About
Purpose-led.
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 are here to make a positive impact on people and planet. To do that, we support like-minded organisations in communicating ideas, changing conversations, building movements, bringing people together, and inspiring real change.
Our Values
Staying true to our values is how we maintain our purpose. It’s also 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
Experienced team.
Dedicated people.
Design by Nature is a female-led team of designers, strategists, storytellers and change makers who specialise in brand strategy, identity, design and art direction. Beyond our shared expertise, we also share a commitment to our areas of impact, and the potential to make a positive difference.
Impact Areas
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From promoting renewable energy to preventing wildlife extinction, we support national non-profits, grassroots organisations, and everyone in between who is fighting for our natural world.
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Arts and culture drive change and enrich communities. We collaborate with the makers, thinkers, creators and cultural institutions to inspire transformation together.
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We are passionate about gender equality. As a female-owned business, we are proud to do our part to support various agencies and initiatives while tirelessly working toward progress.
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We are fortunate to live in a city that provides exceptional healthcare and is a world leader in medical research. We support those who are creating a future with greater wellbeing for all.
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Our partners in social justice span a wide range of areas, from housing to the law. We help the helpers who lift everyone to the same starting place in society.
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We partner with fellow B-corps and other values-aligned clients who offer purpose-led products or services that, like us, exist to improve the future of people and planet.
Services
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Design by Nature crafts brands that live beyond logos. We define your essence, creating the assets to tell your story and uphold your reputation.
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Our campaigns empower voices through strategic campaigns. From fundraising to advocacy, we amplify messages with strategic, creative work.
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Digital design by Design by Nature prioritises the user experience and accessibility while clearly communicating your brand’s story online.
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From books to reports, we create compelling printed materials with a sustainability-driven approach, ensuring we deliver on environmental responsibility.
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Human-centric photography by our creative director, Anna Carlile, tells stories and makes an impact, connecting our clients’ stories through thoughtful imagery.
People making a positive impact.
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