Co-Founder
Among these, we run Oneplus Ensemble, a music project where we perform live, exploring sounds between R&B, jazz and hip-hop.
At the core of Balay, and of everyone involved in the project, there was the sense of home: of being comfortable, of ‘home away from home,’ of that apparent domestic messiness that brings authenticity and life.
The article profiles Milan-based design studio Oneplus, founded in 2023 by six designers who approach branding as a process of cultural excavation rather than invention. Their work spans visual identities for bars, books, and cultural projects, blending vintage references with modern adaptability. The piece highlights their collaborative ethos, research-driven process, and creative side projects like their music collective Oneplus Ensemble.
OnePlus developed the brand identity for Milan’s Filipino-inspired tapas bar Balay, centering the concept on the feeling of home rather than hospitality trends. Collaborating with Ascend Beyond and Studio Mille, the project integrated branding, interiors, uniforms, and music into a cohesive, evolving system. The design uses multiple typefaces, handcrafted materials, and cultural references to express warmth, authenticity, and ongoing growth.