In the summer of 2004, two young architecture students, Archie Lee Coates IV and Jeff Franklin, sat at a coffee shop in Virginia. What started as playful doodles on napkins became the blueprint for a creative experiment that would one day evolve into PlayLab Inc.—a multidisciplinary studio now shaping conversations across design, art, and culture.
Today, PlayLab stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, collaboration, and unrelenting ambition. In this exclusive interview with the MINDED Podcast, Archie reflects on 20 years of growth, innovation, and lessons learned along the way. Creative Collaboration and Sustainability in Design: Lessons from PlayLab
A Napkin Sketch and a Dream
PlayLab’s story begins like many great ideas—with a scribble. “We’d draw ridiculous ideas on napkins at a coffee shop, dreaming about what we could create together,” Archie recalls. Those napkins, immortalized in their new studio as large-scale paintings, are now symbolic of PlayLab’s ethos: pursuing creativity without boundaries.
In its early days, PlayLab embraced its multidisciplinary identity. “We make things we want to make with people we want to make them with,” Archie says. That philosophy has allowed the studio to explore architecture, branding, installations, and beyond.
Building Creative Partnerships
In the world of design, relationships can make or break a vision. For PlayLab, mentorship played a pivotal role. Archie recounts the bold move of knocking on the door of Carlson Wilker, a design studio he admired. Their advice—“Don’t ask for permission”—became a guiding principle.
To this day, PlayLab maintains an open-door policy: “If someone reaches out to learn about PlayLab, we say yes every time,” Archie explains. This culture of accessibility has fostered meaningful collaborations, from large-scale art installations to partnerships with cultural icons like Virgil Abloh.
The Role of Privilege and Responsibility
Archie speaks candidly about the privileges that shaped his journey: supportive parents, financial stability during college, and access to mentorship. “Privilege isn’t just where you come from—it’s what you do with it to uplift others,” he says.
This awareness permeates PlayLab’s operations, influencing hiring practices, project choices, and team dynamics. “It’s not just about what we create; it’s about how we create it together,” Archie emphasizes.
Sustainability and Longevity in Design
For PlayLab, sustainability extends beyond environmental concerns. It’s about building a creative ecosystem that thrives over time. Archie describes their philosophy as “anything over time” rather than “everything all the time.” This long-term approach has guided the studio through challenges while fostering health and wellness among its team.
“We’re committed to longevity,” Archie says. “The work isn’t just about output—it’s about ensuring the process enriches everyone involved.”
Inside the Studio: A Tale of Two Partners
Archie and Jeff’s partnership is central to PlayLab’s success. Archie describes their dynamic as “the instigator and the facilitator.” He envisions possibilities without limits, while Jeff focuses on creating strategies to make them happen. This balance has allowed PlayLab to tackle ambitious projects while staying grounded.
“Our goal is to build an environment where everyone grows,” Archie explains. “If someone leaves, we want them to take something valuable with them—skills, experiences, and confidence.”
As PlayLab looks to the next chapter, Archie remains focused on staying adaptable. “We don’t chase trends, but we’re always open to tools and ideas that align with our values,” he says. While others debate AI’s impact on design, PlayLab uses it as another tool in their creative arsenal.
Takeaways for Creatives
Relationships Matter: Invest in mentorship and collaboration.
Define ‘Better’: Improvement isn’t just about the work; it’s about the process.
Think Long-Term: Creativity is a marathon, not a sprint.
Use Privilege Wisely: Build opportunities for others.
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What Archie is Reading, Watching, and Listening To
Book: Jim Henson: The Biography—an inspiring look at creative resilience and teamwork.
Music: Arthur Russell’s experimental works and Ibo Taylor’s Afrobeat classics.
Who’s Next: Archie recommends Reese Cooper, an innovative fashion designer, or Nico Fern, a creative leader at Nike.
Discover More
Visit Playlab for updates or explore more MINDED episodes at MINDEDPodcast.com.
Related Resource: Designboom’s Interview with PlayLab – A deep dive into PlayLab's 20-year journey and their multidisciplinary projects.
Related Resource: Core77’s Conversation with Archie Lee Coates IV – Insights on collaboration and maintaining PlayLab’s playful ideation process.
Additional Suggestion: Hypebeast’s Studio Visit to PlayLab – A look into PlayLab’s creative process and collaborations with cultural icons.
Engage with MINDED
What lessons from PlayLab’s journey resonate most with you? Share your thoughts and tag us on social media @MindedPodcast with your takeaways. For more inspiring stories, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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