We are Magnus. ▨
We are artists. Designers. Thinkers. Builders. Writers. Curators. Traders in soft power. Global citizens. Creative collaborators.
Hailing from Sydney, but now based in London, Magnus is a creative practice with eyes across the globe. We collaborate with like-minded clients in hospitality, hotels, retail and the built environment. See our full service list.
Every business starts with a vision. Sometimes that vision can be foggy. Through strategy, design and creative communication, we can make that vision clear, vivid and beautiful, so it can resinate with your audience.
This year marks our 10th year as a creative practice, and we wanted to make a statement. We transitioned to calling ourselves a design office because 10 years has seen us do more than just branding. We have done F&B concepts, interiors, music-program, product development, FF&E curation, packaging, uniform design, film, audio - anything we can put our design mind to, we will do it.
As we commence our tenth year working in London, we are eager to collaborate with clients in either London or mainland Europe, on fresh, new projects in hospitality, retail, publishing, property… anywhere we can put our creative minds to use. But don’t worry Sydney, you can take the Aussie out of Australia, but you can’t take Australia out of the Aussie. We’re eager to continue to grow our beloved Australian client base with any new projects, and continue to see our old island-home flourish.
If you have a project you’d like to discuss, we’re more than happy to have a coffee (or a Zoom Coffee) and help bring your project to life.
Meet the Team
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Mel Gardner
CO-FOUNDER ⤫ COO
“The Maker”
With a keen eye for design, Mel is not just a creative, but also a strategic thinker, weaving together her love for travel, food and handmade craft into the fabric of her work.
With over 20 years of industry experience across Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney and now London; Mel's expertise in the technical side of design, finished art and business management has been pivotal in shaping Magnus Design Office's identity and direction. Her dedication to crafting meaningful experiences goes beyond aesthetics, as she believes in delivering designs that resonate deeply with clients and their audiences.
Mel's love for travel not only fuels her creativity, but also serves as a source of business inspiration. Whether exploring the markets in Paris, finding the best yarn stores in Tokyo or discovering new artists in a small Copenhagen gallery, she seeks out new perspectives and ideas that enrich her approach to design and strategy.
After hours, Mel loves to knit, usually while watching a cosy murder or the latest Nordic noir. The flat white is her daily caffeine choice.
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Drew Fellows
CO-FOUNDER ⤬ DESIGN DIRECTOR
“The Visionary”
People can get obsessed about a lot of things, for Drew, it’s design (and sneakers). He's taken his 20+ years of creative industry experience and targeted that energy into an area he is deeply passionate about: branding and image-making.
With a portfolio spanning retail, property, hospitality, professional services, government and the arts across Brisbane, Sydney and now London; Drew understands the power and influence strategy-led brands have on our culture. As Magnus’ Design Director, his love for art & design is vast and varied, enjoying the clean minimalism of the Swiss School just as much as the chaotic poetry of graffiti. When the brief is right, he relishes in creating custom crafted art and illustration into the work, creating unique, artistically-rich work his clients.
Drew's expertise as a general creative consultant has earned him the reputation amongst Magnus clients as the go-to resource when seeking general creative advice and solutions in any area of their business.
Off-duty, you'll find Drew adding to his sneaker collection, hosting his radio show, or indulging in one too many espressos.
Select Clients
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Langham Hospitality Group
Hilton
Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Centric
Swissôtel
Four Points by Sheraton
Accor Hotels
Marriott
Azabu Group
M&L Hospitality
The GPT Group
KSL Capital Partners
LION
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Prefecture 48, Sydney
Charlotte, Sydney
Akoya, Gold Coast
26 & Sunny, Gold Coast
Palm Court, Gold Coast
Coral Moon, Gold Coast
Arches on Market, Sydney
Jackalberry, Sydney
The Social 3008, Melbourne
Hanasuki, Sydney
Luci Restaurant & Bar, Melbourne
The Douglas Club, Melbourne
RAKU Japanese, Canberra
Piccolina, Sydney
Good Neighbour, Canberra
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Carbon Market Institute
Harvie Group
Shokai AUSBAO
LFD Developments
60 Bathurst Reserve Collection, Syd
Cascade Gardens, Syd
Auburn Square, Syd
Coachwood, Syd
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Neoz Lighting
Aurum Poultry Co.
Emotiv People
Harpertini
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Perci Salon
Lynne Bradley Interiors
Oliver Mark Interiors
Walter Baden Law
SRP Agency
AEGEUS