From London to Barcelona: A Designer's Mindset Shift

Transitioning from London to Barcelona has been a transformative journey for me as a designer.

London, with its fast-paced, competitive environment, taught me to think quickly and innovate under pressure. The design scene there is intense, and the expectations are high. It was a fantastic training ground, but it also came with its own set of challenges.

Moving to Barcelona, I encountered a different rhythm.

The city’s laid-back lifestyle, emphasis on work-life balance, and vibrant culture have given me a fresh perspective on creativity. The focus here is more on sustainable design and user-centric solutions that are deeply rooted in the local culture.

This shift wasn't always easy.

There were moments of adjustment, but it has significantly broadened my design approach. I’ve learned to incorporate a more holistic view, blending the best of both worlds. It’s truly invigorating to apply these global insights to my work with Naka, and I feel more inspired than ever.

date published

Apr 13, 2026

reading time

2

.say ciao

feel free to email me to see how can we collaborate..

stefan.chies@gmail.com

.say ciao

feel free to email me to see how can we collaborate..

stefan.chies@gmail.com