Two minds, one studio.

WHO WE ARE
An industrial designer and an architect who saw the same thing missing
We met at one of the world’s leading playground companies and left to build something more honest, more creative, and more fun. Two decades of hands-on expertise, from rope physics to product safety, from first sketch to launch.

Samantha Jeffrey

“Play has been my world for seventeen years! I discovered the playground industry while studying Play and Educational Design, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since. From developing bestselling products and securing design patents to leading a talented team of architects and designers, I’ve helped bring some of the most innovative custom playgrounds to life.

I understand how to turn a brand’s identity into a distinctive product, balancing creative vision with the practical demands of manufacturing. Along the way, I’ve enjoyed speaking at international events and training teams around the world in the art of rope play design.

I believe great play starts with bold ideas and a willingness to push boundaries. Whether it’s a small project or a large-scale challenge, I love creating original play experiences that inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and bring people together through play.”

Martino Pezzolla

“My journey into playground design began over ten years ago, after I won a design competition, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since. With a background in architecture, I’ve found my calling in combining space, aesthetics, and creativity to design inspiring places for children to play.

From developing initial concepts to bringing them to life, I’ve worked on playground projects around the world. Whether creating a simple play area or an ambitious bespoke installation, I enjoy collaborating with fellow architects and creative teams to turn bold ideas into meaningful spaces.

For me, architecture and play are inseparable. My goal is to shape the playgrounds of tomorrow and transform urban environments into vibrant places for connection, discovery, and joy. I believe creativity has no limits, and I strive to make every project a unique experience that celebrates freedom, imagination, and innovation.”

Samantha

  1. 2022Co-FounderBANANAZ STUDIO GmbHBerlin
  2. 2014 – 2022Head of Product Solution & Design ManagerKompan Design StudioBerlin
  3. 2013COROCORD DesignerKompan Inc.Tacoma, USA
  4. 2012COROCORD DesignerKompan Playscape Ltd.Brisbane, Australia
  5. 2009 – 2012COROCORD DesignerCorocord GmbHBerlin
  6. 2005 – 2009Design of Playing & Learning, Diploma MABurg Giebichenstein Hochschule für Kunst und DesignHalle
  7. 2002 – 2004Intermediate Diploma, Industrial DesignUniversity of ArtsBerlin

Martino

  1. 2022Co-FounderBANANAZ STUDIO GmbHBerlin
  2. 2021Co-Founder, Lianas Trellis projectTF Leicht Bauten Berlin GmbHBerlin
  3. 2020 – 2023Set designerGENERA FESTIVALCisternino, Italy
  4. 2020Founderunmetroquadro, micro art galleries around ApuliaCisternino
  5. 2016 – 2021Senior Designer and Playground ArchitectKompan Design StudioBerlin
  6. 2013 – 2015Architecture MAPolitecnico di TorinoTurin, Italy
  7. 2010 – 2013Bachelor’s Degree in ArchitecturePolitecnico di TorinoTurin, Italy

OUR NETWORK

We are never

alone.

Over the years we have designed, built and played alongside a big family of play experts: people with very different skills, from engineers and safety inspectors to artists, rope makers and educators. Every project gets the right hands around the table. Our network is our superpower.

Do you wanna be part of our crew?

We are always keen to meet new talents and bring them into our projects. Designer, maker, engineer, artist or something we have not thought of yet: tell us who you are. CV, portfolio or just a hello, to info@bananaz-studio.com