Interior Architecture student wins scholarship with industry-ready approach to design
28 October 2025
Interior Architecture BA final-year student Hannah Schmidt has won a £3,000 scholarship with The Hospitality Industry Network (NEWH), a prize that has also given her a year’s membership, mentoring and internship opportunities and access to networking events for free. NEWH is an international nonprofit community that promotes the advancement of women, offering career and networking experience with a focus on hospitality.
The scholarship came after Hannah signed up for the competition as a way to advance her CV and gain career-boosting experiences. As part of her application, she created two presentation boards that showcased her unique design and vision of a hotel spa in the Italian Alps. Bringing the skills she gained in her Interior Architecture BA to life within her application, Hannah’s design secured her a top prize.
Reflecting on the application process, Hannah shared: “Putting together my entry took time and there were a few nights with no sleep, but it was completely worth it. The feedback was so positive. The lecturers at Falmouth were also incredibly helpful, helping me to hone my skills and create with an industry-ready approach.”
Speaking on her time at Falmouth, she said: “The architecture industry is mostly about networking and though London is the hub, it was better for my design process to be in Falmouth. I noticed that the other designers in London were more stressed and learning in much bigger classes. I find it much more relaxing being based in Falmouth, with its natural environment helpful for my creative process. I have found there to be no disadvantage to studying in Falmouth – I’ve still managed to get contacts in London.”
When asked what drew her towards studying at Falmouth after going to school in Germany, Hannah shared: “I really liked that the campus felt so modern and had smaller class sizes. You’re surrounded by nature with the beach very close and being within that environment inspired me.
“It was also the people,” She added. “I enjoyed the fact I could just walk out of my studio and meet friends that study illustration. It’s a close-knit, creative space.”
Falmouth’s course focuses on creativity, the use of professional, cutting-edge industry software and an appreciation of environmental ethics. For Hannah, this forward-thinking approach is one of the reasons she enjoys studying architecture at Falmouth.
“One of the things that inspires me most about architecture – and in particular the way Falmouth teaches it – is the sustainability of it,” Hannah shared. “The concept of taking old buildings and repurposing them into something new and the responsible re-use of buildings is really interesting to me. It allows us to think about history, location and community while finding a non-invasive way to restore old properties.
“The lecturers at Falmouth have encouraged us to find contacts, enter competitions and have given plenty of advice to support us in our next steps after university. It has been a huge advantage to have had the experience of learning at Falmouth.”
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