Studio Meep
Ella Richardson & Maximilan Fasching
arts & crafts/product design/ community
Website
Founder bio
Co-founder Ella is a UAL alumna with a First Class Honours in BA Graphic Design with Creative Computing. With a background in Sales and Marketing at Red Bull, Ella successfully blends artistic flair with strategic thinking. Currently working as a Product Development Assistant, Ella brings children's characters to life through imaginative products, infusing joy into every creation. Not only a designer, she is also a published Children's author of "The Bear and The Bees," showcasing her passion for storytelling. Ella's approach is all about designing for joy, making her a driving force behind the startup's vision.
Co-founder Maxi, is likewise a UAL alumnus, with a BA in Fine Art with Photography. He was awarded a Masters scholarship for 3D Design, showcasing a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Currently a Build Technician in the automotive industry, Maxi's practical expertise adds a hands-on dimension to the studio. He is a curious learner fascinated with unraveling how things work and possesses a problem-solving mindset.
The pair’s creative vision and entrepreneurial ambition earned them a spot in UAL’s Future 50 in 2023.
Venture profile
Studio Meep is an award-winning, independent creative studio and brand specialising in product design, prototyping, and sustainable production. Committed to high-quality craftsmanship, they aim to cultivate creativity within their community and promote accessible manufacturing.
Studio Meep's distinction lies in being a local, accessible, and collaborative production service in London. Unlike typical 3D printing businesses, they provide not just printing but high-quality, industry-standard fabrication services, but aim to overcome barriers like high Minimum Order Quantities(MOQ) and prototyping fees. They prioritise responsible production and do not pressure clients to overproduce. Flexibility is key; they gladly collaborate with clients to propose viable, affordable solutions tailored to their budget. This strategy aligns with their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring their products remain within reach for a diverse range of clients.
The Studio Meep and Friends community project collaborates with local creatives and educational institutions, nurturing talent and fostering connections. Offering low or no-cost production services extends opportunities to students and graduates, catalysing their growth.
In five years, Studio Meep envisions a well-established brand synonymous with craftsmanship, sustainability, and community impact. Offering an expanded array of fabrication services, they aim to be a go-to partner for diverse businesses and creative projects. Their evolution into an educational platform will empower individuals with digital manufacturing skills, aligning with their commitment to community enrichment.
Mission
The founders’ overarching goal is to establish a vibrant community hub in London, integrating their brand and services. This purpose-built space will house a fabrication workshop and a gallery/retail area, hosting regular events. Their vision is to inspire entrepreneurship by providing digital manufacturing skills to underprivileged individuals, supporting postgraduate students, hobbyists, and small businesses. Through Studio Meep, they strive to foster a collaborative environment that encourages creativity and skill development.
Studio Meep is dedicated to environmental responsibility, the no MOQ and local production policy ensures in-house, sustainable production. They embrace intentional design, utilising digital software to minimise waste. A 'one concept' approach reduces revisions and prototypes. Avoiding throwaway projects, they use repurposable materials, encouraging clients to return items. Consultancy work is selective, collaborating only with manufacturers meeting their sustainability policy. They prioritise durable materials and offer a repair service. Actively addressing plastic waste, they're developing a recycling scheme using local Brixton waste for functional goods. This aligns with their core values of local, accessible, and collaborative craftsmanship.
