About layer 02

Layer 02 is a RIBA Chartered architecture studio based in London, specialising in premium commercial hospitality interiors.

The studio was founded on a simple belief: great hospitality design should not be reserved for global brands and five star hotels. Ambitious businesses deserve spaces that reflect the quality of what they offer and support their growth.

Today, we design environments that function flawlessly for ambitious chefs, independent operators, and international developers alike. Our work goes beyond selecting colours and textures. We design the architectural framework that makes exceptional hospitality possible.

For us, true luxury is built into the fundamentals. We design around the way people move through space, shape atmosphere through acoustics, and carefully coordinate lighting to create the desired experience. A space must work effortlessly before it can feel extraordinary.

Commercial developments demand discipline. We ensure that design intent endures through procurement, coordination, and construction. We translate vision into operational reality.

A partnership with Layer 02 reduces commercial risk, safeguards investment, and enhances long term performance, creating hospitality spaces that not only look exceptional but help businesses thrive.

Ben Tseng

Chartered Architect
BA MArch ARB RIBA
THE Founder

Ben founded Layer 02 after spending the early part of his career at the world’s leading architecture practices, designing Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and private members' clubs. His portfolio includes international projects for the Rosewood Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, and Orla by Omniyat in Dubai during his tenure at Foster + Partners.

While operating in ultra-luxury hospitality, Ben recognised an opportunity to bring that same level of strategic, high-yield design thinking to independent operators. He founded Layer 02 with a core belief: world-class design should not be reserved exclusively for global mega-brands.

In the early days of his practice, he worked closely with independent restaurateurs. Time and again, he met ambitious operators serving incredible food and building loyal communities, yet operating from spaces that failed to reflect the quality of their offering. Ben saw design as the bridge, a tool to help businesses communicate their story, justify their price points, and realise their full commercial potential.

Today, Layer 02 partners with ambitious hospitality brands across London, engineering thoughtful, high-performing spaces that attract customers, elevate brand perception, and drive long-term revenue growth.



Alex Savvides

Senior Architect
BA MArch ARB RIBA
about alex

Alex is a London-based RIBA-qualified architect with a decade of professional experience, he has developed expertise primarily in residential architecture while also delivering projects across the commercial, mixed-use and urban design sectors.

With hands-on experience spanning all stages of the design and construction process, from concept development through to project delivery, he is passionate about creating spaces that inspire and enrich the lives of their users. One of the highlights of his career to date was serving as Project Architect for the design of 110 social rent homes for the City of London, a significant development addressing critical housing needs and creating a lasting social impact.



Hassaan Malik

Part I Architectural Assistant
BArch (Hons)
about hassaan

Hassaan is a Part I Architectural Assistant and University of Nottingham graduate. With diverse design experience from sustainable concept design to digital brand design for high-end retail, Hassaan approaches architectural problem-solving from unique angles. With a strong interest in technical drawing and tectonics, he prioritises accuracy and clarity whilst keeping to concept, client brief and budget.

He is deeply fascinated by the project lifecycle, combining design logic with practical construction knowledge to ensure ideas maintain their conceptual and aesthetic integrity when built. He is driven by a collaborative approach, working closely with the design team to turn complex challenges into refined, well-crafted architecture.

Outside of the studio, Hassaan has a strong passion for branding and marketing, with a particular interest in the creative process of building brands using compelling narratives from the ground up.

Hassaan also remains engaged with academia as a guest reviewer at The University of Nottingham.




Ebba Dahlman

Marketing and Content Creation
BA Marketing
about ebba

Ebba is a marketing graduate with a strong interest in consumer behaviour and impactful marketing strategies, she is eager to apply her knowledge and skills in a professional environment. Through her academic studies, she has developed a solid foundation in marketing principles and is motivated to translate this learning into real-world practice.

Beyond her studies, she is a dedicated lifelong learner who continually seeks opportunities to expand her skill set through online courses, industry research and professional networking. She is also an artist with experience in music creation, which has deepened her understanding of the creative process and strengthened her ability to think innovatively when developing marketing concepts and campaigns.




Beth Lindley

Studio Coordinator
BA (Hons)
about beth

Beth’s background is in hospitality, having worked in coffee shops and restaurants since she was a student. Over the years, she moved into management and HR roles for a range of independent coffee companies, developing a people-focused and hands-on approach. She enjoys creating supportive, well organised environments where teams can collaborate and feel set up to do their best work.

As Studio Coordinator, Beth loves that no two days are ever the same. She enjoys learning new skills, adapting to whatever the studio needs day-to-day, and seeing new hospitality spaces come to life from the ground up.