Skip to content

Building an Innovation Studio Part 2

Phil McKinney
Phil McKinney
2 min read
Building an Innovation Studio - Part 2

Ever wondered what it takes to build a space that sparks creativity and enables innovation? I've been on a journey transforming my studio from a simple podcast recording room into a full-fledged innovation workspace, and I'm excited to share the progress with you.

Five months ago, we embarked on a complete teardown and reconstruction. While we missed our January completion target, the transformation has been remarkable. We've installed hardwood flooring (goodbye, dust allergies!), added professional-grade tool organization with Husky cabinets, and installed a suspended lighting grid that would make theater technicians proud.

The studio now features dedicated zones for different types of creative work. There's a 3D printing station with the constantly-running Bamboo Labs X1 Carbon, professional audio and video equipment storage, and flexible workspace areas for prototyping and ideation sessions. Everything is designed to keep the floor clear and maximize the space's versatility.

Some challenges have emerged along the way – like the unexpected acoustic effects of the hardwood flooring (hello, echo!) and the adventure of hoisting heavy tool cabinets above the garage with a man lift (don't tell my wife!). We're still working on sound suppression solutions and evaluating options for a collaboration display wall.

Want to see how it all comes together? Check out the full video tour where I dive into the details of each upgrade and share the thinking behind the design decisions. You'll get an inside look at the professional-grade lighting grid installation, the cable management solutions, and even some fresh 3D prints hot off the printer.

If you're interested in innovation, making, or creating your own creative workspace, consider supporting the channel by becoming a member. You'll get exclusive content, live stream invites, and early access to videos. Plus, you might even get a chance to collaborate on prototyping your own ideas in the studio.

Subscribe and join me on this journey of creation and innovation.

Become a member on:

YouTube Members: https://www.youtube.com/@PhilMcKinney

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philmckinney

To learn more about the innovation studio build, listen to this week's show: Building an Innovation Studio Part 2: 5-Month Transformation Update.

Studio SessionsPast Showsinnovation studio

Phil McKinney Twitter

Phil McKinney is an innovator, podcaster, author, and speaker. He is the retired CTO of HP. Phil's book, Beyond The Obvious, shares his expertise and lessons learned on innovation and creativity.


Related Posts

How to Improve Your Second-Order Thinking Skills

The most expensive failures don't announce themselves. They start as weak signals somebody noticed once and explained away. Second-order thinking is how you stop being that somebody.

Second-order thinking

How to Improve Your Inversion Thinking Skills

Most innovation tools teach you how to win. Inversion thinking teaches you how to lose on purpose, so you catch the failure while you can still change course.

Image of inversion thinking - showing Phil McKinney inverted.

How to Improve Your First Principles Thinking Skills

First principles thinking is the most talked-about skill in innovation. It's also the most misunderstood. Here's what it actually looks like.

Podcast Episode on First Principals Thinking Skills