Environmentally responsible design is an emerging discipline with many different labels, such as green design, sustainable design, and eco design. Our method encompasses rethinking how we approach the design of physical goods (including questioning their necessity) and thoroughly researching materials, processes, and emerging technologies in order to understand their environmental footprint. This accumulated knowledge and experience guides our decisions, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint without necessitating concessions in cost or quality. Furthermore, we aim to share what we’ve learned with our peers in the industry through documentation of our projects (as demonstrated in the sustainability segments), written articles, lectures, and physical goods.

We employ a comprehensive approach to our work which extends beyond the conventionally defined roles of graphic designers. By applying design strategy to a broader scope we can ensure that dull copywriting doesn’t detract from compelling typography and that thoroughly considered web design is skillfully implemented in the web development stage. Below you’ll find a non-exhaustive list of our services.

The timeless, efficient, and functional qualities of the cast iron skillet are characteristics we strive for in our work, and their inherent opposition to obsolescence makes them an apt metaphor for the way we operate our business. A courier delivering a package to our office once summed it up by saying, “Cast Iron Design—sounds like you’re gonna last forever!”

While environmental responsibility is our core focus, we also seek to support organizations that value social responsibility, equality, and any progressive thought that will improve the world we inhabit. Particularly, we are fascinated by scientific exploration, adamant about preserving wildlife habitats, engaged in promoting and improving education, and proud allies of the LGBT community.

We’re excited about every design challenge we take on, but there are a few that would result in uncontainable elation. This is our ever-growing list of unique design projects we’d love to get our hands on.

We are headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, a city we chose specifically for its environmental progressiveness, inspiring landscapes, and 300+ days of sunshine. Although we enjoy working with partners in our community, we’ve worked with clients in locations ranging from Texas to South Korea and welcome opportunities both near and far. Along with our wonderful studio mates Tremper Creative, we occupy Workshop Boulder, located in North Boulder at approximately 5,548 feet. If you’re a creative visiting our city and would like to grab coffee/beer, or if you’d just like some Boulder recommendations, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We are available for workshops and lectures, and are interested in long or short term teaching opportunities. We place high value on design education and welcome the opportunity to share our philosophy and experience with both design students and industry veterans. Jonny and Richard have BFAs in Graphic Design from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Jonny holds an MFA in Visual Communication (with a focus on sustainable design) from the University of Arizona and currently teaches design as a part time faculty member at The University of Colorado Boulder.

All of the images in our portfolio are available as high resolution, print-ready files. If you represent an online or print publication, please email us and we will provide you with a link to download the files. We request that each piece is properly credited and that you send us a copy of the printed book, magazine, holiday newsletter, or newspaper for our archives.

Website design, development, copywriting, and principal photography by Cast Iron Design.