Two years ago, ZOA Studio expanded beyond Budapest to establish a new home in Spain—a place that promised not only sunshine but a new cultural perspective. For Róbert Andrékó, our Lead CG artist, moving to Valencia meant adjusting to a place where life starts after sunset, the scent of orange blossom drifts through iron balconies, and the word “mañana” is a way of life. To mark this milestone we sat down with him to discuss the journey of creating our Spanish office, the joys of life in Valencia, and what makes this city a special addition to ZOA’s story.
Why did we decide to open our doors in Valencia?
The idea first sparked, as many bold ideas do, over drinks with the founders—András and Máté. I had a personal interest in relocating to Spain, and Valencia felt like the perfect spot. From a professional perspective, we wanted to enhance our ability to attract international talent and create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to join ZOA. Valencia offers a lifestyle similar to Budapest in terms of living standards and costs, but it’s also more globally connected and, of course, has the added charm of the seaside. Last, but not least it is a great advantage that the flight connection between Budapest and Valencia is direct, and the price is usually quite reasonable. Our founders, András and Máté, also championed the idea of expanding ZOA’s base—standing on two legs, so to speak. When visiting Valencia, we all fell in love with the city’s vibe. It wasn’t really about strategic business purposes but creating a more sustainable, balanced life for our team members while broadening our horizons.
What were the first steps in setting up the office?
After a short visit to absorb the atmosphere and ensure the move felt right, we rented a small office, but technical challenges, like installing a render farm, forced us to relocate. Fortunately, we found our current location in the city center, which we love and plan to stay in long-term. Starting out, the team lived together in a shared flat, which strengthened our bond. As we grew, we transitioned to individual housing while maintaining our close-knit dynamic at the office. One ongoing challenge has been navigating Spain’s visa process for hiring non-EU nationals, but we’re tackling these obstacles step by step.
What’s unique about the Valencia office?
It’s more compact than our Budapest headquarters, which brings everyone closer together. Although we are four team members here at the moment, there is always someone visiting for a short vacation or business trip from Budapest. We work as a tight unit, helping each other out in every way—from project tasks to doing the dishes. The smaller scale fosters strong collaboration, and teamwork becomes second nature.
How does life in Valencia compare to Budapest?
Valencia has its quirks. The pace of life here is slower, which can be a double-edged sword. Bureaucratic processes take longer, and people tend to approach deadlines more casually. But on the bright side, there’s a refreshing emphasis on work-life balance. Free time is sacred, and you can feel a general sense of well-being and positivity in Valencian locals. The cultural and architectural richness is astounding—historic facades, lush parks, and bike-friendly streets make it a pleasure to explore. And of course, there’s the Mediterranean climate. It barely rains or gets cold even in winter, so the mild weather is a welcome change.
What do you personally enjoy most about living in Valencia?
I love wandering the streets. Walking or biking around Valencia brings a sense of calm and belonging. Street photography has become a hobby of mine since moving here. Valencia also has a vibrant cultural scene, with festivals like Las Fallas, a three-week celebration that showcases the city’s community spirit. One of my favorite spots is a gallery in the city center, opened by the wife of Mercadona’s owner. It features incredible works by contemporary and classic artists, including Picasso, in a beautifully designed building.
What’s next for the Spanish office?
I’d love to see more diversity in the team here—not just artists, but colleagues from management, marketing, and other roles. It would add a new dimension to our work and make the office life even more dynamic.
As ZOA Studio celebrates this milestone, we encourage you to contact us whether you’re an artist or just simply curious about joining a team with a global footprint and check out our careers page for open positions.
If you’re planning a visit to Valencia, here are some of our personal recommendations that we think you’ll enjoy:
Located within the bustling Mercado Central, Central Bar offers market-fresh tapas crafted by Michelin-starred chef Ricard Camarena. While waits can be lengthy, you can leave your name and explore the market’s vibrant stalls until your table is ready.
A beautifully restored modernist market, Mercado de Colón, is a perfect spot to start your evening. Gather with friends over tapas and ‘cervezas’, soaking in the lively atmosphere as locals engage in animated conversations.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the City of Arts and Sciences is a must-see. Its futuristic structures, set against the backdrop of the Turia River’s former bed, showcase Valencia’s commitment to blending culture and innovation.
For an authentic paella experience, Casa Carmela is unparalleled. Situated near the beach, this traditional eatery has been serving wood-fired paellas for over a century. It’s a favorite among locals, not tourists, so reservations are essential.
Nestled in the El Carme district, Refugio offers a unique dining experience with its creative tapas and warm hospitality. The founder’s charismatic presence adds to the charm, making every visit memorable.
Estrella de Levante, a Murcia-brewed lager, is a delightful discovery, though it’s somewhat elusive in Valencia. If you come across it, savor its balanced flavor and refreshing finish.
As Valencia’s premier fine arts museum, Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia houses a significant collection of Sorolla’s works. Notable pieces include Grupa Valenciana (1906), depicting his daughters in traditional attire, and El padre Jofré defendiendo a un loco (1887), showcasing his early narrative style. The museum’s permanent collection provides a comprehensive view of Sorolla’s evolution as an artist.
