Founded by Design was established with a clear intent — to use design and creativity to help ambitious brands thrive.

 
 
WHAT WE DO

We draw on the principles of design thinking to solve problems and create confidence. As brand specialists we bring our partners stories to life beautifully, effectively and with purpose.

We believe design should be a contribution, not a distraction. That good design has the power to challenge conventions and shape positive change.

 
THE VALUES WE HOLD OURSELVES TO

Honesty — by being transparent in every aspect of our collaborations.

Integrity — through the quality and originality of our creative work.

Empathy — by taking the time to listen, understand and connect with our partners.

 
 
 
 
Adam Blake 
— Global Head of Brand & Joint CEO 
— Blundstone

We call you our brand whisperer — you observe and listen intently, bring wider brand knowledge and examples to the table.

HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO 

Put simply there are three key stages to our work — the thinking, the testing and the making. They’re intrinsically linked and guide all of our projects — large or small.

 
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KEY STAGES

Think — Strategy

Clear, creative thinking combined with a healthy dose of curiosity — that’s how we solve problems. We think, we ask, we listen then we challenge.

Our strategic work aims to understand and empathise then create solutions that resonate and stand-out.


Test
— Design

We believe that strategy is only theory until put into practice — so we pressure-test our ideas. We put our conceptual designs to the test to see if they stand-up to our thinking.

We strive to find the balance between head and heart to ensure there’s the Ah-ha! from the solution and the Ohh! from the design. Form and function in one, that’s the goal.


Make
— Implementation

Bringing ideas into the world is the real challenge. Making it real. On time. On budget. That’s the proof of success — the ambition made real.

Our implementation stage is where we often call on our creative allies — photographers and animators, website developers and interior designers. Trusted partners that help us bring our ideas to life.

 Ideas only become reality — when intentions turn into action

WHO WE WORK WITH 

We partner with ambitious brands who share our values — brands that depend on creativity to help them drive positive change for a better future.

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WHAT WE DELIVER 

We offer a range of services for our partners, delivered across branding, design and digital.

BRANDING

— Brand Architecture
— Brand Books & Narratives
— Brand Guidelines
— Brand Identity Systems
— Brand Strategy
— Naming
— Product Branding
— Tone of Voice

DESIGN

— Art Direction & Image Making
— Creative Direction
— Environmental Graphics
— Marque & Logo Design
— Packaging
— Point of Sale
— Signage & Wayfinding

DIGITAL

— Animation & Motion Graphics
— Brand Videos 
— Website Design

FOUNDED BY

Founded by Design is owned and led by Chris Thomas — an independent design and brand specialist. Chris has over 20 years experience working with iconic brands across a wide range of sectors spanning the UK, EU, US, Middle East, Asia and here in Australia.

 
— DESIGN

As the business founder, brand specialist Chris leads all the creative work, curates specialist teams for projects and manages the business development. 

With a focus on strategically led creative solutions he has successfully led a wide range of branding projects for his clients in several countries worldwide.

Chris is an active member in the design community as a student mentor, D&AD New Blood mentor, jury member for the AADC design awards and regular participant at AGDA.

He’s been awarded locally and internationally forhis work.

LinkedIn | Instagram | Email

 
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION
2021 — Graphis Design Award (USA)
2020 — Graphis Design Award (USA)
2019 — GoodDesign Award (AUS)
2019 — AGDA Finalists (AUS)
2018 — Graphis Design Award (USA)
2016 — ReBrand 100 Award (USA)
2016 — Graphis Design Award (USA)
2015 — Graphis Design Award (USA)
2013 — ReBrand 100 Award (USA)
2011 — Brand New Award (USA) 
TRUST & RESPECT

We believe creative collaborations built on trust and common respect achieve more rewarding results and experiences for everyone involved.

We’ve never worked alone and never will. We support others and rely on an ever-growing network of creative allies to help us deliver our promises.

 
CREATIVE ALLIES

Ali Nasseri
— Photographer

Blue Sky Design
— Product Design

Carbon8
— Digital Print House

Collaborateur
— Branding Specialist

Digital Garden
— UX Design

Graphicatharsis
— Animation & Video

The Great Indoors
— Interior Design & Architecture

HelloFuture
— Video Agency

How to Impact
— Innovation Agency

Indelibility
— Brand Strategy

Jeremy Piper
— Photographer

Joshua Lamont
— Videographer

Linda Bentley
— Word & PowerPoint Templates

Macadamia
— Websites

MainFrame
— Creative Production

Matthew Roberts
— Motion Graphics

Orange Smartie
— Wordsmith

Senate SHJ
— Business Management Consultants

Sliced Bread
— Advertising

White Label Words
— Copywriting