Build

Build is a creative agency based in Leeds. We recently caught up with their Founder and Creative Director, Michael C Place. EM: Having recently moved from London to Leeds, how do the design cultures differ between the two cities? MCP: It’s very different, and to be honest we are still trying to work it out! Leeds is obviously much smaller than London, and in comparison, they don’t have as many design studios. It is probably on the map as being a much more digitally focused city, which we can see shifting due to its fast paced nature and constant change – which opens up some good design opportunities. Our London studio was in Walthamstow, which at the time of opening wasn’t at all trendy. In fact there were very few design studios choosing to set up there as most wanted to be in the Shoreditch/Old Street area of the City. But London is very good at self-promotion, and it has a design scene that is very well established. The North is still evolving and finding its feet in the way of design but there are some really great studios here that are producing some exciting stuff. People here are very friendly and are very happy to help out, which means there is a good level of camaraderie between studios, which is always great!