Finding hidden potential in a corner of Brighton.
Following a lot of consideration, I've decided to close Studio Makgill.
During the past 15 years, we have worked with so many wonderfully talented and creative individuals and designed for some incredible brands. Hand on heart, I couldn't be more proud of what we've achieved together on this journey.
This decision is deeply connected to the state of the world right now. Whilst our industry is seemingly coming around to its role in aggravating and sustaining the social, environmental and economic crises we face, it's acting too slowly. Currently, to thrive as an agency without causing harm (let alone do good) is too difficult.
I want to be involved in the challenges we face as we urgently find ways towards mutuality, equity and ecological flourishing. However, I no longer feel that an agency is the right vehicle for this.
This isn't the moment to discuss where this decision is taking me (though, feel free to reach out if you want to ask me or share your views on what I'm doing). This is the moment to say thank you. Thank you for choosing to work with us – either as part of the team or as a client. Thank you for being interested in us and hopefully taking some inspiration from the work we created. Just a beautiful and simple… thank you.
Love
My deepest gratitude goes out to these incredibly talented souls who joined me on this journey: Ollie, Alvaro, Myles, Gary, Charlie, Roxy, Gus, Alexis, Laura, Charlotte, Dixie, Rebecca, Nathan, Oli, David, Wai, Miles, Alberto, Stephen, Alison, Gareth, Ryan, Charlie, Harry, Guy, Peter, James, James, Dave, Josh, Gareth, Paul, Roy, Lutz, Tudinh, Anthony & Edd, Martin, Lawrence, Luke, Arran, Rich, Will & Alex, Paul & Russ, Tom, Ed, Carrina, Oscar, Isla and everyone else who I have failed to mention.
Finding hidden potential in a corner of Brighton.
U+I specialise in placemaking. Rather than developing areas that are already on the rise, they take the longer view. They find failing places, spaces showing little sign of improvement, but full of potential. They work their magic. They stimulate change. They create enduring working and living environments.
Based at the Preston Barracks site in Brighton, Field is a hub for start-ups that design and make physical products. The aim is to empower entrepreneurial designers and to cultivate a vibrant community that releases the potential of the area.
U+I prefer to work with design agencies who are able to work across disciplines and that is exactly what this project demanded.
We designed a custom typeface, the launch campaign, interior and exterior spaces, the wayfinding throughout and the website. We even designed the furniture in the café and main space.
At the core of the campaign was a series of giant portraits of the makers by Dean Chalkley.