We are Magnus. ▨
We are artists. Designers. Thinkers. Builders. Writers. Curators. Traders in soft power. Global citizens. Creative collaborators.
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 you can connect with your audience.
Magnus is a creative practice in Sydney, with eyes across the globe. We collaborate with specific clients in hospitality and hotels, retail and the built environment. See our full service list.
From July to October 2024, Magnus is travelling abroad and working remotely, so we can immerse ourselves in new design cultures. We will be spending extended periods in London, Paris and Zurich.
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 and Sydney, 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 and Sydney, Drew understands the power and influence strategy-led brands have on our culture. As the 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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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