Studio Build's creative director Michael C. Place on his favourite books

Having founded London-based design studio Build in 2001, creative director Michael C. Place has amassed his fair share of books in his time, with a healthy combination of design knowledge to be found tucked between the spines on the studios (admirably well-organised) shelf. We’ve been championing Build’s work on the site for some time now, so what better way to get an insight into the inspirations behind their snazzy work than by hearing from the creative director himself about his favourite reading material? Between Letraset catalogues, reflections on legend Wim Crouwel and Michael’s mate Blam (who has excellent taste in books) we were not disappointed.

The Designers Republic versus IDEA Magazine: Special Projects 01

Na’then! There are a lot of memories in this book! As a former fully-paid up member of the ‘Republic’ this will always hold a special place in my heart. This is pure nostalgia for me, a lot of my old work included here I can look at with pride, and a few pieces that make me cringe. I am instantly transported back to the cold office in Sheffield, opposite The Rutland Arms where a small band of us shaped the look of early nineties electronic music…brings a tear to the old glass eye.

Gerd Leufert & Àlvaro Sotillo: La Emblematica de Gerd Leufert

This book was given to me, I can’t remember who by (sorry). It’s a beautiful book; its pages are french folded and it’s all on lovely uncoated stock. It’s also in Spanish, so I can’t read it, but it’s really beautiful. The work is just stunning, full of the most breathtaking forms, shapes, such shapes! Fluid forms, impossible forms… I wish I spoke Spanish, and I really wish I could remember who gave me the book.

Letraset Catalogue (1981)

Instant lettering, they at Letraset say. Instant pure unadulterated joy is what I say. A relic of days before Steve Jobs dared to dream, the days of blood, sweat and the PMT camera. I’m a Letraset catalogue junkie; there I’ve said it. I collect them (Letraset catalogues), nothing beats the thrill of finding one I haven’t already got, a bit like watching an episode of The Simpsons you haven’t already seen. A catalogue like it was what got me interested in graphic design (that and heavy metal – it’s the logos.) I remember a friend bringing one to school when I was a kid and being fascinated by it, I didn’t know what it was, but I loved it. If you have any you want to get rid of, drop me a mail… Please!

Karel Martens: Printed Matter (white cover edition)

My mate Blam gave me this book. I love Blam. The work of Karel Martens is a sight to behold. I love the constant experimentation. I love the pretext “this is an account of work in progress” and I love the overprints… overprints… overprints… This book is a thing of beauty, in content and in design. I hear they fetch a pretty penny, I won’t be selling mine. Love it.

Wim Crouwel: Mode en Module

This book and its contents are absolutely mind-blowing and humbling. I got this book while at The Designers Republic, Ian needed us to work the weekend on a project, and as a reward we could either have money, or he would buy us this book. We all took the book. I have had the great pleasure of meeting, having dinner and interviewing the great man. He is a true legend. And a true gentleman. My copy is signed and out of all the design books I own, this is the most precious to me.