approach

We are a strategic studio that re-imagines new frontiers for places around the world.

Drawing expertise from urban research, cultural design, futurist film-making and spatial storytelling to define places alive with character and commerce. People value places that mean something to them.

Using narrative and design strategies to draw out meaning, we unlock the power of social and cultural value to match the economics of a place.

we believe in

AUDACIOUS IMAGINATION
Just what’s needed in times of reinvention, we champion ideas that are bold, unusual and playful.

INTELLIGENT OPTIMISM
Energetic and positive in disposition, backed up by depth of experience and wisdom.

INFECTIOUS EXPLORATION
We never settle and make time to explore, reflect and learn in order to break new ground and share our knowledge.

team
DRAG TO NAVIGATE ‹ ›
Rosanna Vitiello
Bureau Chief

Rosanna Vitiello is a renowned cultural strategist and creative director with unparalleled international experience in envisioning and communicating future-fit cultural districts and destinations. 

Home: London

Tess Redburn
Cultural Strategist

Tess is a cultural strategist, designer and producer, seamlessly feeding insight into design projects and activations which create places with purpose.

Home: Bristol

Allison Walker
Interpretation Strategist and writer

Allison is a cultural interpretation strategist and a writer, working in the museums and heritage sector for 25 years on both sides of the Atlantic.

Home: London and the California Bay Area

Kimelle Fleary
Project Manager

Kimelle is a Trinidadian born creative project manager with a background in digital marketing, supporting The Place Bureau with new business and studio management. 

Home: London

Noel Moka
Researcher and Photographer

Noel Moka is a researcher and documentary photographer whose work explores the relationship between societies and landscapes. 

Home: London

Anya Kendall
Graphic Designer

Anya is a strategic graphic designer, working with the Place Bureau to translate creative concepts into impactful visual branding, accessible design tools and editorial content.

our process

INSIGHT
Looking out in the world and on the ground to uncover local identity and place opportunities.

◦ Future Insights
◦ Cultural Research
◦ Revelation Routes

IMAGINATION
Developing strategic frameworks and future-fit visions to inform decision-making.

◦ Narrative + Vision Workshops
◦ Futures Frameworks
◦ Placemaking Strategy
◦ Experience Design
◦ Co-Production

IMPACT
Developing concrete action-plans and assets to turn place visions into reality.

◦ Destination Playbook
◦ Creative Communication
◦ Masterclasses

partners

Our ethos is built on collaboration. From Thamesmead to Tian Fu, we work alongside expert teams, stakeholders, local communities and cultural correspondants to draw out their innate understanding of a place. Our team has worked with:

ARCHITECTS & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
Adjaye Associates, London
Asif Khan, London
Art Hub, Milan
Atelier Masomi, Niger
Allison Brooks Architects, London
BIG, Copenhagen DRMM, London
Gillespies, London
JA Projects, London
JTP Masterplanners, London
Marc Kohler Architects, Amsterdam
Macgregor Coxall, Bristol & Sydney
Moreau Kusunoki Architects, Paris
Prior + Partners, London
Protein Studios, Amsterdam
RAA, London + NYC
Schultz + Grassov, Copenhagen
Squint Opera, London
Turner Works, London
Wilkinson Eyre, London
West 8, Rotterdam and New York

ORGANISATIONS
Bristol City Council, UK
Arts University Bournemouth, UK
Central St Martin’s College of Art and Design,
University of the Arts, London
National Museums Liverpool
Art Hub Asia

our output

DESTINATION PLAYBOOK:
FUTURE PLACE VISIONING

We translate insight into powerful place visions by creating guidelines and principles – mapping out how the narrative thread is applied to architecture landscape, experience design, and cultural activations.

CREATIVE COMMUNICATION:
LACE EXPRESSION

We apply an editorial eye and creative direction to translate technical content into persuasive communication assets through programming, brand identity, film, photography, illustration, poetry, experience design or digital experiences.

MASTERCLASSES:
KNOWLEDGE SHARING

We coach design teams and stakeholders to master the art of collaboration, and the science of storytelling with tools that will energise team cultures.

What they say

The Bureau Chiefs gaze into the future and across territory, to define narratives for places around the world. Working with intuitive methods and imaginative minds, they answer the “why here?” “why now?” “what next?” as eloquent concepts and ideas. They are also great fun to work with, integrating seamlessly into teams and communities, finding the material and ideas that others didn’t see or couldn’t articulate.
JASON PRIOR, DIRECTOR, PRIOR + PARTNERS

Special thanks to the Rosanna’s who conducted a really useful and constructive workshop - goes to show it can be done in these challenging circumstances!
PHILLIP TEFFT, DIRECTOR, RAA