Universal Design Studio

In a world that thrives on connection, the spaces we design play a crucial role in shaping how we interact, engage, and feel. For us at Universal, hosting isn't just about an event or occasion — it’s about creating environments that bring people together in meaningful ways. In our latest opinion piece, 'Why We Host', we discuss the subtle yet powerful role design plays in fostering human connection. Through conversations with our team, we reflect on how thoughtful design can help shape environments that encourage purposeful encounters. The best spaces often go unnoticed, allowing interactions to take centre stage. So how do we craft spaces that shape behaviour in ways we don’t always realise? Explore these ideas and more in our 'Hosting Issue', where we delve into the intersection of design, social connection, and shared experiences. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eAZHDZvR #TheHostingIssue

We are proud to share our recent work for Stone Island’s SS25 showroom in Milan — an immersive experience for international buyers. Inspired by the vast, otherworldly landscapes of salt flats, the space embodies their SS25 collection and commitment to material innovation. Centred around the concept of state change, the showroom reflects the elemental transformations found in extreme environments. Each subcollection — Ghost, Stellina, and Marina — occupies a distinct setting, enhanced by bespoke digital content that deepens the collection’s narrative. The Ghost collection is presented in a textured, homogeneous space, evoking stillness through a highly sound-absorbent acoustic spray. The accompanying digital content gently pans across a salt cave floor, interspersed with extreme close-ups of the garments to highlight their intricate details. The Stellina collection explores the tension between high-performance apparel and the brutal conditions of a salt flat ultramarathon. The space embodies endurance and resilience, immersing visitors in the collection’s conceptual foundations. For the Marina collection, the design captures the speed and exhilaration of salt flat land sailing. Locally sourced, reclaimed sails line the space, while orange webbing wraps the garment rails, reinforcing the collection’s dynamic nature. The digital content mirrors this energy with fast-paced, high-intensity visuals. This immersive showroom experience encapsulates Stone Island’s pioneering spirit, pushing the boundaries of design and storytelling. By seamlessly integrating architecture, digital media, and material experimentation, our team has created a space that brings the SS25 collection to life, engaging buyers in a journey of transformation and exploration. #StoneIsland #SS25 #MaterialInnovation #RetailDesign #ExperientialDesign

Universal's Design Director, Suzanne Gaballa, has been featured in Mix Interiors latest issue (No. 235), where she shares five invaluable lessons from her journey in design and leadership. Spotlighted in 'Things I've Learnt', the series highlights the values and approaches that have shaped the journey of industry leaders, providing thoughtful insights into navigating work, collaboration, and life. As Suzanne explains, "Authenticity is key to building meaningful relationships that enable trust between colleagues and clients. Don’t pretend to be someone else — work in a studio that lets you be you." Read the full feature to explore Suzanne's reflections on managing stress, trusting your instincts, and the importance of listening and collaborating: https://lnkd.in/eAXuZsT7 #DesignLeadership #Insights #Collaboration

We’re delighted to see our latest design for Georg Jensen’s new London flagship featured in HYPEBEAST’s recent editorial. Located on New Bond Street, the flagship store is a celebration of Georg Jensen’s legacy, blending the brand’s heritage of craft with its long history of innovation. Our design embraces a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic, creating a soft, welcoming atmosphere through the use of natural materials that interact beautifully with light, age gracefully, and reference the organic forms seen in Georg Jensen’s iconic pieces. These elements reflect the brand's core design philosophy: a profound appreciation for nature and the innovative manipulation of materials to enhance their interplay with light. Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/eYKrJeRq and stay tuned for more updates on this project. Photography by Norman Wilcox-Geissen

As part of Design Week’s ’25 ideas for 2025’ series, our principal Jason Holley and 24 fellow influential creatives shared their insights to reshape and redefine the design world. In conversation with Clare Dowdy, Jason explored why design must move beyond its fixation on objects, and embrace creativity as a process of becoming. “The reality of design is dynamic, distributed, and emergent. Design is not about solving problems definitively but engaging with the flows, tensions and possibilities inherent in systems.” 💡 We invite you to read Jason’s piece below, and explore the full set of thought-provoking insights. #25ideasfor2025 #UniversalDesignStudio #DesignThinking

As the year draws to a close, we’re celebrating the milestones that made 2024 remarkable for us. From our The New Standard panel discussions with Dezeen in New York, to launching standout projects like British Land's Norton Folgate, Azza Fahmy Jewellery, and Beymen Group stores — this year has been a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. We debuted ‘Inside Out', our first podcast series with Design Anthology UK, delving into the interplay of human behaviour and design, and unveiled 'Hosting', our latest website issue exploring the art of bringing people together. Thanks to our talented team and all the amazing partners, collaborators, institutions and platforms we’ve had the pleasure of co-creating with. With accolades and meaningful partnerships, we’re ending the year with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come. Happy holidays from our team at Universal!

Can creativity truly thrive without friction? Last month, The New Standard partnered with Dezeen, to host a second panel discussion at our Spring street studio in New York. Titled 'The New Standard of Collaboration', the conversation explored how embracing difference, vulnerability, and even a touch of tension can foster meaningful collaboration in today’s design and art worlds. Moderated by Dezeen’s US editor Ben Dreith, the panel featured Jason Holley, Principal at Universal; Michaela Crompton, Strategy Director at Made Thought; Chuck Mauro, Global Marketing Director at New Balance; and Kimberli Gant, Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art at Brooklyn Museum. Sharing their insights and experiences, together they discussed the necessity for collaboration, reflecting on how creative industries can move beyond echo chambers, embrace the “messiness” of collaboration, and unlock transformative ideas. From fostering open dialogue to taking risks and letting go of control, the insights shared highlight the importance of rethinking how we work together. Read more about the discussion and key takeaways: https://lnkd.in/dwnSx-FC The New Standard is a collective between Universal Design Studio, Made Thought and Map Project Office, born out of a shared desire to collaborate. To get in touch, email us at hello@thenewstandard.group. #TheNewStandardGroup #Dezeen

How can design create spaces that stand the test of time? In OnOffice magazine’s latest issue, Universal's Associate Design Director, Lisl du Toit, shares insights on how sustainable design can address environmental, economic, and social challenges in a dedicated feature, ‘Designed to Last’. Focussing on transformative projects like the M127 Schoups office building, Lisl examines ways to future-proof spaces, foster adaptability, and embrace creativity to positively impact our built environment. "Sustainable design is an act of creativity that has the potential to shape our futures for the better,” says Lisl, reflecting on how design can evolve alongside communities while delivering lasting value. Read more below. #OnOffice169 #DesignedToLast #SustainableDesign

Our design for Norton Folgate has been featured on the cover of OnOffice magazine's latest issue. The accompanying piece by Roddy Clarke explores the rich history and craftsmanship behind the workspace development, highlighting the materiality and heritage of the buildings. The article also reflects on the key collaborations that brought these spaces to life, featuring works by Lara Pain, BENCHMARK and AJ WELLS AND SON LTD, Fabio Vogel, and Lewis Kemmenoe amongst others, who were pivotal to this transformation. At Norton Folgate, we sought to embed the site’s heritage, depth, and narrative into every detail. From bespoke joinery to carefully selected artworks, each element was designed to bridge the gap between commercial and residential interiors. The result is a workspace that feels warm, welcoming, and adaptable — built to endure and evolve over time. We’re incredibly proud to see this project recognised in such a meaningful way. A huge thank you to everyone involved: British Land, Carly Sweeney, Luca Mantovanelli, Charlotte FitzGerald, Christopher Scarffe, Von X Chua, and September Comms. Photography by Felix Speller Grab a copy here: https://lnkd.in/gsw9Rz_r #OnOffice169 #UniversalDesignsStudio #WorkplaceDesign #SustainableDesign

What role does dissent play in shaping a more diverse, accountable and innovative world? In the fifth part of our podcast series, Inside Out, Jason Holley, Principal at Universal Design Studio, and Kyle Stewart, Co-Founder of Goodhood Store, unpack the concept of dissent and its influence on societal progress and personal growth. Hosted by Elizabeth Choppin, the discussion explores the importance of dissent to freedom, progress, democracy, and innovation and the significance of rejecting the dominant culture's narrative and embracing the power of individual and community voices in shaping culture. Is it possible to facilitate dissent through the spaces and structures we create? How can it empower individuals and communities to thrive? As Jason reflects, “I think, for me, it's a question about freedom as much as anything. I think you can't have freedom without dissent. The idea that something relevant 100 years ago, 10 years ago, or even one week ago might not be relevant now — it’s about empowering individuals and groups to be their best. Dissent makes the world go round. It’s how we innovate.” Tune in to hear how embracing dissent is essential to unlocking our full human potential and taking meaningful action in the world: https://lnkd.in/eJXizJNg Inside Out is an original audio series created in partnership with Design Anthology UK, exploring the intersections between human behaviour and design. #InsideOutPodcast #DesignAnthologyUK