Ben Mailen formed MailenDesign in 2010 to implement his experience and passion for architecture, interior and urban design into a variety of projects across numerous scales and locations. Today, the practice is responsible for projects spanning the residential, retail, hospitality, education and arts sectors, including the extension and refurbishment of the Grade II listed Kielder Castle to create an inspirational new tourist destination in Northumbria, working with the Forestry Commission. Connecting MailenDesign’s projects is their passion to deliver rigorously designed, well-crafted and joyful buildings and spaces. Ben is regularly involved in architectural education and has held design tutoring posts at Northumbria, the Architectural Association and South Bank Universities. In 2019, MailenDesign was shortlisted for BD Young Architect of the Year.

Company description: Architect Ben Mailen established Mailen Design to implement his experience and passion for architecture and interior design following several years working for large award-winning architectural practices across the UK. Initially starting as a sole practitioner, the practice has grown into a studio of highly creative designers involved with a rich variety of work at diff erent scales. Spanning across residential, hospitality, retail, arts and commercial sectors, their built work has a consistent quality through an obsession with materials and craftsmanship. They believe in a process-driven approach, intentionally avoiding a house style in favour of analytical responses to contextual challenges. Their work has been recognised by numerous industry awards, and they were shortlisted as Building Design’s Young Architect of the Year in 2019.