With impeccably designed interiors and a genuinely exuberant and thriving culture, PLATF9RM have managed to create something unique within the co-working sector.
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.
With impeccably designed interiors and a genuinely exuberant and thriving culture, PLATF9RM have managed to create something unique within the co-working sector.
Tasked with bottling their spirited approach, we worked closely with the founder and creative director to build a clear understanding of the brand. In response we built a rigorous strategy that would help articulate this vision.
The name itself comes from Founder, Seb Royle’s desire to escape the daily commute; Brighton’s non-existent ninth platform symbolising the dream of a better work-life balance.
The identity pays homage to these beginnings by referencing the split-flap notice boards of train stations. We built the brand around a kinetic typeface; forever in motion, it became the perfect way to describe both the brand’s origins and the energy of the space itself.
The brand essence, Make Work Wonderful, has become a joyful call to arms for the business and its members.
Interior photography: Emma Croman
Interior design: We Like Today