Elizabeth Goodspeed explores the evolving definition of what constitutes a design studio in today’s creative industry. Through the experiences of designers Meredith Hattam and Lotta Nieminen, the article examines how solo practitioners navigate identity, naming, and perception when operating as studios. It highlights a shift toward transparency, flexibility, and collective models in independent design practice.
A Present Force(Studio) Lotta NieminenBvlgariMarimekkobranding
The article details how design studio Order collaborated with Herman Miller to refresh the brand’s identity after 25 years, using Frontify as a brand management platform. Through archival research and careful restraint, the team modernized the system while preserving the iconic Irving Harper ‘M’ symbol, introducing the Söhne typeface and an expanded color palette. The result is a refreshed yet familiar identity that honors Herman Miller’s design legacy and supports its global retail expansion.
It’s Nice That’s annual ‘Review of the Year 2024: Top 50 Most Read’ highlights the most popular stories of the year, spanning rebrands, creative industry debates, and projects exploring technology’s role in design. The roundup includes features on major rebrands by Wolff Olins, JKR, and Order Design, as well as cultural commentary from writers like Elizabeth Goodspeed and Thomas Steeles.
