True: There are many brand identity design firms out there. False: We’re just like them.

The Beginning

The Engine Room opened its doors in August of 1999 with two heads, two computers and one heart for design. Founded by Dave Braden and Mike Cotsifas, our office is located in the artist-wrought neighborhood of the Dogpatch in San Francisco, California. Here, in our 1,200 square-foot studio space, we develop, evolve and maintain brand identities with an emphasis on consumer packaged goods.

Our Background

We studied art and design deep in the redwood forests of Northern California. Or, ahem, Humboldt State University. It was in this eclectic environment, though, that we feel our perspectives on business, art and culture were notably shaped. Design, as we see it, augments culture. And sound business facilitates great design. In order for this stuff to work, you need people with a common vision. Real people who are accessible, who share ideas and inspire beautiful working systems.

Right Now

When you call The Engine Room, you’ll be greeted by either Dave, Mike or Doug. Sometimes Mike and Dave accidentally answer at the same time. We are The Engine Room. All 3 of us are designers and we correspond directly with our clients. Those that become regular clients typically choose to do so because of our unique concentration of creativity, customer service and compassion. We aren’t cheap and we aren’t expensive. We’ve turned down opportunities for growth in exchange for good design, good service and a good life. Most Americans find that weird. But we’re not like most Americans.

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