Design Works Studio Turns 33!

Since 1992, Design Works Studio has been all about mixing creativity with technology to bring ideas to life. For 33 years, we’ve partnered with amazing clients, tackled exciting challenges and had a whole lot of fun along the way. This year, we asked our team what they appreciate most about DWS and their answers say it all. From the work we create to the people who make it happen, here’s to 33 years of doing what we love, together.

33 things we appreciate about working at DWS:

Accountability & Excellence: 

1. We take pride in doing great work for our clients, every "You're a lifesaver!" and "thank you!" reminds us of why we do what we do.

2. We believe each person who works for us brings their unique set of skills and perspective to the team. We believe that people should want to show up to work, not just for the paycheck, but because they feel valued.

3. I love the flexibility in how we work and the trust we’re given to manage our time. Not being micromanaged makes me feel respected and responsible for what I deliver.

4. Autonomy - I'm trusted to get my work done on schedule and a practice that works best for me. 

5. We take our deadlines seriously and even get projects done in advance, so we can help others with proofing or production. We model behavior that we expect from all team members and sometimes that means a sit down to set expectations. 

   
   

Collaborative Effort:

6. I like the collaborative effort of the team across different projects. Everyone brings their own unique skills to the table, and it’s cool to see how those different strengths come together to make something better than what you could do alone.

7. Supportive coworkers - We share feedback, give kudos and genuinely care about one another’s success.

   
   

Creativity:

8. We’re encouraged to express ideas and take risks.

9. I like being able to express myself creatively outside of directory project work and have it been well received. It gives me a nice balance between structure and freedom, and it really fits my style.

   
   

Team Building:

10. The team building activities and team lunches are genuinely some of my favorite moments. It gives us space to talk, joke and connect without the pressure of being "on" all the time.

11. Building team relationships are important, birthdays, anniversaries, as well as coffee breaks or bike rides, we make time to celebrate one another. It is nice that the company treats everyone on a regular basis to lunch or a team building activity.

12. It feels good meeting goals as a team, it's not just about your individual work but recognizing that we all have a role to play in the bigger picture.

    
    

Work & Life Balance:

13. Flexibility and freedom to work from home because I know it’s a privilege, and I don’t take that for granted.

14. The ability to work remotely supports both our productivity and personal lives.

15. Flexible schedule and work hours.

16. From the hiring process and on we're set up on a success plan and check in on our progress which leads to job stability.

    
    

Communication:

17. Open communication and constant feedback makes it feel like everyone’s voice matters. No one’s too new or too small to be heard.

18. I love how feedback isn’t just acknowledged but acted on. There’s a clear effort to improve in ways that benefit both the team and the company.

19. Supportive coworkers — we share feedback, give HAMMYs, KUDOs and genuinely care about one another’s success.

20. Weekly 1:1s focus on each team member's goals and offers a way to check in on a personal level as well as work wise.

    
    

 Growth & Learning:

21. I’ve learned a lot just by being in the room. The team is full of people who are brilliant and knowledgeable in their own way, and I find myself picking up new things just by observing how others work. Especially when I worked on a recent project that dove into everyone's personality and lives a bit more.

22. As a team lead, I'm constantly learning what motivates the team, how each person works and whenever there is a breakthrough it's a rewarding feeling. 

23. I like that growth here doesn’t feel forced or performative. There’s room to level up at your own pace without the pressure of always having to “do more.” 

24. We’re trusted to take on leadership roles.

25. I like that I’ve been able to blend my love for art, creativity and AI into my work. Whether it’s through projects or just being encouraged to explore new ideas, free time to learn, read, one hour Health + Well-being, it doesn’t feel one-dimensional but lots of opportunities to grow in ways not limited to your role.

26. Opportunities for leadership and growth by attending seminars, classes, networking, leading meetings, giving input, presenting, etc.

    
    

Corporate Culture:

27. Honestly, it’s rare to find a workplace where people are kind and talented. That combo makes all the difference and it’s what keeps me showing up with a good attitude.

28. We're intentional about the environment and culture we want to build — we lead with our Core Values.

29. Jokes, memes and fun moments bring us together.

30. Friendly co-workers and friendly environment, we smile and make a point to be engaging with one another, whether it's in-person or virtually.

    
    

Health & Well-being:

31. I appreciate the intentional effort to create a healthy work culture. It’s not just talk, we’re encouraged to take breaks, prioritize wellness and set boundaries.

32. When I am traveling and working remotely, I have to take care of myself by eating right, getting eight hours of sleep and focusing on my overall health. It's great to have a work culture that supports that.

33. Employees are encouraged to focus on their mental & physical health. We get an extra paid hour each week to focus on our Health + Well-Being, it means a lot when our health is put first.

    
    

Here’s to 33 years of creativity, teamwork and to all the exciting chapters still to come.