Meet the Senior Team
At the heart of Payte Architects London is a senior team of design and construction specialists with a shared commitment to quality, precision, and delivering spaces of lasting value. Together, they bring over 80 years+ of combined experience across architecture, interior design, and construction — with a strong track record working on Grade I & II listed buildings, heritage and conservation areas, and complex, high-value residential projects across London and beyond.
The team is led by Simon Baker, whose commercial leadership and strategic direction have guided the firm through more than 40 successful projects. He is joined by Teddy Laurence and Zaheer Varyawa, both highly regarded architects and chartered members of the ARB and RIBA, with a shared portfolio that includes prestigious commissions in Grosvenor and Crown Estate areas. Interior Design Director Badrieh Johari, a full member of the BIID, has worked closely with Teddy for over a decade, delivering refined, timeless interiors on more than 50 standout residential schemes.
From early concept through to final build, the team’s strength lies in its collaborative spirit, technical depth, and an unwavering focus on client needs — ensuring every project is designed and delivered to the highest possible standard.
Simon Baker
Founder & Director
With a background in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions, Simon brings a strategic edge and commercial discipline to the world of design and construction. In 2013, after a successful career in finance, he made a decisive move into the built environment by investing in a construction company — laying the groundwork for what would become Payte Design & Build.
Over the past 10+ years, Simon has led the business from the ground up, personally overseeing the delivery of more than 40 residential and commercial projects, many in complex heritage and high-end environments. He is the driving force behind the company’s growth, responsible for assembling and leading the senior team — a group of top-tier architects, interior designers, and construction professionals who now form the backbone of the practice.
Simon plays a hands-on role across both client relationships and strategic delivery, ensuring that every project reflects the company’s values: thoughtful design, high-quality execution, and client-first service. His deep, first-hand experience in construction, planning, and delivery enables him to navigate challenges with clarity and foresight, whether dealing with Listed Buildings, Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), or tight planning frameworks.
Today, Simon is spearheading the company’s growth into new markets, while continuing to ensure every project meets the highest standards. His blend of commercial leadership, attention to detail, and people-first ethos is what sets Payte Design & Build apart.
Badrieh Johari
Interior Design Director
With over a decade of experience at the highest levels of interior design, Badrieh leads our interiors division with a refined eye, deep technical knowledge, and a belief in spaces that feel as good as they look. As the founder of JHR Interiors, she has built a reputation for creating beautifully detailed, timeless interiors that balance elegance with liveability — always with a strong sense of narrative, context, and client individuality.
Badrieh has collaborated with Teddy Laurence for over ten years, delivering more than 50+ high-end residential projects, many within Grade I & II listed buildings, and prestigious estates across London. Her interior work is grounded in architectural clarity, often working hand-in-hand with structure, lighting, and flow to create unified, deeply considered spaces.
A standout project includes the full interior design and detailing of a Mayfair townhouse for a Middle Eastern royal family — a project that included a double basement, private lift, and indoor pool, all within a Grade II listed building. Badrieh’s role was pivotal in creating a family home that was both quietly luxurious and perfectly suited to the building’s historic character.
Her work is influenced by classical proportions, rich materials, and subtle layering. Whether it’s a West London townhome or a period conversion in Belgravia, Badrieh designs with restraint, purpose, and a belief that interiors should be both emotionally resonant and enduringly beautiful.
Teddy Laurence
Architect
Head of Architecture / Principal Designer
BA (Hons), Prof Dip Arch, MA, RIBA
Teddy Laurence brings over two decades of architectural experience to the practice, with a career defined by technical precision, creative excellence, and deep expertise in heritage and high-value residential projects.
He began in healthcare architecture, designing hospitals and surgical centres for NHS Trusts—projects that demanded absolute accuracy, complex coordination, and rigorous compliance. That same standard of precision now underpins his work on some of London’s most prestigious private properties.
Having led over 200+ projects, Teddy is an undisputed heavyweight in the profession — the architect’s architect. He is the trusted name when the stakes are high, the briefs are complex, and the buildings are sensitive.
His portfolio spans Grade I & II listed buildings, Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), and key areas such as the Grosvenor Estate and Crown Estate. He is especially known for navigating complex planning permissions, LTA (Licence to Alter) applications, and reconfigurations within historically protected frameworks.
One of Teddy’s most notable commissions involved the full transformation of a Mayfair townhouse into a private family residence for a Middle Eastern royal family.
The works included a double basement excavation, private lift installation, and a bespoke swimming pool—all within the delicate fabric of a Grade II listed London property.
Zaheer Varyawa
Architect
Zaheer Varyawa is a highly respected architect with over two decades of experience across residential, commercial, educational, and community architecture. His career has included time at leading UK practices such as Patel Taylor and BDP, where he contributed to large-scale civic and master planning projects in both the UK and internationally.
Zaheer’s architectural approach is grounded in thoughtful design, careful planning, and an innate understanding of how spaces are used and experienced. He is especially skilled at navigating projects within sensitive planning contexts, including conservation areas and listed buildings, with a strong emphasis on quality, proportion, and long-term liveability.Across his career, Zaheer has led or contributed to more than 40+ projects, including:
· High-end private homes and residential refurbishments
· Mixed-use and infill developments
· Community and public-sector buildings
· Educational environments and learning spaces
Zaheer is a collaborative and solutions-focused architect who brings clarity, calmness, and deep technical understanding to every project. His experience spans both early-stage design strategy and detailed delivery, making him a valued member of the design team on complex and ambitious briefs.
Andrius Vaikasas
Head of Build & Construction
Andrius leads our construction division with over 15 years of experience and a reputation built on precision, integrity, and outstanding craftsmanship. Originally trained as a civil engineer, he began his career in 2008 working on high-end interior fit-outs for some of London’s most respected design firms. His eye for detail and uncompromising standards quickly earned him repeat mandates from top-tier interior designers seeking flawless execution.
Since delivering his first full build in 2014, Andrius has successfully completed over 40 major residential and commercial projects, including work on Grade I & II listed properties and Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). His leadership ensures that every project runs smoothly—from structural works to final finishes—always respecting heritage, context, and client expectations.
Selected Projects:
· Hyde Park Penthouse – A high-spec transformation of a prestigious London residence.
· The Balham Project – Modern family living meets sensitive period detailing.
· Hampton Hill Conversion – A commercial building converted into four apartments, including a full basement refurbishment.
· Richmond Project – Contemporary renovation of a period family home.
· Hampton Hill Private Residence – Featured in Interiors Magazine as one of the 25 Most Beautiful Homes.