Welcome to Stewart & Associates--A different kind of design firm. We don’t start designing until we’ve done our thinking. Listen first, design later--that’s our motto. We take the time to do our homework. That means we analyze the market--history, trends, competition, target audiences, attitudes, perceptions and misconceptions. And it means internal digging into company culture, climate, morale, needs and wants. These findings are distilled down to the strategic foundation that identifies brand personality. Combining design that thinks with ideas that sell, we create programs that reward that personality with market success.
A lot's changed over time. But we're different because we haven't changed. We're still here and we still know design that thinks drives brands that work.
How Does Design Think?
Dan Stewart, the company’s co-principal, attributes the company’s success to connecting the right strategy with the right message. “When people first hear we’re a design firm they think pretty pictures. We’re unique because we’re more. We practice design that thinks—whether we’re involved in strategic consulting and brand positioning or creative execution, we pinpoint the right route, and hone the most-meaningful message. That’s what creates the connection and converts prospects to customers."
“With tighter budgets and accelerated launch plans, clients need flexible communicators who can ramp up quickly,” Kate Stewart, the company’s co-principal and strategic marketing director, acknowledges. “Clients want people who get their market instantly and come to them with actionable business building ideas. By combining design that thinks with ideas that sell, we stimulate new market opportunities. Clients are tired of talk -- they want results, and that’s what brings them back. ”
The School House
School is the traditional home of thoughts and ideas. That's what makes it so perfect that our company is housed in one of Kentucky's most historic school buildings. Originally built in 1873 to educate freed slaves, it was later the home of Mary D. Hill, a famous kindergarten pioneer and author of the "Happy Birthday Song". It ended its days as an education institution in the late 1950's, when Central High School moved to its newer, larger setting. Discovered by Dan Stewart in disrepair and facing imminent demolition, the renovated SchoolHouse has been our home since 1980. We like to think that many are glad its chalkboards and classrooms are still in use.
