Showcase 2026 Student Spotlight: Tom Handley
Student Spotlight featuring BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design student Tom Handley and his project 'Reflect Table'.
By Jon Duckworth | Published on 14 May 2026
Categories: Student Showcase; School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment;
The Project
Designed by BA (Hons) Furniture and Product Design student Tom Handley, the Reflect Table is a vanity piece designed to encourage self-acceptance. It draws on principles of neuroaesthetics - the study of how the brain responds to its environment - to promote emotional well-being through sensory engagement and reflective interaction.
Tom describes the Reflect table as a vanity piece designed to encourage self-acceptance. Image by Tom Handley.
The inspiration behind the project
Tom explains that his project came from a personal place and was shaped by his own struggles with self-direction and mental illness.
"I’ve never had strong hobbies or passions," he says, "which made it difficult to approach a self-directed brief in the usual way. Instead of looking outward, I turned inward and used that feeling as the foundation of the project.
"It became about self-acceptance-designing something for myself that recognises my individuality and the path I’ve taken. While rooted in my own experience, I believe this feeling is shared by many, giving the project relevance beyond just me."
The course has given Tom "hands-on making experience". Image by Tom Handley.
The project experience
"This project has been a rare experience for me - a genuine passion project," Tom tells us. "I’ve fully invested in meaningful research, developing my design and refining the final outcome. Working on something I truly care about has been incredibly rewarding, pushing me to create something I’m proud of."
Being part of NTU
For Tom, being at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has been a journey of discovery. "I’ve learned a lot about design, but almost as importantly, I’ve learned a lot about myself. Going on placement taught me valuable interview skills, as well as working in industry. The CAD and drawing lessons have granted me transferable skills that will last me my working life, and the workshop has given me hands-on making experience that I can continue to develop."
Asked to choose a memorable moment from his time at university, Tom says:
"I still think about the day we went to Wollaton Park to sketch the taxidermy animals. After coming from a mundane 9-5 job, spending that time drawing with friends felt refreshing and fun, and it made me realise that your career should be something that brings you joy."
The table is designed to promote wellbeing through sensory engagement and reflective interaction. Image by Tom Handley.
Closing remarks
Would he recommend the course to other students? Tom says:
"Go for it! The course is fun and relaxed, and you have the option to switch if it doesn’t feel right. Opportunities to work on projects that genuinely matter to you, in your own way, are rare. Along the way, you’ll build valuable connections, develop transferable skills, and enjoy the process."
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Our Student Showcase is open to the public from 30 May until 5 June 2026 and available to view online. Take a look at the work of our talented architecture and product design students.