About
Purpose-led and
Design by Nature was founded by Anna Carlile in 1999 to align her background in environmental sustainability with a passion for design. Since day one our purpose has been clear: We only take on projects that make a positive impact on people and planet. That means helping like-minded organisations to communicate ideas, change conversations, build movements, bring people together and inspire real change.
We believe we all have a responsibility to create a future that is fair, safe and prosperous. To make this happen, we bring our experience in design to support those who share this mission.
For us, sustainability comes first. It’s not an afterthought. In fact, we began as one of the first sustainability-focused brand and design studios. From our choice of paper stocks to our carbon footprint, every decision is made with our environment in mind. And that begins with our very first decision when taking on a new project. We ask, how will this make a positive difference to our world?
Values
Staying true to our values is how we maintain our purpose, and how we deliver the outcomes our clients need to make a difference.
We are:
Future focused
We take on projects that create outcomes for a better world.
Creatively curious
We explore beyond the norm, unafraid to push boundaries.
Collaborative at heart
Our client relationships are built on respect, authenticity and joy.
Naturally connected
We deeply respect our place within nature. This informs all that we do.
Recent Awards
Design for good
V&F Housing Enterprise Foundation
Merit
2023
Hall of Fame
Studio Award
Winner
2023
Top Sustainable Designers
Studio Award
Top 100
2023
Communication Design
Communication Design
Finalist
2023
Expertise
We are a team of designers, strategists, storytellers and change makers who specialise in brand strategy, identity, design and art direction. We focus on the following impact areas: environment, arts & culture, gender equality, health, social justice and purpose led.
Impact areas
Services
Clients
Our clients work in the not-for-profit and for-purpose sectors. This includes health and well-being, social justice, gender equality, human rights, arts and culture, philanthropy, disability and inclusion, education, animal welfare, and, naturally, the environment. It’s a privilege to partner with progressive organisations, and to help them make an impact through design.
Environment
Animal Justice Party
Australian Conservation Foundation
Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council
Bush Heritage Australia
Conservation Volunteers Australia
Earthwatch Institute
Eco-Buy
Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand
Environment Victoria
Environmental Justice Australia
EPA Victoria
Friends of the Earth
GreenPeace Australia
Institute for Sustainable Futures
International Fund for Animal Welfare
Landcare
Live & Learn Environmental Education
Melbourne Water
Merri Creek Management Committee
Outdoors Victoria
Parks Victoria
Rainforest Rescue
Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria
Rubicon Outdoor School
Sustainability Victoria
The Wilderness Society
Tree Project
Trust for Nature
Urban Camp
Victoria State Government, Future Homes
Victorian Eco Innovation Lab
Victorian Rabbit Action Network
Waterwatch Victoria
Arts & Culture
The Wheeler Centre
Hardie Grant Books
Lonely Planet
Dalai Lama in Australia
Tibetan Buddhist Society
Bamiyarra
Gender Equality
Equality Rights Alliance
International Women’s Development Agency
Marie Stopes International Australia
Melbourne Women’s Foundation
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Alliance
National Council of Women Australia
The Asia Foundation
Union of Australian Women
Victoria State Government – Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Women Speak
Women with Disabilities Australia
Women’s Housing
Women’s Rights Action Network Australia
YWCA Australia
YWCA Victoria
Health
Alfred Foundation
Amaze Autism
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
Centre for Eye Research Australia
Mental Health Australia
National Stroke Foundation
The Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital
World Stroke Organization
Social Justice
Amnesty International
Australian Communities Foundation
Australian Council for International Development
Flat Out
Housing for the Aged Action Group
Independent Disability Services
InTouch
Justice Connect
Melbourne Affordable Housing
Melbourne City Mission
Mission Australia
PowerHousing Australia
Reconciliation Victoria
Reichstein Foundation
Ross House
South East Community Links
Southern Migrant Resource Centre
Southside Justice
Springvale Monash Legal Service
United Housing
V&F Housing Enterprise Foundation
Purpose-Led
City of Darebin
Design Victoria
Ecotech
Frankston City Council
Green Business HQ
GreenPlanet
City of Darebin
Design Victoria
Ecotech
Frankston City Council
Green Business HQ
GreenPlanet
Simply Pty Ltd
The University of Melbourne
Tourism Victoria
Victorian Electoral Commission
Whitehorse Council
Yoga Dojo
“Design by Nature has been a trailblazer in the Australian design industry for their incredible work infusing and promoting sustainability in the communications sector.”
Kelley Sheenan
Founder & Editor-In-Chief, Peppermint Magazine
“Design by Nature are a considered and creative partner and were able to understand our vision for the brand and how to elevate it in order to connect with our target audience. They make beautiful things with purpose and always your objective in mind.”
Nicole Lovelock
Former Marketing and Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage
“A sector colleague recommended Anna to us, and we connected from the outset. Being values aligned helped, so to their ability to truly listen and provide creative solutions that met our needs. We love our new logo and website – they reflect who we are now and into the future.”
Mel Dye
Chief Executive Officer, Southside Justice