Ben Pianese: Co-Founder & Visionary Custodian
I didn’t want to build a Thai spa; I wanted to build an Atelier—a place where the human body is treated with the same hand-precision as a bespoke suit.
Ben Pianese: Co-Founder & Visionary Custodian
The Atelier Philosophy & The Tailor’s Legacy
As co-founder of Asiatic, Ben Pianese shaped our “Atelier” philosophy. Living in Islington since 1997, Ben looked past the storefronts of Upper Street and noticed the legacy of master tailors who once worked here. He recognised that their values of precision, individuality, and skilled hands were missing from today’s wellness industry.
Ben’s expertise is defined by a 25-year journey of self-discovery. He views the body as a series of layers—like a finely constructed garment. His approach is about peeling the onion: moving past the surface symptoms to understand the deeper structural “fit” of the muscles and the mind.
Today, Ben mentors and guides the standards at Asiatic. He makes sure every practitioner at our Angel and Highbury & Islington locations follows the “Tailor’s Legacy,” treating each client as a unique individual who deserves a custom, hands-on approach to balance.
The Clinical Foundation (The Qualifications)
Ben’s work is built on strong anatomical knowledge and 25 years of clinical practice. His skills include:
- ITEC Level 3 & 4: Sports Massage Therapy (Clinical Anatomy & Physiology)
- Advanced Certification: Neuromuscular Therapy and Myofascial Release
- Diploma: Traditional Thai Yoga Massage (Northern Style)
This rigorous background ensures that the Ben Pianese Method remains rooted in physical science. Ben bridges the gap between Neuromuscular Therapy and Traditional Eastern Energetics. In doing so, he addresses chronic pain and structural imbalances where standard treatments often fail.
A Legacy of Wellness Architecture
Beyond Asiatic Ateliers, Ben’s impact extends across London’s wellness scene. He founded Massaggi, a clinical practice in Central London (Marylebone & Covent Garden), where he has spent decades treating the city’s top professionals.
As a Wellness Architect, Ben sees brand creation as functional art. For him, designing a wellness space—whether it’s the clinical look of Massaggi or the calm of Asiatic—is part of the treatment itself. This act of “Creative Stillness” makes sure every detail, from the wall colours to the website, helps reset the client’s mind.
FAQs
A dialogue on anatomy, lineage, and the art of recovery
An Atelier is a workshop for a master craftsman. Our locations at 93 Upper Street and 262 Highbury & Islington were once home to tailors known for their skilled hands, so we decided to carry on that tradition. We don’t mass-produce treatments; we create each one by hand.
Most people come to me with a surface-level symptom, but tension usually starts deeper. I see the body in layers. By looking beyond the first pain, we can uncover the real cause beneath the muscle’s surface. It’s not about using force, but about being precise and finding where the body naturally lets go.
I’ve learned that the body always tells the truth, while the mind can be misleading. My job is to listen to the client’s “Inner Awareness” instead of just their “Ego Mind.” When you quiet your thoughts and focus on fixing the body’s imbalances with the right intention (Metta), recovery can be almost limitless.
I hope to be remembered as someone who treated wellness with the care and respect of a true craft. By placing our Ateliers in historic locations such as the Bargain Centre and Sharam & Sheddle, we connect London’s artisanal past with its future. I want the next generation of practitioners to see themselves as “Structural Tailors,” keeping the human body strong with the same skill local masters have shown for centuries.
With over 25 years of experience and 50,000 treatments performed, Ben’s practice is backed by a comprehensive range of international and UK-based certifications:
- ITEC Level 4: Sports Massage Therapy (Specialising in Clinical Anatomy & Pathology)
- Diploma: Traditional Thai Yoga Massage (Certified in London & Chiang Mai, Thailand)
- Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy: Specialised training in chronic pain management.Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy: Specialised training in chronic pain management.
- Myofascial Release (MFR): Focused on sub-dermal connective tissue health
- Trigger Point Therapy: Precision Deactivation of muscular “knots.”
- Coach Magrin Method
- Member of CThA: Fully insured and accredited by the UK’s leading professional bodies.
For further information regarding qualifications and accreditation, please visit Ben Pianese’s therapist page.
It reminds us that Upper Street has always been a place for real trade and personal connections. We respect that history by offering the same careful attention and personal service that people here have valued for years.
I’ve lived in Islington since 1997 and have always admired the skill of local tradespeople. Just as a tailor uses careful hands to create the perfect fit, I wanted Asiatic to be a “Wellness Atelier” where we do the same for the body. We’re not a factory; we’re a workshop for custom physical care.
London moves fast. I believe the future of wellness is in what I call the “Human Rebound.” As life gets more digital, people need skilled, hands-on care—the Atelier Standard—more than ever. The future isn’t about more technology, but about greater “Inner Awareness.” I see Londoners turning away from generic trends and returning to trusted, independent places that offer a thoughtful, slow approach to health.
I’ve always felt a sense of calm in the architecture of Canonbury Square and the hidden paths of New River Walk. There’s a quiet beauty there that matches my philosophy at Asiatic. Even in busy London, you can find peaceful spots to escape the noise and reconnect with yourself.
Ben’s expertise in clinical wellness and business innovation has been recognised by leading national media. His “Smarter Working” initiatives were featured in The Guardian’s Small Business Showcase, and he has contributed industry insights to The Huffington Post. These features highlight his commitment to elevating the professional standards of the London massage industry.
A standard massage typically follows a set routine. “Structural Tailoring,” the foundation of the Ben Pianese Method, is an adaptive approach. Like a tailor fitting a suit to an individual, I assess the tissue and adjust pressure, angle, and technique in real time. Rather than following a fixed sequence, we recalibrate the body’s layers to restore natural alignment.