Best Oakland Design Firm Rankings

7 Companies - Rankings updated: April 03, 2026

Every agency on DesignRush meets evaluation criteria around expertise and client feedback to empower informed choices. Some listings include paid partnerships.

United States × California × Oakland ×
  • Your Partner In Distinctive Branding Strategies

    Catchword is a leading brand development agency based in the San FranciscoBay Area and New York. Well-known brands in every sector, such as Starbucks, VW, Moody's, Rivian, TikTok, and others turn to us for creative branding, strategic insights, and standout identities.  [... see all Catchword reviews ]
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $250/hr
    Portfolios Count
    33 Projects Listed

    Catchword Services

    • Branding
    • Logo Design
    • Graphic Design
    • Print Design
    • Design Services
    • Market Research
    • Creative Services
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • Refreshing Macmillan Learning's Visual Identity
      Logo Design Project for Education Company Refreshing Macmillan Learning's Visual Identity
    • New Name & Identity for a Fintech Company
      Branding Project for Fintech Company New Name & Identity for a Fintech Company
    • Naming Rivian's Micromobility Spinoff Company
      Naming Project for Consumer Goods Company Naming Rivian's Micromobility Spinoff Company
    • Naming Intel’s revolutionary technology
      Branding Project Naming Intel’s revolutionary technology
    • Company & product platform naming
      Branding Project Company & product platform naming
    • Naming wearable fitness trackers for Fitbit
      Branding Project Naming wearable fitness trackers for Fitbit
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.

    Catchword Reviews & Testimonials

    • Anonymous Director of Global Marketing at IDEXX Laboratories
      5.0
      Branding Review from Anonymous

      Our company required a distinctive name for an innovative platform we are introducing to the veterinary technology field. Given our own emphasis on structure and efficiency, Catchword proved to be an excellent match. They posed thoughtful questions and grasped our objectives quickly and thoroughly. We were very pleased not only with the caliber of the naming options presented but also with the entire experience. The project was managed smoothly, delivered on time, and stayed within budget. We are so pleased with the experience that we plan to recommend their services to other divisions of our company.

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    • Anonymous Linguistic Director at Nomen Italia
      5.0
      Branding Review from Anonymous

      Catchword has been our primary naming partner, as we have worked with them since 2000. Their cultural and linguistic expertise enables our clients’ names to achieve global resonance while avoiding potential challenges in the important U.S. market. They contribute innovative, U.S.-grounded perspectives, and their branding acumen ensures their guidance is both strategically sound and practically applicable. Professional, responsive, and deeply committed, they are a valued partner.

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    • Anonymous Global Brands & Licences Manager at Automotive Company
      5.0
      Branding Review from Anonymous

      We brought in Catchword on a fast timeline to create naming strategy and product names for three Connected Services solutions. Their creativity and grasp of our brand were clear from the start, delivering strong, well-supported options. They pushed us to think beyond initial limits, provided smart recommendations for our portfolio, and consistently delivered on time.

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    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • Intel
    • Starbucks
    • Fitbit
    • Dunkin'
    • The Home Depot
    • PwC
    • General Motors
    • Uber
    • Corning
    • NBCUniversal
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Creating Companies of Consequence | ADWEEK Agency of the Year | ANA Agency of the Year | Cannes Lion

    Park & Battery is ADWEEKs 2024 B2B Agency of the Year, as well the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) Agency of the Year three years running.  [... see all Park & Battery reviews ]
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Portfolios Count
    3 Projects Listed

    Park & Battery Services

    • Branding
    • Creative Services
    • Digital Services
    • Media Buying
    • Content Marketing
    • Advertising
    • Video Production
    • Design Services
    • Web Development
    • Digital Marketing
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • Champions of Social Justice
      Branding Project for Finance Company Champions of Social Justice
    • Music Makes Us Better
      Branding Project for Nonprofit Company Music Makes Us Better
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.

    Park & Battery Reviews & Testimonials

    • Ronda Grech
      Ronda Grech Board Chairperson at Children’s Music Fund
      5.0
      Marketing Review from Ronda Grech

      The ‘Music Makes Us Better’ campaign uses the universal language of music to connect us with a purpose to make a difference in a life of a child. We are grateful for Park & Battery’s support of Children’s Music Fund.

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    • Hang Vuong
      Hang Vuong Senior Director Of Marketing at AllazoHealth
      5.0
      Marketing Review from Hang Vuong

      They’re not only experienced and fun to work with but also are a multiplier in our growth efforts with their fresh ideas backed by research. This is the partner you want to grow and scale with!

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    • Jeff Thomas
      Jeff Thomas Chief Marketing Officer (Interim) at Ascential Technologies
      5.0
      Marketing Review from Jeff Thomas

      Part of me doesn’t want to share the amazing secret that is Park & Battery. Hire them if you need an agency partner with emphasis on PARTNER!

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    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • META
    • Roto-Rooter
    • Avis Budget Group
    • Esquire Bank
    • Kaiser Permanante
    • Thermo Fisher Scientific
    • LeafLink
    • Jack in the Box
    • Roc360
    • UBS
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Turning Ideas Into Market Marvels.

    MAKO Design + Invent is at the forefront of product prototype and industrial design, specializing in end-to-end services for small businesses and inventors. We cover design, engineering, patenting, prototyping, and manufacturing.  [... view MAKO Design + Invent profile ]
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed

    MAKO Design + Invent Services

    • Product Design
    • Design Services
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • Moonlite: A Projector for Your iPhone to Make Children's Bedtime Stories More Engaging
      Product Design Project Moonlite: A Projector for Your iPhone to Make Children's Bedtime Stories More Engaging
    • JEWELRY LOOM
      Industrial Design Project JEWELRY LOOM
    • CLEANINTUV for CLEANINT CORP
      Product Design Project CLEANINTUV for CLEANINT CORP
    • BLUME CIGAR HUMIDIFIER
      Product Design Project BLUME CIGAR HUMIDIFIER
    • PRODUCT DESIGN & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FOR WATERPROOF CHILDRENS CELL PHONE
      Product Design Project PRODUCT DESIGN & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FOR WATERPROOF CHILDRENS CELL PHONE
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.

    MAKO Design + Invent Reviews & Testimonials

    • Lucio Garcia
      Lucio Garcia Review from Google
      1.0

      Lucio Garcia's Review Sourced from Google

      Representative cant even answer a simple question. Asserts that I should sign a NDA. Prior to getting the question answered. I just wanted to know if they do direct to market promotion of new ideas. Told me to seek the website for more information. When I experience stupid things like this with employees of a promotion company it means only one thing to me; the company is up to no good.

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    • Lyn Misenis
      Lyn Misenis Review from Google
      5.0

      Lyn Misenis's Review Sourced from Google

      Mako design is by far the most honest, caring company I have dealt with in the pursuit of getting my invention to market. They are prompt in returning calls or getting answers that you need. I highly recommend using them for designing an invention. I look forward to the future working with them and appreciate their knowledge in helping me move forward. Great job!

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    • KiddieGo LLC
      KiddieGo LLC Review from Google
      5.0

      KiddieGo LLC's Review Sourced from Google

      MAKO Design + Invent exceeded my expectations. The process from inception to completion was facilitated with ease. The overall experience was very positive. The employees were very helpful, responsive, and gave great advice. As a result, I have a US Design and US Utility Patent on my product. I am looking forward to a continued partnership. I am a HAPPY customer and would recommend anyone to them!

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    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • Go Fish
    • PetBot
    • Moonlite
    • CarGenerator
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Packaging That Speaks. Brands That Sell.

    Double Six Design is an Oakland, California based brand consultancy and design studio founded in 2008. With a boutique team of under 10 creatives, the firm specializes in food and wellness brand packaging, identity, and digital design, delivering premium engagement through narrative-driven visual systems.  [... view Double Six Design profile ]
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $250/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
    Portfolios Count
    6 Projects Listed

    Double Six Design Services

    • Package Design
    • Branding
    • Logo Design
    • Graphic Design
    • Web Design
    • Design Services
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Clients and Projects

    View Full Portfolio
    • Easiyo Redesign
      Package Design Project Easiyo Redesign
    • Oakland Dust
      Package Design Project Oakland Dust
    • HydroWorxx
      Branding Project HydroWorxx
    • Crown Public Cannabis Co.
      Branding Project Crown Public Cannabis Co.
    • Mooala Brands
      Package Design Project Mooala Brands
    • Umpqua Oats
      Package Design Project Umpqua Oats
    Comprehensive analysis done by DesignRush Agency Experts.
    • Yes To Inc.
    • Easiyo
    • Umpqua Oats
    • Oakland Dust
    • Mooala
    • Silva Sausage
    • Nirvana Bars
    • The North Face
    • Yoobi
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Get Ready For The World

    We are a woman-owned community focused full service branding and web design agency.  [... view Wellington Studio profile ]
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000

    Wellington Studio Services

    • Design Services
    • Branding
    • Web Design
    • Digital Marketing
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts

    Wellington Studio Reviews & Testimonials

    • Carmen Benjamin
      Carmen Benjamin Review from Google
      5.0

      Carmen Benjamin's Review Sourced from Google

      I had a fantastic experience working with Wellington Studio. They were professional, creative, and attentive to my needs. The final website was clean, modern, and fully functional and they continue providing monthly feedback to change the design to keep the site current. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a top-notch web designer

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    • Devona McClinton
      Devona McClinton Review from Google
      5.0

      Devona McClinton's Review Sourced from Google

      Chamaine and team at Wellington are great to work with. They are creative, flexible and very patient. If you have branding or website development needs reach out to Chamaine. She will take your vision and create digital magic! I highly recommend

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    • LD Diaz
      LD Diaz Review from Google
      5.0

      LD Diaz's Review Sourced from Google

      Wellington Studio did an awesome job for me on our first project together a year or so back which is why there was no question which company we’d turn to when the current website redesign was needed for our new company.Chamaine helps you stay on track with a well-designed and achievable project plan to meet your timeline.I appreciate her precision and talent.

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    Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile
    • Tides
    • BIRDIES
    • CPAC
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Design. Expression. Ideas.

    ColorThisWorld Communications is a mission-driven communications agency dedicated to building a healthier, more just and more vibrant world. ColorThisWorld Communications help organizations, initiatives and campaigns be as effective and transformative as they can be.  [... view Colorthisworld Communications profile ]
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49

    Colorthisworld Communications Services

    • Web Design
    • Design Services
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Bay Area Ridge Trail
    • California Health Care Foundation
    • David & Lucille Packard Foundation
    • Greater Good Science Center at U.C. Berkeley
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
  • Innovating Brand Experiences.

    HL Agency is a creative powerhouse specializing in building immersive brand experiences, delivering impactful campaigns that engage audiences and drive measurable results.  [... view H/L Agency profile ]
    Location
    Oakland, California
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $70/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000

    H/L Agency Services

    • Graphic Design
    • Creative Services
    • Video Production
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Web Design
    • Web Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Big Data Analytics
    • Advertising
    • Design Services
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
    • Toyota
    • McDonald's
    • VSP Premier
    Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What services do design companies offer?

They offer a mix of branding, digital product design, and creative services to help businesses build recognizable brands and user-friendly digital experiences, often combining graphic design, digital marketing support, and content creation. 

Core services include:

  • Branding and brand identity: Creating logos, visual identity systems, brand guidelines, typography, and messaging frameworks. These services are widely used because a consistent brand presentation can increase revenue by up to 23%, according to marketing research cited in design industry reports.
  • Web design and web development: Building responsive website design, landing pages, eCommerce design, and front-end implementation, often supporting broader digital marketing and content marketing strategies.
  • UX (user experience) and UI (user interface) design: Usually accounts for 60-70% of agency offerings, according to many design agencies' insights. UX/UI design focuses on usability, research, and interface design for digital products such as websites, SaaS platforms, and mobile apps. Agencies handle user research, wireframes, prototypes, usability testing, and final UI designs, often applying innovative design approaches to improve usability and engagement.
  • Product and app design: Creating digital products such as mobile apps, SaaS platforms, and dashboards that combine UX research, interaction design, and prototyping before development.
  • Graphic design and marketing design: Producing marketing and communication assets, such as social media visuals, advertising creatives, packaging design, presentations, and editorial design, to support brand campaigns.
  • Design strategy and research: Providing strategic services such as design thinking workshops, product discovery, customer journey mapping, and innovation consulting to align design decisions with business goals. Some agencies apply concentric design principles, focusing on aligning user needs, brand identity, and product functionality around a unified experience.

How much do design services cost?

Design agency pricing varies by scope, seniority, and market, but most agencies sell work in three common ways: fixed project fees, hourly/day rates, or monthly retainers.

Most design companies charge $75-$250 per hour, while full projects typically range from $5,000 for small branding work to $100,000+ for complex digital product or website design projects.

In the United States and other high-cost markets, design agencies typically charge:

  • $100-$250/hr. for UX/UI and product design specialists. 
  • $75-$200/hr. for general graphic design or digital design agency services. 

Regional averages for UX/UI design in North America often range from $50 to $200/hr, depending on expertise and specialization.  

Branding and brand identity

  • Basic brand identity packages: $5,000-$25,000 for logo design, typography systems, color palettes, and brand guidelines. 
  • More comprehensive brand design projects can range from $ 5,000 to $30,000+, depending on the strategy work and deliverables.  

Website design

  • Smaller website design projects: $3,000-$20,000+, depending on the number of pages and customization. 
  • Full website redesign projects typically cost $10,000-$200,000+, especially for large or enterprise websites.

UX/UI design projects generally start around $10,000 and can exceed $100,000 for complex products or SaaS platforms.

How long does a typical design project take?

The timeline of a design project depends on the type of service, project complexity, and the speed of feedback. Still, most professional design firm projects take between 6 weeks and 6 months from kickoff to final delivery.  

  • Branding projects: 4-12 weeks, including research, strategy, and visual identity; larger rebranding solutions can extend to 3-6 months or more, depending on stakeholder involvement and deliverables.
  • Website design: 8-20 weeks to design and launch a website
  • UX/UI and product design: 2-6 months

Complex digital products, enterprise websites, or large-scale rebrands can extend timelines to 6 months or longer. 

What’s the difference between branding, UX design, and product design?

Branding, UX design, and product design are closely related but focus on different layers of how a business creates and delivers value to customers. 

 BrandingUX designProduct design
FocusCreating a recognizable identity and emotional connection with customers. It includes logos, colors, typography, messaging, tone of voice, and brand guidelinesMaking digital products easy, efficient, and enjoyable to use. UX designers optimize user experience through research, testing, and design iterations. Designing the entire product, from defining the problem to launching and improving the solution. 
Deliverables
  • Logo design and visual identity system 
  • Brand strategy and positioning 
  • Brand guidelines and messaging 
  • Marketing and communication design 
  • User research and interviews 
  • Customer journey mapping
  • Wireframes and prototypes
  • Usability testing and optimization 
  • Product discovery and problem definition
  • Feature planning and prioritization 
  • UX/UI design and prototyping
  • Aligning user needs with business goals 

How can I evaluate the quality of a design agency's work?

The best design companies demonstrate measurable business impact, strong design processes, and proven results across multiple projects. 

  • Review the agency's portfolio and case studies to look for design projects that delivered measurable outcomes such as 25% higher conversion rates or 35% growth in daily active users after UX improvements. 
  • Evaluate usability and user experience metrics, such as task completion rates that improve from 50% to 90%, time needed to complete key actions, customer satisfaction scores, and reduction in support tickets or errors.  
  • Assess the agency's design process and research approach, check whether it includes stages like discovery and research, user interviews and insights, wireframes and prototypes, usability testing, and iteration and optimization. 
  • Evaluate companies based on how well their work contributes to revenue growth, customer retention, or operational efficiency. 

About The Author and Expert Reviewer

Jelena Relić has hundreds of top-ranking articles and a lifestyle & culture magazine she calls The MAN. She gained valuable content and SEO experience working at Digital Circle and Neil Sahota, which she now uses to deliver top-quality B2B content at DesignRush, particularly in the creative industry.

Branko Dimitrijević is a multifaceted creative and a recipient of 33 design awards. Throughout his 12-year career, he has delivered over 165 web design projects, showcasing his expertise in website optimization, UI/UX design, logo design, and video animation. He is now dedicating his talent and skills to being one of the creative geniuses at DesignRush.