Studio Kiln Takes a Leap: From Falmouth to London
By Editor • September 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Studio Kiln, the acclaimed design studio known for its innovative approach, is making waves with its recent decision to relocate part of its operations from Cornwall to London. Established in Falmouth in 2022, the studio has earned accolades for its creative projects, including a notable particle system for BAFTA, demonstrating that success doesn't hinge on proximity to major urban centers.
As co-founder and creative director Nathan Smith shares, the move is driven less by dissatisfaction with their Cornish roots and more by the desire for enhanced collaboration among a geographically dispersed team. With creatives joining from various parts of the UK, it became clear that face-to-face interaction was crucial for team cohesion. "Almost every one of them… brought up wanting an easier way to get together in person," he recalls, highlighting the widespread sentiment that a central meeting place was needed.
Transitioning to the Big Smoke
The transition has been gradual, with the studio first utilizing a shared co-working space in London six months ago before committing to its own studio there last month. This incremental approach has allowed the team to maintain their roots in Cornwall while gradually establishing a presence in London. As Nathan explains, "There isn't one date we'd point to as 'the move'. It's been more of a slow shift in weight from one place to the other, but by the end of the year, we expect to have fully moved." The dual setup, while operationally complex, aims to bridge the gap between their current location and the bustling London creative scene.
Overcoming Challenges
While the excitement of expanding into London is palpable, the transition has not been without its challenges. Managing two locations presents logistical hurdles, but Nathan emphasizes that the real difficulty lies in fostering team connections. "Everything came down to how hard it had become to keep people connected when they were spread across the country," he states. For studios considering a similar move, Nathan advises focusing on the underlying reasons for the shift. For Studio Kiln, it was about creating a space that facilitated closer collaboration among team members rather than simply following a trend.
Source: www.creativeboom.com
