Jack Mama and Nina Tolstrup are sitting at a work desk in their studio.

Studiomama profile

Studiomama is an East London-based multidisciplinary design studio founded by the creative couple Nina Tolstrup and Jack Mama in 2000.

Nina draws on a deep grounding in design and an innate connection to nature that is inherent in her Scandinavian roots and was honed during her training at ENSCI-Les Ateliers in Paris. Combining this with her diverse experience in trends, design management, photo journalism and marketing in Paris, London and Copenhagen gives her a 360-degree perspective and a unique approach to design.

Born into a Greek-Cypriot family in the East End of London, Jack enjoyed the rich influences of a multicultural and cosmopolitan upbringing. After graduating from the Royal College of Art, he worked in the Netherlands and Sweden as creative director for several global brands, developing a reputation for visionary work in design futures and design-led strategy, which led to innovative products and new business models. His work with Philips, Electrolux, Nike and BMW has been widely recognised with awards and global exhibitions.

Pegboard with design objects on display in the Studiomama design studio.

Practice

Nina and Jack’s ability to combine their diverse backgrounds and skills has enabled Studiomama to work coherently across multiple disciplines and develop its own distinctive expression. A sustainable ethos combined with an exploratory and playful approach has resulted in a daring, influential and socially-relevant portfolio that encompasses architecture, interior design, jewellery, exhibition design, curation, products and furniture – taking in collaborations with a diverse client base ranging from NGOs to global brands.

Understanding people’s needs and the socio-cultural context within which they live is central to Studiomama’s practice, and whether they are designing objects, interiors or architecture, Jack and Nina’s approach is characterised by the same level of rigour and attention to detail.

Serpentine Postbox by Studiomama, seen outside Serpentine Gallery.

Clients

Studiomama’s wide-ranging portfolio includes product and architecture projects for companies like Fritz Hansen, Ottolenghi, BMW, Vaarnni and Habitat as well as commissions for Bloomberg, the Danish Embassy, Marc Jacobs and Wallpaper*Handmade. It also collaborates on art and design commissions for organisations such as Phillips de Pury & Company, The National Trust and the Serpentine Galleries to name a few.

The studio’s work has been featured extensively in the world’s media and exhibited globally including the Design Museum, The Young V & A, The Victoria and Albert Museum, and Kalmar Konstmuseum. Nina and Jack are regularly called upon to speak about their work and participate in panel events. They maintain active links with leading art and design schools such as the Royal College of Art, Design Academy Eindhoven and Konstfack in Stockholm.

Areas of Practice

We take commissions of various scales and tailoring solutions to fit each site, location, and unique client brief.
Through close collaboration with clients, we aim to carefully craft solutions that align with the client needs and goals, ultimately striving to achieve the best possible outcome for each project.
How we work
It all begins with a brief; whatever project you have in mind, share it with us. It brings us great joy to realise your ideas. This could be anything from a coat hook to a summer house. Depending on the project – we normally work closely with our client and deliver within defined phases.
Phase 1 | THE BRIEF
We find it important to spend time defining the brief and expected outcome. A good foundation for the start of a project – helps optimising an effective delivery. Upon completion of each design stage, the results of Studiomama’s efforts will be documented in a printed and/or digital final presentation to be presented to the client and other third parties as may be required for comment, coordination and final approval of the design at that stage. The client’s sign-off of each report is a key part of the Studiomama design process, and signals agreement to proceed to the next stage of work.
Phase 2 | DEVELOP CONCEPTUAL PROPOSALS
Studiomama will explore different design layouts that we believe meet your brief. The objective of the Concept Phase is to develop the language appropriate to describe a signature vision for the project and to explore its full potential. This is accomplished through a series of meetings and discussions where goals and missions are formulated. In this phase of the project, we will work to establish a feel and general approach rather than detailed solutions.
Phase 3 | DEVELOP DETAILED DESIGN PROPOSAL
This is the formalisation of the design proposal as agreed upon in Phase 1. More detailed drawings with renderings/illustrations – will be produced and more comprehensive specifications of materials, colours, and finishes including mood boards.
Phase 4 | TECHNICAL DESIGN
At this stage of the design process, working drawings will be produced. Working drawings will normally be plans, elevations and sections. These drawings will be suitable for the manufacturer or contractor to quote from.
Phase 5 | IMPLEMENTING THE AGREED WORK
Fabrication and installation to practical completion. Studiomama will work closely with the manufacturer/contractor to maintain quality and design integrity.
If you like to work with us – get in contact: nina@studiomama.com
We aim to design holistic environments that support physical and emotional well-being. From new builds to renovations, city apartments and beach chalets. Our approach is always to understand our clients and create a space that nurtures and supports their needs.
We design public spaces to bring people together comfortably in all environments. From hospitality to restaurants, hotel rooms to healthcare. We pay attention to context and detail to ensure we elevate ordinary experiences to become extraordinary and memorable.
Our attention to detail extends to the furniture's form, material choice, and functionality, all to enhance the user's experience within the space.
Our approach aims to bring our values to life in a three-dimensional form. We seek to improve, innovate and add value. We collaborate closely with manufacturers and makers to explore all aspects of materials, skills and production. This helps ensure our designs aren’t just beautiful, playful and functional but are environmentally sound, in creation, for the duration of use and after their life.
We are experienced in designing products for manufacturers and objects that are self-initiated for production. We have worked on more complex electronic products to simple functional objects. We are always looking for a playful way to explore and improve use whilst maintaining a cost effect way of making suited to our client's needs.
We collaborate with architectural practices to design and develop architecture projects providing an alternative approach derived from our backgrounds and experience in designing furniture and products and holistic spaces. The result is seamless and harmonious environments where every element works together cohesively.
We have designed many exhibitions stand over the years. The requirements are always specific and the challenge to minimise waste and transport is always on our minds when we embark on designing exhibition stands.