To stay at the forefront of transformation, we’re excited to introduce our new Global Head of Innovation, Matías Rodriguez. With a strong background leading creative teams and managing large-scale projects, Matías now encompasses both this global role and his ongoing position as Managing Director of the Madrid office, a role he has held for the past five years. In this dual capacity, he has played a pivotal part in shaping the firm’s strategic vision and roadmap and also actively overseeing day-to-day operations.

What does your new role entail?

My role is to ensure our studio remains not only relevant, but truly leading in a sector we’ve helped shape over the past two decades. Operating at the intersection of strategic thinking and creative excellence, I’m tasked with future-proofing our approach —identifying emerging trends, technologies, and behaviours that are transforming the way people work, live, and connect, and translating them into actionable, inspiring design solutions. Working with our exceptionally talented teams across several offices, I’m focused on embedding innovation as a shared mindset and methodology that informs everything we do, from space and service design to communication and brand experiences. It’s about fostering a culture of experimentation, enabling cross-disciplinary collaboration, and creating the conditions for breakthrough thinking that responds to real client needs.

How does your role contribute to the overall goals of Studio Banana?

We’re at a crossroads where work, learning and leisure dynamics are being redefined. It’s no longer just about activating physical spaces or incorporating the latest digital solutions, but about how we build meaning across every touchpoint of the user’s journey. My challenge is to help our studio stay ahead of that curve by designing integrated, fluid experiences where people thrive, culture flourishes, and technology supports genuine human connection. In my new role I bring a strategic lens to design, ensuring that innovation is woven into every stage of our process —from early research to final delivery— so that our work is not only aesthetically compelling nor even simply functional, but deeply aligned with our clients’ business objectives and transformation ambitions.

What are the main challenges?

My mission is to build bridges between bold creativity and meaningful innovation, making sure we’re not just following trends but shaping what’s next. The challenge ahead is, therefore, to stay radically human in our innovation to prototype futures that look good and feel right. In an organisation like Studio Banana, innovation isn’t theoretical —it’s hands-on, agile, and deeply personalized. Working closely with our multidisciplinary teams, I support a culture of experimentation and strategic foresight ensuring that we continuously challenge assumptions, co-create with clients, and deliver experiences that are both inspiring and pragmatic. It’s not about change for change’s sake, it’s about creating meaningful impact through purposeful design.

And your personal objective?

Staying curious, staying brave, and staying deeply connected to the people we design for can make the whole difference. That’s exactly where we’ll lead from. A crucial part of my new role will also be to build a strong network of partnerships with top organizations across design, strategy and technology. These collaborations will enable us to exchange knowledge, explore synergies, and shape solutions that push the boundaries of what we can deliver. By connecting with institutions and experts outside our walls, we aim to stay at the forefront of innovation, enrich our holistic approach, and bring even greater value to our clients and their communities.

What is your favourite project at the studio and why?

One of my favourite projects is the EY Capability Centre we designed for their headquarters at Canary Wharf, London. Known as the Wavespace Experience Centre, this project was a true milestone —not only because it reimagined how knowledge can be made tangible and experiential, but also because it marked EY’s very first Innovation Lab, laying the groundwork for a global model. The blueprint we co-created became the foundation for EY’s worldwide innovation network, which has since expanded to over 35 specialised centres across key innovation and technology hubs.

Another project I’m particularly proud of is our long-standing collaboration with IE University. Since 2012, we’ve served as their creative design agency, consistently delivering end-to-end strategic design support across all stages of the student journey. Through a close, long-term co-design process —rooted in a deep understanding of the brand and its key stakeholders— we’ve helped shape IE’s communications into more innovative, engaging formats, reinforcing their positioning in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.