The Studio
We ask better questions.
ODE Design was founded on a single conviction: that the quality of the question determines the quality of the outcome.
Our story
How we got here.
ODE Design was established in 2013 by a small group of designers who had grown tired of studios that prioritised output over thinking. We wanted to build something different — a practice where the process was as considered as the result.
Twelve years on, we work with clients across three continents on projects that span graphic design, branding, and industrial design. We are deliberately small. We take on fewer projects than most studios so we can go deeper on each one.
We are not a full-service agency. We are a consultancy — which means we are hired for our judgement as much as our craft.
Philosophy
How we think.
01
The problem first.
We do not begin with aesthetics. We begin with understanding — the business context, the audience, the constraints. Good design follows from a well-defined problem.
02
Fewer, better.
We limit the number of projects we take on at any one time. This is not a capacity constraint — it is a quality decision. Depth requires focus.
03
Honest process.
We show our working. Clients see the thinking behind every decision, not just the final output. This builds trust and produces better outcomes.
04
Built to last.
We design for longevity, not novelty. Trends are a starting point for understanding the moment, not a destination. The work should still be relevant in ten years.
Team
The people.
ODE Design is a small, senior team. Every project is led by a principal — not handed to a junior after the pitch.
Founding Principal, Branding & Strategy
Marcus Okafor
Marcus leads brand strategy and identity projects. Before founding ODE, he spent eight years at two of London's most respected brand consultancies. He is particularly interested in the relationship between language and visual identity.
Principal, Graphic Design
Lena Dressler
Lena oversees all graphic design and editorial work. Her background spans publication design, environmental graphics, and type design. She studied at the Hochschule für Gestaltung Offenbach and has taught typography at postgraduate level.
Principal, Industrial Design
Ryo Tanaka
Ryo leads the industrial design practice. He has designed products for manufacturers in Japan, Germany, and the United States, with a particular focus on tools, furniture, and consumer electronics. He holds a Masters in Product Design from the RCA.
Credentials
Recognition & clients.
Awards & recognition
Selected clients
Work with us
Interested in working together?
We take on a limited number of new projects each year. If you have a brief — or just an idea — we would like to hear from you.