We’re a small but diverse and fiercely dedicated team
What unites us more than anything is our belief that purposeful design — of identity, culture, communication — has the power to bring people together to achieve amazing things. The power to speak the truth. The power to help change the world for the better.
Finding what matters,
making it matter more
Since 2002
Call us idealists, but at Neo we’ve always believed that an equal, caring and conscious world can exist if we do things differently.
More than a strategic-creative agency, we’re a collective of dedicated professionals who put purpose before profit. Working with those breaking the boundaries of what we can achieve together, we redefine purpose and build participation and possibility around it — because only through evolving and moving collectively will humanity have a future.
A partnership with us is a truly collaborative and open process, where we strive to bring our whole selves to the table. We invite everyone we work with to do the same — because for us, there is no better way.
We believe successful projects begin with honest ethics, empathy and the right working culture. A culture of cooperation over competition and corporate hierarchy; of good strategic thinking and not just stunning creative work.
We listen deeply. We reflect holistically. We co-create generously.
We focus on the needs that surface, and we never recommend something that we feel you don’t need for the purpose of ticking a box or making more money.
These are some of the very things that drive us to work with organisations doing interesting, important work that we believe in. Organisations with a transformational social and environmental purpose. Those of you strongly motivated by doing what’s right by people and the planet.
This is the work that matters. We want to make it matter more.
Our commitments
Like you, we’re a values-driven organisation. Yes, we work with integrity, honesty, dedication and diligence. But we’re also committed to being curious, courageous and collective in all we do. These are the principles that guide not only our work, but also who — and how — we are as a team.
Meet the team
We are multidisciplinary strategists, designers, writers, storytellers, illustrators, researchers, organisers, and creative facilitators. Together we are transformationists, helping turn possibility into positive human change.
We’re also many other things. Irrepressible optimists. Attentive listeners. Voracious readers. Volunteers. Explorers. Nature lovers. Feminists. Gentle disruptors. Justice seekers. Beer drinkers. Breadmakers. We’re nothing if not ourselves.
Our core team is a blend of director and associate partners:
Nick Christoforou
Founding partner
Kelly Smith
Strategic & creative partner
Ava Sutherland
Strategic designer
Chris McWilliams
Communications consultant
Lee Suttey
Senior designer
Alissa Thaler
Senior designer, illustrator & animator
Dana Coleman
Designer
Laura Ellen Kennedy
Writer & comms consultant
Angie Thomas
Filmmaker & animator
Martin Atkin
Communications consultant
Zoë Hazelden
Designer & creative consultant
Mel Postma
Writer & creative consultant
Neo collaborators
We assemble teams around the needs of each project, which means we frequently call on our community of trusted collaborators. These are craftspeople and communication professionals who share our beliefs and values. They include filmmakers, photographers, facilitators, researchers and digital developers, along with fellow strategists, writers and designers with specific skills and experience. They include:
