We solve business problems with design.
Taking it from the top, that's what we do, grouped into four key areas of speciality.
If you're looking for something that isn't listed, get in touch. We've been waiting for you to come along.
Companies
Our company was built on the value of the brand, and we understand this like no one else. From energy giants, to financial services, education, technology, hospitality, consumer goods, manufacturing and real estate we have built powerful brands from the ground up and have the results to back it up.
- Research & Insights
- Communication Strategy
- Corporate Identity
- Digital Branding
- Brand Rollout & Launch Management
- Marketing & Advertising Campaigns
- Brand Measurement
Experiences
You have an established brand - perhaps one that we’ve helped you build - and want to get it out into the wild. We can work with you to create experiences for your audience to interact with, better understand, and ultimately choose your product or service. Whether this is in a supermarket, via an app, at an exhibition or in a wayfinding system, we know how to expand your brand’s presence with clarity and precision.
- Environment design
- Wayfinding & signage systems
- Branded interiors
- Exhibition & retail spaces
- Web / App interface design
- UI/UX development & testing
Advocacy
Branding, design and marketing for persons and ideas. We work with individuals, political parties and causes, environmental groups, NGOs and non-profit organisations to broaden their appeal; help their audiences better understand who they are and what they stand for; and attract funding and community buy-in.
- Personal branding
- Political branding
- Cause marketing
- NGO & Charity branding
Products
Our expertise in product design stems from our long experience in branded environments, packaging and boutique furniture design. This, coupled with our desire to see regionally manufactured products excel at design intent as well as manufacturing, brought us to launch Product Design as a distinct offering. From labelling and packaging to industrial design of consumer products, we create utility without compromising on beauty.
- Product design
- Product branding
- Packaging design
Look within for value.
Look beyond for perspective.
We've worked with some of the best.
Throughout our 13 years of existence, we've been lucky to work with and build some amazing brands.
here are just a few - get in touch for more.
We believe in what we do.
More importantly, we love our work. It gets us out of bed in the morning and working late into the night.
Philosophy
We believe that access to good design is a fundamental right of individuals, organisations and societies. We understand the power of design in influencing how societies exist and operate, and want to exercise it for the greater good.
Good design is by nature democratic: by making experiences easily understandable, navigable and ownable, people are included and empowered. We want to be part of making this happen.
We approach each project with the intention of creating something very special. That isn’t easy - and it means that we often will not take on more than a few projects at any given time. We think that’s better though than promising you the world and then disappearing once we receive a cheque!
Our belief is in supporting the communities in which we exist, which is why throughout our history we have held free events and talks (such as our highly successful Show & Tell); a broad internship programme, many of the graduates of which have gone on to become leaders in their fields; a range of CSR projects, way above the norm for an organisation of our size; and a long history of pairing emerging artists and musicians with established brands, helping both achieve their goals.
History
Founded in 2001, Abovegroup has grown rapidly to become one of the most respected design agencies in the region. Initially offering graphic design, digital development and photography, our portfolio and team expanded to include the disciplines of branding, marketing and environmental design.
In 2011, we began a two year collaboration with the regional Ogilvy & Mather office under the name Abovegroup Ogilvy. This venture broadened our experience and skill set to include traditional advertising, branded entertainment, PR and event management services while working with a range of Fortune 500 consumer goods companies.
In mid-2013, Abovegroup returned to its design & branding roots, keeping its core team of specialists and focusing our services, while refining our methodologies to produce high-quality design work in significantly reduced timelines and at accessible price points.
Principals
Alex Smailes
Gareth Jenkins
Marlon Darbeau
we'd love to hear from you.
Like what you see? Got a question or a comment? Email us at info@abovegroup.com or fill out the form below.
If you are interested in a career or internship at Abovegroup, please bear in mind that we are a deliberately small studio, and don’t often hire. Similarly, our internship programme fills up in advance, so plan ahead! That said, we are always interested in seeing new work and making new connections, so feel free to write to us at jobs@abovegroup.com with a brief introduction and a link to your work.
With love from Above. ©2014. No stealing please - if you need inspiration just ask, we're good like that.