Culture
Meet BATE, the Madrid-based duo revolutionizing experiences, blending architecture and storytelling for impactful events.
Updated 12:50 am EDT, April 16, 2025
Published 10:10 am EDT, April 15, 2025
Photo Courtesy: BATE
Photo Credits:
Producer: Natasha Tabunova
Photography: Flávio Iryoda
Architects Álvaro Carroquino and Jose Miguel Velasco, whose shared passion for design started during their university days, have a story that resonates with the power of dedication. Their creative pursuits, which extended beyond architecture to organizing cultural music events and launching an online community radio station, allowed them to connect with the art world.
These experiences ultimately inspired them to launch BATE in 2021 — a platform dedicated to helping brands tell their stories through events, pop-ups, and retail spaces. They also launched BATE Social Store, a studio and retail project inside their office, where they curate independent brands and artists.
The original focus on art direction and graphic design expanded into a comprehensive exploration of space and narrative. The platform now delivers a dynamic experiential design solution for brands by merging architectural elements with storytelling to craft impactful spaces due to the increasing demand for immersive brand experiences. Their next step involves forming partnerships with international brands to build a global creative network that will generate excitement among their audience.
Unlike traditional architecture studios, BATE doesn’t just design spaces—it builds narratives. The team deeply explores each brand’s identity, asking proper questions to understand their vision, values, target audience, and any required changes. Every project is a fresh canvas, whether one week it’s an industrial-inspired retail space or a playful, artistic installation the next.
This unique approach, blending architecture with storytelling, sets BATE apart in the industry. Their Madrid-based office serves as both a workspace and a collaborative hub, welcoming independent designers and emerging brands. By fostering a creative community that embraces fashion, design, and culture, BATE aids smaller names in growing and gaining visibility in the city and beyond.
One of their biggest challenges has been defining their role in a way that resonates with clients. “We’re not just an architecture studio—we help brands bring their identity to life through physical spaces,” they explain. Rather than focusing on awards, their priority is creating spaces that leave a lasting impact. For them, the true measure of success is when clients return for new projects, trusting them to keep evolving their brand experiences—and seeing people happy and loving their work makes it even more rewarding.
Some of BATE’s most significant projects include the Suot Studio Flash Store, an Ephemeral flagship for the Suot Studio brand in Madrid. This complex and high-pressure project involved building a store within a raw space near Canalejas in less than a week.
Another notable project is Casa Lola, a private home where they approached the design in a more experimental way, exploring new perspectives on architecture and living. Álvaro and Jose undertook an industrial project for Mr. Boho Stores to systematize display production, which allowed them to launch numerous stores throughout Spain within a single day of installation. BATE demonstrates its innovative spirit through these projects while simultaneously proving its dedication to sustainable design that serves the community.
BATE’s innovative approach has already caught the attention of major brands. They are currently producing an event for Netflix in Madrid and developing Universal Music’s first retail store in the city. Alvaro and Jose are looking forward to working with new restaurants and concept-driven brands in future projects while pushing creative boundaries through continued adaptation.
BATE is set to maintain its leadership in experiential design as these forthcoming projects will match the excitement and impact of their previous work. For those looking to break into the industry or create something like BATE, their advice is simple: “Just start. Work as hard as you can, and the right direction will reveal itself.” As BATE continues to evolve, one thing is clear—Álvaro and Jose are not just designing spaces; they are shaping experiences that redefine how brands connect with the world.
Kiki Khairy recently earned a master's degree in fashion styling & communication from IED Madrid, following his undergraduate degree in Public Relations & Communication from EU Business School Barcelona. Now working as a fashion editor, Khairy's career path reflects his dedication to the fashion industry. Born in London and with roots in Egypt, his diverse background enriches his perspective, contributing to his success in the dynamic world of fashion.
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