Behind the Scenes
Explore our story, our vision, and the values that drive us forward.
Our Story
studio creative underdogs
Founded in 2015 by Alex Klein, Studio Creative Underdogs specializes in designing three-dimensional objects—products, furniture, and spaces. Creativity, experimentation, and a love for unique projects drive our work. We don’t limit ourselves by scale or convention—what matters is the excitement of creating something new. Having fun while working is key because when you enjoy what you do, you give more, and the results speak for themselves.
While a small studio, we collaborate with a trusted network of experts across disciplines, including graphic and exhibition design, architecture, craftsmanship, motion design, photography, film, sustainability consulting, music, and storytelling.
Every project brings fresh ideas, unique materials, and new challenges. We embrace this diversity, turning concepts into reality with quality and attention to detail.
For us, design is more than aesthetics—it’s about creating experiences that connect with people and respect the environment. Whether sparking joy or optimizing production for sustainability, we aim to make a lasting impact.
Our studio is based in Stuttgart’s Lehenviertel, near Marienplatz.
Let us know if you’d like to stop by for a coffee!
Selected clients we successfully worked with
About
Our Founder Alex Klein
Alex Klein is a German designer, artist, lecturer, and the founder of studio creative underdogs. His work is driven by a deep passion for creativity, a strong commitment to quality, and a desire to make a meaningful impact through design.
From an early age, Alex was drawn to collecting, curating, and immersing himself in visual culture—whether through comics, painting, or photography. Skateboarding and surfing taught him about flow and movement, while traveling and visiting museums broadened his perspective on art, design, and craftsmanship. These personal influences continue to shape his creative approach today.
Alex studied Industrial Design at the State Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Stuttgart and ENSCI – Les Ateliers in Paris. During this time, he gained valuable experience working with renowned studios such as SIMON BUSSE STUDIO, Nils Holger Moormann GmbH, Studio F. A. Porsche, and LIGANOVA, collaborating with international clients. These experiences refined his eye for detail and reinforced his belief in the power of good design.
Alex is also passionate about teaching, sharing his knowledge as a lecturer in industrial and furniture design, and conducting workshops at design universities. His goal is to inspire the next generation of designers to think beyond aesthetics and create work that is both meaningful and responsible.
For Alex, design is not just a profession—it’s a way of life.
Honors & Grants
We are grateful for the recognition and support we’ve received through awards, scholarships, and grants. These honors encourage us to keep exploring, learning, and creating with passion.
Residencies
05 2026. Vista Alegre International Designer POOL Residency - Alcobaça, Portugal
09 2024. Vista Alegre International Designer POOL Residency - Ílhavo, Portugal
08 2023. LIBKEN Summer Academy Residency - Gerswalde, Germany
Schoolarships & Grants
03 2026. PUMA CELL GEO Grant, finalist (Top 9) - curated by Archived Dreams
12.2025. Creative Connection Grant – Landeshauptstadt Stuttgart, SCU studio events
08 2022. Academy X schoolarship - Stuttgart, Germany
09 2017. ERASMUS, Scholarship for a Master's Thesis in Collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche - Zell am See, Austria
02 2014. ERASMUS, Scholarship at ENSCI – Les Ateliers - Paris, France
Exhibitions & Awards
Our work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions and design fairs worldwide, from solo presentations to group shows and industry events. Each exhibition is an opportunity to share our creative vision, explore new materials, and engage in dialogue with the design community. Here is a selection of past exhibitions:
Exhibitions
04.2026. Deutsches Design Museum - "SITZEN - Machen" group exhibition - Berlin, Germany
07.2023. openart Solo Photo + Furniture Exhibition - Stuttgart, Germany
05.2023. PERG Gallery - LOST and FOUND by Charlie Edmiston, gallery bench - Ludwigsburg, Germany
05.2023. INTERZUM - HfT Stuttgart X FORBO Linoleum Furniture - Cologne, Germany
03.2023. COLLECTIBLE Design Fair - Brussels, Belgium
03.2023. BLICKFANG - HfT Stuttgart X FORBO Linoleum Furniture - Stuttgart, Germany
11.2022. PERG Gallery- SCU FLASH FURNITURE SERIES release - Ludwigsburg, Germany
08.2022. Libken Summer Academy, Group Exhibition - Gerswalde, Germany
07.2022. PERG Gallery - SCU POP UP STORE & movie night - Ludwigsburg, Germany
06.2022. Academy X 2022 - Stuttgart, Germany
01.2022. PERG Gallery - SCU furniture archive opening - Ludwigsburg, Germany
10.2020. Junge Möbelschau - Stuttgart, Germany
09.2020. Studio Solo Exhibition, Schätze des Westens - Stuttgart, Germany
01.2020. CES VEGAS - Consumer Electronics Show - Las Vegas, Nevada
05.2019. COMPUTEX - Taipei, Taiwan
11.2019. Smart City Expo World Congress - Barcelona, Spain
07.2017. RUNDGANG - State Academy of Arts and Design - Stuttgart, Germany
03.2017. BLICKFANG - Stuttgart, Germany
01.2017. imm - Cologne, Germany
01.2016. imm - Cologne, Germany
11.2015. ARD Buffet - Designerportrait - Baden-Baden, Germany
11.2015. Soopkitchen Gallery - Stuttgart, Germany
07.2015. RUNDGANG - State Academy of Arts and Design - Stuttgart, Germany
04.2015. „1865 - Inspired by History“ by BASF designfabrik Salone del Mobile - Milano, Italy
03.2015. BLICKFANG LOCALS - Stuttgart, Germany
03.2015. IW8 - Lange Nacht der Museen - FUTURE CITY - Stuttgart, Germany
12.2014. LRG Arthouse - Stuttgart, Germany
12.2014. KICKS N´COFFEE Sneaker Exhibition Lounge - Stuttgart, Germany
11.2014. FLOID groupexhibition - Stuttgart, Germany
11.2014. YRPPLE STORE - Kiste Shopboard Release - Stuttgart, Germany
07.2014. MUNICH MASH Cultural Village - Munich, Germany
06.2014. JEUNES SATELLITES X LA JEUNE RUE / Paris, France
03.2014. BLICKFANG LOCALS - Stuttgart, Germany
11.2013. MEDIA OVERLOAD Videopremiere & Ausstellung - Karlsruhe, Heilbronn, Stuttgart, Germany
07.2013. RUNDGANG - State Academy of Arts and Design - Stuttgart, Germany
10.2012. VELOCITY Videopremiere - Stuttgart, Germany
03.2012. BLICKFANG - Stuttgart, Germany
03.2012. RUNDGANG - State Academy of Arts and Design - Stuttgart, Germany
Awards
04 2026. Nowy Styl re:think design competition, finalist (Top 10)
05 2023. iF DESIGN AWARD 2023 Gold for KEUCO AXESS - Freelance Work with Studio F. A. Porsche for KEUCO
12 2022. German Design Award 2023 - Excellent Architecture - Interior Architecture »Special Mention« for PERG
08 2022. reddot award winner The ARGENT K6 RGB gaming keyboard, Freelance work w// Studio F. A. Porsche for Thermaltake
08 2022. reddot award winner The ARGENT DS 100 desk cooler, Freelance work w// Studio F. A. Porsche for Thermaltake
08 2021. reddot award winner The ARGENT M5 RGB gaming mouse, Freelance work w// Studio F. A. Porsche for Thermaltake
10 2012. VLOW! junior award w// Abk Stuttgart Industrial Design Klasse Prof. Uwe Fischer