Simple design for complex problems
Foundation, a boutique design studio making problems disappear
Foundation helps startups build better products and websites. We focus on fundamentals: prioritizing the right features, communicating clearly, and finishing projects on time. No walls of sticky notes here.
We love to operate like an in-house design team, so we include partners in the design process, share work in progress, and explain rationale for decisions.
DesignRush named Foundation a 2022 and 2023 top web development agency and a 2024 top branding agency.
We start by understanding the people using your products, then translate needs into clear, detailed designs that are ready for development.
We design and build websites that highlight the value of your products. Our work combines crisp writing with striking visual design to set you apart from competitors.
We leverage logos, typography, color, and layout to build recognizable brands that attract the right customers.
“It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it's the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.”
You’ll work with Sam Summer plus a team of handpicked designers, engineers, and artists.
We build a custom-fit team for each project. After a discovery conversation, we draw from our pool of specialists to make a team of one to four that reflects the skillsets you need. Teams start with a designer, and we build out from there.
Prior to launching Foundation, Sam led a redesign of software that helps researchers at the University of Washington win and manage $1.6B in annual funding. Earlier in his career, he joined Wisr, a venture-backed tech startup, as the first design hire. Wisr grew from five to over a hundred clients and was acquired by EAB in 2021.
Sam graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, where he won the John & Beatrice Wesley Memorial Prize for excellence in design.
Bringing experience consulting for over a dozen startups and small businesses, Sam serves as the main point of contact for projects.
Our partners range from deep tech startups to coffee roasters to universities, but they’re all solving problems we care about. We always favor a compelling why over a particular what.
“Sam takes the time to understand user needs and complex business processes in depth. He's a wonderful collaborator and top-notch designer.”
“Foundation’s thoughtful discovery process resulted in a great product design that has continued to guide our development.”
“Foundation brings the insights of both artists and engineers.”
“Foundation quickly understands both the small details and big picture of design challenges.”
Design trends come and go. We think long-lasting work comes from solid fundamentals and uses visual design to communicate, not decorate.
Our backgrounds help us make strong first drafts, but we always pair experience with evidence. We prototype early and often.
Design never happens in six easy steps. Outstanding products come from research, iteration, and asking hard questions—not a standardized process.
Novel ideas can come from anywhere. Our work has drawn inspiration from architecture, typography, and computer science.
Made in Seattle
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