Penned by design curator and commentator Max Fraser, LAYER reads like a personal message for the hopefuls – the next generation of the design curious. In the monograph’s foreword, Benjamin Hubert says he wished he saw the industry’s real side and honest insight before he began, and LAYER is that answer for those who are in that position.

LAYER is a monograph not only of Benjamin Hubert’s design agency, LAYER, but of his life and the creations he has brought to life. Filled cover to cover with behind the scenes workings, photos, sketches and inspiring prose, this upcoming monograph is not to be missed.

But at its core, Fraser tells an encompassing story of Hubert, his first studio, Benjamin Hubert Ltd, and of Hubert’s new, globally thriving agency, LAYER. Hubert says: “It’s been 12 years since I started my own studio and seven years since I founded LAYER – and it’s an honour to collaborate with Phaidon and Max Fraser to produce a monograph on the studio’s work to date.”

There’s a lot of heart with LAYER. It is both a narratively engaging monograph and informative extension of LAYER itself. Projects are discussed and uncovered while following Hubert’s steps. This charming balance between Hubert, LAYER, and the projects created – it is a clever dichotomy between man and studio, shown in refined detail.

The images chosen and laid out speak volumes of the thought that has gone into the publication. And through ample use of sketches and photography, these insights evoke introspection, and form a dialogue between reader and designer about various design processes.

The structure of the monograph takes it one step further. It is broken up into seven chapters, with each chapter representing every aspect of the studio’s themes: crafted, mindful, transformative, evocative, holistic, human and visionary.

Related: Benjamin Hubert’s recycled ex-military “drogue” parachutes

For example, chapter one, ‘crafted’, tells of Hubert’s childhood and making himself into the renowned designer he is today. While chapter six, ‘human’, explores LAYER’s formative years and the balance Hubert sought for products and services that could give a positive change to individuals and communities. 

“It was a challenging yet rewarding process producing the book, and looking back on our work has given us the opportunity to consider the way we work now and in the future,” says Hubert.

“It also gave us insights into how our work has evolved and is a testament to the talent of the team and our creative partners over the years. LAYER remains a work in progress, but this book is an amazing moment to celebrate how far we have come.”

LAYER will launch during the London Design Festival later this month. LAYER will be available from the 22 September 2022. Not a page should be skipped.

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