# Eight Inc.

> Eight Inc. is a globally recognized strategic design firm founded in 1989 by Tim Kobe. Best known for designing the original Apple Store with Steve Jobs, the firm now operates across San Francisco, New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai and Dubai, helping brands like Nike, Virgin Atlantic, Citibank, Dolby, McLaren, Lincoln and Nissan turn ideas into human experiences across architecture, retail, products, identity and digital.

- **Founded:** 1989
- **Headquarters:** San Francisco, California, United States
- **Founders:** Tim Kobe (Founder & CEO (1989-2026))
- **Team size:** ~150 across 7+ global studios
- **Products:** Branded Environments, Architecture & Interiors, Experience Strategy, Product & Industrial Design, Communications & Identity
- **Notable:** Designed the first Apple Store concept (debut 2001, New York), Named one of six 'Design Firms of the Year' by DDI Magazine, 2011, 2007 NASFM Grand Prize - Nike Zoom LeBron IV NYC Pop-Up

## Products & services

- **Branded Environments** — Retail stores, flagships, pop-ups and brand spaces that turn product into experience.
- **Architecture & Interiors** — Workplace, hospitality, residential and commercial spaces built around behavior, not just floorplans.
- **Experience Strategy** — Research, behavioral insights and strategic frameworks that define why a space, product or service exists.
- **Product & Industrial Design** — Physical products designed for use, not just unboxing.
- **Communications & Identity** — Brand identity systems, visual articulation and storytelling.
- **Digital & UX/UI** — Digital products and interfaces stitched into the wider customer experience.

## Achievements

- Designed the first Apple Store concept (debut 2001, New York)
- Named one of six 'Design Firms of the Year' by DDI Magazine, 2011
- 2007 NASFM Grand Prize - Nike Zoom LeBron IV NYC Pop-Up
- iF Design and Good Design Awards
- Tim Kobe authored 'Return on Experience'

## Latest updates

- **2026-01** — Founder and chairman Tim Kobe passed away on January 28, 2026, at age 69. The firm continues under its global leadership.
- **2025** — Continued expansion of work with McLaren, Lincoln, Nissan and Felissimo.
- **2017-11** — Most recent disclosed funding event (Series B).

## Links

- Website: https://eightinc.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eight-inc-
- Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/EightInc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightinc/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/eightinc/

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/eight-inc
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-05-29