COFFEE MORNING AT HUNDRED STUDIO
WEEK 1
Last week I popped along to Hundred Studio’s new space at 255a Upper Newtownards Road, and honestly, it was such a nice way to spend an afternoon. The new location feels calm, creative and very “them”, the kind of place where you immediately want to slow down and take everything in.
The team were incredibly welcoming and open about what they do. Gregg Reid, Creative Director, spoke about the studio’s work with real warmth and enthusiasm, while Craig Norwood, Design Director, shared insight into how ideas turn into thoughtful, well-crafted outcomes. Kaia Sadohara, designer, chatted through parts of the design process in a way that felt approachable and down to earth, which made the whole experience feel human rather than intimidating.
One of my favourite parts of the space was a bookshelf packed full of the most random but beautifully designed things, such as books, objects, bits you couldn’t quite categorise but absolutely wanted to pick up and look at. It felt like a physical moodboard of ideas and references, and I genuinely could have stood there for hours just scanning spines, textures and odd little details. It said so much about how the studio thinks and where inspiration comes from.
What really stood out overall was how refreshing it is to see a creative agency hosting events like this. Being invited into their actual workspace makes such a difference, you get a real sense of the environment, how people work together, and you get to meet others in the industry without it feeling forced or awkward. It felt more like a conversation than a networking event.
And as a bonus, there’s a really cute stationery shop downstairs called Hunter Paper Co. If you love good paper, notebooks and well-designed things, it’s dangerously easy to lose track of time in there.
To round it all off, there were so many dogs wandering about the studio, immediately raising the vibe and making everything feel even more relaxed. The exterior of the space is also worth a mention: very Swiss-feeling with its metal finishes and bold primary colours, but still softened with a touch of maximalism that keeps it playful rather than stark. All in all, Hundred Studio’s new space isn’t just an office; it feels like a small creative hub, and it’s great to see them opening it up and inviting people in.