Sophie's Choice: OK-RM

OK-RMs projects are grounded by a rational and clear approach and a genuine concern for collecting, organising and understanding content based on each projects individual needs. This has led the studio to establish a strong reputation for creative solutions with appropriate and successful outcomes.

Founded in 2008 by Oliver Knight & Rory McGrath, they are a collaborative design studio engaged in ongoing partnerships with artists, curators, editors, architects, designers and institutions. For them, design is a conversation. Their art direction aims to engage commissioners, clients and collaborators in a process that not only communicates who they are but clarifies what they are. Whether it’s a book, space or a visual identity, our designs seek to reflect a set of core values. This way of working often leads to ongoing relationships that track the evolution of a brand or body of work.

Above: Rory McGrath, co-founder of OK-RM, discussing two exhibition projects the studio has worked on. Exhibitions have become a big part of their work. Like many, they started with smaller projects: books and so on, then graduated to exhibitions, visual identity, and branding. They worked with exhibitions in the beginning, but never on  a level where they could get involved in creating an overall effect on the audience. Now, they work not only with graphic design in a traditional sense, typography and such, but get involved with materiality and creating a mood for the exhibitions they work on. 

In an interview with The Ideal Candidate, when asked to describe their ideal candidate in three words, OK-RM responded with Assertive, Bonafide, and Compliant. I wasn't sure how I feel about that. Assertive and Bonafide, sure. But Compliant? I think that compliance is necessary but I'm unsure about it being in their top three qualities they're looking for in a potential candidate. Surely they would want someone the opposite? Someone daring and willing to take risks?  

Despite that, I asked Sophie for suggestions of studios in London on the smaller side, as I do see this in my future. OK-RM do work for a lot of publications and create a lot of conceptual work. I enjoy that, but after reading their 'Compliant' comment, can't help but see a restrained creativity within their work. At university I'm learning to  rip things apart and trying to create truly risk-taking, creative work. I don't really want to go straight from that into a studio who want me to be 'Compliant'.