Studio 17: Emotive Design Meets Commercial Acumen

Now into its tenth year, Studio 17 is an award-winning design and innovation consultancy with a reputation for inspired products. Established in 2010 by Ashley May and David Evans, the pair fused their respective talents in automotive and product design to produce a one-of-a-kind vision for their wares. Integrating a pragmatic, user-focused approach, coupled with great attention to surface, form and balance instils Studio 17’s products with thought-provoking aesthetics and function.

ARCC Innovations is very pleased to count Studio 17 amongst its affiliated businesses, and to be a part of Studio 17’s inspiring story. The consultancy started its journey from humble beginnings, operating in an old factory in London N17, hence the company name. After two years, the company moved to ARCC’s Cambridgeshire site in 2012 and was able to make good use of its state-of-the-art facilities, including CNC-machining and 3D printing. Here Studio 17 can control every aspect of the research and development process; quickly taking an initial concept from the sketch through to CAD, before rapid prototyping and subsequently manufacturing completed products. Also adept at market research and strategic analysis, specialising in branding and packaging, all Studio 17’s products are tempered by an acute appreciation for commercial reality.

From opening its doors Studio 17’s growth over the past decade has been exponential. It was quickly recognised by globally renowned businesses like Fiskars and Joseph Joseph as having a unique contribution to make to the world of industrial design. One of Studio 17’s very first products, the Nest Utensils for Joseph Joseph, picked up a Red Dot design award in 2012. Since then, Studio 17’s expertise has been solicited by other high-end brands, like John Lewis, Philips Avent, Walser and Umbra.

Studio 17’s commercial range and design capabilities are versatile. From kitchen utensils and coat stands to car mats and fat analyzers, the broad scope of products that have been offered over the years are a testament to the consultancy’s unique and successful approach. In 2018 Studio 17 applied this formula to the domestic HiFi speaker, seeking to marry revolutionary acoustic quality with aesthetic excellence. The result was the Hylixa, which since its launch has been making waves in the audio industry. Studio 17’s synergy of functional innovation and advanced emotive design manifests itself in this loudspeaker, which delivers a profound scale of performance from its slender frame, and which has scooped up multiple awards worldwide.

All of Studio 17’s products are striking, and the consultancy has brought a unique voice to the ARCC family’s offered expertise. It regularly collaborates with affiliates on site, often providing advice in different fields, although Studio 17 maintain creative control on every one of its own projects.

Nestled in the heart of South Cambridgeshire, one of the UK’s fastest growing economic regions and a globally renowned hub for tech and design companies, Studio 17 welcomes those who wish to visit the site to discuss potential business opportunities or for general inquiries.

See Studio 17’s website to see more of their award-winning products.