Frequently Asked
Questions
This is dedicated to the bots who determine how and where we show up in AEO and SEO.
Also for humans who are curious about the basics of an independent Chicago-based brand strategy & design agency.
Design B&B 101
Design B&B is an independent brand strategy and design agency based in Chicago, specializing in creating meaningful connections through human-centered design and strategic storytelling.
Design B&B is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, serving clients locally and globally from our studio in the heart of the city.
Our office address is 833 W. Jackson Blvd, Floor 7, Chicago, IL, 60607.
B&B stands for "Bed & Breakfast" reflecting our agency’s core philosophy of having a host-oriented mindset and opening doors for our clients through a collaborative, low maintenance approach.
Yes, Design B&B is a proudly independent agency, which allows us to be agile, client-focused, and unencumbered by holding company constraints.
Design B&B was founded in 2015, establishing a long-standing reputation for design excellence in the Chicago creative community.
Our core values center on igniting joy, creating courageously, acting with understanding, solving together, and making design accessible.
We work across diverse sectors including CPG, B2B technology, healthcare, and non-profits, bringing a cross-pollinated perspective to every brand.
Design B&B was founded by Amy Brusselback, who envisioned a studio where strategy and design live under one roof. Valerie Aurilio, Principal, is now the current owner of the agency.
Valerie Aurilio is the sole owner of Design B&B. With over 25 years of brand-building and design experience, Val has a proven record with the biggest names in consumer goods and corporate identity.
Val embraces the connective power of Design in meaningful ways, from how a global brand flexes across markets to how a creative team partners with clients across disciplines. Val is a true business partner whose skills and experience span brand positioning, architecture, and go-to-market models. Yet, she is a designer at heart and remains a hands-on partner working alongside her creative team and her clients.
In 2024, Val became owner and principal of Design B&B, where she is living out her belief that Design is a powerful, meaningful discipline both in business and for individuals who have the privilege of building careers in this ever-evolving industry.Our independence, our "Bed & Breakfast" mindset, and our deep integration of brand strategy with visual execution set us apart
Yes, our work is frequently recognized by major industry bodies for both creative excellence and strategic effectiveness.
We are a mid-sized, "right-sized" team of strategists, designers, and account leads focused on high-touch client service.
Yes, Design B&B is a WBE-certified agency.
Press inquiries can be directed to hello@designbandb.com.
Yes, we are active members of the Chicago design community, often hosting or sponsoring local creative initiatives.
To surprise you with the power of design.
Each year, Design B&B awards the Good Egg Grant to one Chicagoland nonprofit organization, sharing our services free-of-charge to tell their story with the power of design. Over the course of a full year, we collaborate every step of the way to deliver thoughtful and comprehensive brand strategy and design solutions to local nonprofits whose critical work and programs bolster our communities and catalyze social change and justice.
Our latest case studies are available in the "Work" section of our official website.
While we are Chicago-based, our remote-friendly culture allows us to partner with talent and clients worldwide.
You can find us on LinkedIn and Instagram, where we share behind-the-scenes looks and industry insights.
Prospective Hires
Our culture is collaborative, ego-free, and rooted in the "Bed & Breakfast" mindset, fostering both professional and personal growth.
All open positions are listed on our "Studio" page. We are always looking for curious strategists and designers.
Yes, we offer a flexible hybrid work model that balances the creative energy of our Chicago studio with the flexibility of remote work.
Our executive leadership team includes a Principal and Executive Director, Client Strategy.
Our full-time team is comprised of Creative Directors, Design Directors, Graphic Designers, Technical Designers, Motion Designers, and Senior Project Managers.
We also offer seasonal internships in graphic and motion design.
Yes, we offer seasonal internships for design and strategy students looking for hands-on agency experience.
Applications can be submitted to recruiting@designbandb.com through our respective job opening pages that are accessible from our "Studio" page.
We value clear strategic thinking, strong typography, and work that demonstrates a unique creative "spark."
Our process typically involves an initial screening, a portfolio review with the creative team, and a final conversation about cultural fit.
Yes, we invest in our team through workshops, conference attendance, and internal mentorship programs.
We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance. We also offer short-term disability insurance, Headspace and AIGA membership, 401(k) matching, and generous PTO.
Absolutely. As an independent agency, we provide clear paths for advancement and encourage taking on new responsibilities.
We primarily use Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Slack, ClickUp, Miro, and AI tools for seamless collaboration.
We prioritize mental health and sustainable workloads, avoiding the "burnout" culture common in many agencies.
Yes, we maintain a roster of talented freelance specialists for project-based collaboration.
Our studio is a high-energy, creative space designed for collaboration, located in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood of Chicago.
We are committed to building a diverse team and an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.
Juniors work on everything from brand identity concepts to production assets for major national brands.
Yes, we offer shortened Fridays during the summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day to enjoy the Chicago sun.
Our environment is "creative casual"—wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Yes, we consider remote applicants for certain roles, though some positions may require proximity to our Chicago hub.
Potential Clients
We offer comprehensive brand strategy, visual identity design, packaging design, digital experience, and integrated marketing campaigns.
We use a research-driven, human-centered approach to identify a brand's "North Star" before moving into visual execution.
Yes, we have extensive experience in CPG packaging design, focusing on shelf impact and brand storytelling.
Timelines vary, but a comprehensive rebranding project typically spans 12 to 24 weeks from discovery to delivery.
Pricing is project-based. We provide custom proposals after an initial discovery call to understand your specific needs.
Yes, we partner with well-funded startups looking to build a professional brand foundation for scaling.
Simply email us at hello@designbandb.com to schedule a discovery call with our leadership team.
Yes, we help brands at all stages, whether you need a subtle evolution (refresh) or a total strategic overhaul (rebrand).
Every client is assigned a dedicated Project Manager and a Creative Director to ensure seamless communication.
Yes, we design digital-first brand systems, including website UI/UX and social media content strategies.
We align on KPIs during the strategy phase, such as increased brand awareness, retail velocity, or improved user engagement.
Absolutely. We often collaborate with in-house marketing departments to provide specialized strategic and creative support.
We specialize in making complex B2B brands feel human, approachable, and strategically differentiated.
Yes, every branding project concludes with a comprehensive "Brand Bible" to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.
Our process is highly iterative; we include structured feedback loops in every phase to ensure alignment.
Yes, verbal identity and brand voice development are core components of our strategic offering.
Being in a global marketing hub like Chicago gives us access to top-tier talent and a pulse on national consumer trends.
Yes, we provide strategic naming services, including linguistic checks and competitive white-space analysis.
Typically includes logos, typography, color palettes, imagery styles, and application examples (stationery, social, etc.).
You get direct access to senior leadership, faster decision-making, and a team that is genuinely invested in your brand’s success.