Universal Design Studio is a London-based architecture and interior design practice. Its commissions include boutique hotels, restaurants, department stores, galleries and renowned cultural institutions. Universal uses a bespoke approach for each client, rich in intellectual rigor and creativity, to create inspiring places with a powerful visual impact. Universal strives to work with forward thinking brands, both in the UK and around the world. Founded by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in 2001, Universal was launched in response to the growing demand for their distinctive design aesthetic of simplicity and clever use of material details in an architectural and interior design context. Both Barber and Osgerby have a multi disciplinary design background, so the formation of Universal was a natural extension of their expertise. While they continue to focus on their eponymous furniture and product design studio, their design thinking underpins the work of Universal and its new sister company MAP which was launched in 2012 to focus on strategy-based industrial design and research. Barber & Osgerby, Universal and MAP all share a passion for problem solving and straightforward, intuitive design.