Showcase 2026 Student Spotlight: Lara Stainforth
Student Spotlight featuring BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student Lara Stainforth and her project 'Amber Falls Wellness Escape'.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 22 May 2026
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The Project
This project proposes a Spa and Wellness Escape located on the outskirts of Bakewell, surrounded by agricultural land and natural woodland. The development responds to the town’s ongoing growth, which includes new hotels and residential schemes, and aims to strengthen Bakewell’s identity as a destination for leisure and wellbeing.
The work of BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology student Lara Stainforth, the retreat is designed to go beyond traditional spa facilities, offering a holistic environment where guests can disconnect from everyday life and focus on rest, reflection, and personal renewal. Spaces within the scheme are centred around wellbeing, encouraging visitors to relax, recharge, and reconnect with themselves.
The project draws inspiration from local architectural design, incorporating regional materials and forms to create a design that reflects its surrounding context. Natural springs and materials will be utilised as a sustainable resource, supporting the spa’s functions while reducing environmental impact.
Image by Lara Stainforth.
The inspiration behind the project
Lara says:
"The idea for the new spa is inspired by a genuine passion for yoga, Pilates, meditation, nature and selfcare, with a strong belief in the power these practices have to support mental and emotional wellbeing. These disciplines are seen not just as forms of exercise, but as essential tools for grounding, healing, and finding balance in everyday life."
The project experience
Lara claims the experience of working on her project has been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.
"I’m proud of the new ideas I’ve developed and the solutions I’ve discovered along the way. Being able to express my own ideas and apply the skills I’ve gained through both university and my placement has been extremely valuable."
Image by Lara Stainforth.
Being part of NTU
She describes her time on the course as having been "a journey".
"I started the course with very little technical knowledge, but this quickly developed over the years. Each module has helped me build a wide range of skills, which I’ve been able to carry through and apply in my final year. Throughout my time at NTU, both my academic and personal abilities have grown significantly. The challenges I’ve faced have strengthened my time management and organisational skills, helping me become more confident and adaptable. NTU has also provided valuable opportunities to network through events such as Career Fairs and Design Exchanges, where I was able to engage with architectural practices and develop the professional skills needed for life after university."
She says:
"My most memorable moments are the trips away with my peers, as well as the long hours spent working hard on our degree; it made the time we had to get away and celebrate even more meaningful."
Image by Lara Stainforth.
Closing remarks
When it comes to advice for future students of Architectural Technology, Lara highly recommends taking a placement year.
"It not only helps develop your knowledge for the course but also strengthens your personal and professional skills. Working in a practice gives you valuable insight into how solutions are applied and how projects operate in real time. Adapting to a professional working environment also improved my time management, which benefited me during my final year."
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