An unparalleled passion for thoughtful, strategic
communication and design making waves since 2000
OUR STORY
SMALL, YET MIGHTY
Who we are
Strategic Communication. Purposeful Design. Meaningful Impact.
Design@Bay is an integrated strategic branding and communications agency based in Gqeberha, South Africa. Since 2000, we have partnered with governments, United Nations agencies, development organisations, academic institutions and leading brands to transform complex information into clear, compelling and accessible communication.
We combine communication strategy, research, editorial expertise, information design, branding, digital innovation and creative excellence to develop solutions that strengthen brands, improve stakeholder engagement and inspire meaningful action. Every project is guided by insight, collaboration and a commitment to creating communication that delivers measurable value.
Our Story
More Than Two Decades of Designing for Impact
Design@Bay was established in 2000 with the vision of creating communication that is both strategically grounded and creatively exceptional. Over the past 26 years, we have evolved into a trusted communication partner for organisations working across public, private and international development sectors.
Our experience spans strategic branding, educational publishing, research communication, information design, annual reporting,
digital experiences, behaviour change campaigns and integrated marketing communications. Whether developing national campaigns, knowledge products or learning resources, our approach remains the same: understand the challenge, uncover the insight and design communication that creates lasting impact.
Today, our work reaches audiences across South Africa and internationally, helping organisations communicate with greater clarity, confidence and purpose.
Our Founder
Leadership Shaped by Design Thinking
Design@Bay was founded by Dipti Varghese, an award-winning designer whose internationally informed perspective has shaped the agency’s strategic approach to communication and design.
Dipti holds a Master of Design degree from the Industrial Design Centre at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai, India. Her career has been defined by a commitment to design excellence, innovation, mentorship and knowledge sharing, earning recognition as a Regional Business Achievers Award finalist and through her active involvement in professional business and leadership forums.
Under her leadership, Design@Bay has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful, research-led communication that helps organisations communicate with clarity, credibility and confidence.
Women's Empowerment
Championing Inclusive Leadership
As a 100% women-owned strategic branding and communications agency, Design@Bay believes diverse leadership drives stronger ideas, better collaboration and more meaningful impact.
We proudly support the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, recognising the vital role businesses play in advancing gender equality across the workplace, marketplace and community.
This commitment influences how we lead our business, build partnerships, and communicate to achieve more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.
Our Team
Diverse Expertise. One Shared Purpose.
Behind every successful project is a multidisciplinary team of strategists, designers, editors, illustrators, animators, digital specialists and communication professionals who share a passion for solving complex communication challenges.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we assemble the right expertise for every project, ensuring each client benefits from the knowledge, creativity and technical capability their communication needs demand. United by a commitment to strategic thinking, collaboration and design excellence, our team works together to create communication that informs, engages and inspires action.