London-based design practices Universal Design Studio and Map Project Office have announced a new partnership with innovation agency AKQA. The company has acquired a majority stake in the two firms, which will continue to operate as distinct entities.
“We are delighted to build a community that shares our ethos of collaboration and innovation,” say Universal Design Studio and Map Project Office cofounders Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. “So much of our lives has been transformed by digital in recent times and this new partnership with AKQA will give us the opportunity to redefine the interface between architecture, product, and experience design. For us, this represents the future.”
“Having admired Edward and Jay’s work for over 20 years, this venture is the realization of a decades-long dream,” adds AKQA CEO Ajaz Ahmed. “It is the culmination of an exciting vision that embodies the spirit of invention we have always stood for; to push the limits and solve problems in unexpected ways.”
