and extension of a Grade II listed eighteenth-century property and a Para84 family home.

Passionate about creating places that positively impact people's lives, Charles has a particular interest in designing people-centred environments. During his studies at the Leicester School of Architecture, he explored the relationship between architecture and wellbeing through his research project. His work received several awards and was shortlisted for the prestigious RIBA President's Silver Medal for his project Invisible Wounds.

Charles brings extensive experience in concept design, planning strategy and project delivery, enabling him to guide projects from initial vision through to completion.

Outside the studio, Charles enjoys running, from weekly ParkRuns to training for longer-distance events, exploring the outdoors and discovering great independent coffee spots.

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.

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! 

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

Architect
BA (Hons) MArch PGDip

Dan joined our studio in 2018. Whilst working with us, Dan studied part time at De Montfort University completing his Architecture Part III qualification in 2025. His excellent 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 isan 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.

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.

Scarlet Livingston
scarlet@staniforth.co.uk

Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons)

Scarlet joined the practice in 2026 following a First-Class degree in Architecture from the University of Liverpool. She brings a strong focus on sustainability, with an approach centred on creating functional, considered spaces that balance environmental performance with spatial quality and clear design thinking.

Her work combines creative design with technical rigour, ensuring projects are both thoughtful and deliverable. Scarlet has a particular interest in sustainable design strategies and in shaping architecture that responds sensitively to its context while enhancing the experience of its users.

Outside the studio, Scarlet has a keen interest in wellness and fitness, and enjoys travelling to explore architecture and interiors. 

What our Part 1 and 2’s say…

Oliver Roberts

Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons)

I’m extremely pleased with how my year at Staniforth went. From day one, I felt genuinely welcomed and supported by colleagues who were always willing to help. The breadth of experience I’ve gained has been invaluable, with opportunities to contribute across different stages of the RIBA Plan of Work and a wide range of project activities. The practice has provided excellent exposure to both the design and technical aspects of architecture, helping me develop a well-rounded understanding of the profession. Through this experience, I have expanded my knowledge, and confidence in both design and business.

Jake Osborne

Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons)

A collaborative and sociable practice with a team of knowledgeable colleagues and mentors who are always willing to share their expertise. The Practice offers exposure to a good scope of projects across different sectors, scales and stages of development, providing excellent opportunities to broaden your skillset. Flexible working arrangements and a strong programme of social events throughout the year contribute to an enjoyable and balanced working environment. Overall, Staniforth’s is a rewarding place to work, offering valuable experience, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to engaging projects.

Alfie Mayes-Foster

Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons)

I worked at Staniforth Architects for two years as a Part 1 Assistant and really enjoyed the experience. It is a supportive office, and I had a chance to work on a mix of projects ranging from large residential schemes to one-off houses. Going from university into an office environment is a big step for anyone, but the team made it easy to settle in quickly. My time there covered different areas of practice, from attending client meetings to working with planners on applications. The responsibilities I was given made me feel involved and part of the process. There is also support for the professional requirements of the Part 1 stage, including guidance with PEDR logging and opportunities to attend CPD talks. I would have happily stayed longer, but I am now back at university studying for my Part 2, and the experience has given me a grounded perspective for my design projects.

Caius Sharpe

Part I Architectural Assistant BArch (Hons) & DPS

My time at Staniforth Architects was both a fond and critical point in the development of myself within architectural practice. Lee, the team (and Ted of course) have created a patient, proactive, and supportive learning environment that helps nurture the gap between the academic and professional landscape of architecture. One of Staniforth’s great strengths as a practice is the value it places on its people. I am particularly appreciative of its socials such as the Midsummer walk, and its commitment to personal professional development. The opportunity to contribute a large scale of projects and RIBA stages provided invaluable experience to understanding of architectural practice. 

Brooke Wilson

Part I Architectural Assistant
BA (Hons)

My Part 1 placement at Staniforth was an incredibly rewarding experience. The range of projects I was involved in, combined with the supportive and collaborative team, created an environment where I felt confident to ask questions and develop my skills. Everyone was consistently generous with their time and guidance, always going above and beyond to offer support when needed. It was a truly valuable year in practice that greatly contributed to my professional growth.

Ted

Studio Dog

Having taken responsibility for debt recovery, office security, and staff well-being, I can confirm the studio is in good shape — any issues with over-licking and the odd bit of bad wind should be traced directly to me.

 

Awards

 

  • Large Residential Scheme of the Year Award Winner

    Barons Pastures, Kirby Muxloe

  • Large Residential Scheme of the Year Award Finalist

    Jarrom Street, Leicester

  • 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