08 Aug Changing with a Purpose: The managers’ perspectives on our growth
Since 2000, Design HQ has transformed from a small team of designers into a powerhouse of creativity, driven by imagination, knowledge, and change. The firm has experienced significant growth, consistently doubling or tripling in size, yet its core principles and strong work ethic remain steadfast.
DHQ is dedicated to crafting designs deeply rooted in each client’s unique vision, fostering a dynamic and collaborative process. As the firm has expanded its project scope and team, its design approach has become even more adaptive and forward-thinking. This encourages fresh perspectives while staying true to its clients’ identity and branding.
Throughout this evolution, Design HQ has remained committed to its core values of knowledge and imagination, delivering high-quality service with flexibility. The firm has also cultivated an inclusive, growth-oriented culture, prioritizing mentorship, professional development, and knowledge-sharing to ensure every team member can excel.
The Foundation of Innovation: Insights from our leaders
A strong and innovative design team doesn’t happen by chance, it is built through collaboration, creativity, and a shared vision. At Design HQ, the leaders each bring unique approaches to fostering a team that thrives in an ever-evolving industry.
For Denille, excellence has always been the foundation of her work, a principle she applies equally to building a strong, innovative design team. She recognizes the diverse personalities within the team: a mix of introverts and extroverts, those who thrive on spontaneity and others who prefer structure and organization – each bringing a unique approach to learning and processing information. She believes that true leadership is about guiding and empowering like a lighthouse, rather than simply stepping in to save the day as a rescue boat. She fosters an environment where fresh, even unconventional ideas are encouraged, believing that true creativity blossoms when the team avoids autopilot and embraces flexibility.
Similarly, Jobele emphasizes balanced collaboration, creating a supportive space where ideas are valued and continuous learning is encouraged. This approach helps the team stay adaptable, creative, and constantly push boundaries. Macon, in turn, focuses on optimizing team potential by leveraging individual strengths and identifying areas for growth. The firm’s collaborative culture, which seamlessly integrates in-person and remote work, strengthens the team’s operation and is further enhanced by a high value placed on continuous learning and peer-to-peer training.
Likewise, Alyssa believes in mutual respect and open communication as the foundation of a great team. She focuses on encouraging newer designers to voice their ideas, fostering mentorship that flows both ways, from seasoned designers to new talent, and vice-versa.
Finally, Eunice believes in the balanced approach to growth, recognizing each designer’s unique strengths and areas for improvement. This allows the firm to leverage individual talents for projects while providing targeted opportunities for skill development.
Design HQ’s journey is a testament to the power of unwavering vision, continuous adaptation, and a deep-seated commitment to its people. As the firm looks to the future, it continues to build on these foundations, ready to tackle new challenges and create even more inspiring designs.