Gordon Eckel, marketing director at Sydney-based creative agency THERE, talks to Elana Castle about the firm’s expansion into Southeast Asia

The award-winning branding and communications studio co-founded by Simon Hancock & Paul Taboure, have had a busy few months, securing eight prestigious AGDA awards and brand expansion into Asia.

3M, Sydney

The awards included recognition for signage and way-finding strategies, amongst other projects, for 3M’s new headquarters as well as a “history wall” for the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

ASX, Sydney

“The move to set up in Asia is buoyed by our recent haul of AGDA awards together with our strong, existing working relationships with many leading architects and interior designers operating in the area,” explains Hancock.

ASX, Sydney

“After successfully completing a number of projects for established international organisations operating in the region, such as Macquarie Group, ANZ and Boston Consulting Group, more and more opportunities are now starting to present themselves in emerging markets and with emerging market brands.”

Boston Consulting Group, India

“Singapore was selected as an ideal studio location, given its proximity to so many active Asian hubs,” adds Eckel. “In addition Singapore is also a relatively ‘easy’ working environment and also ideally situated in relation to not only China, Hong Kong and India but also Indonesia, which has the potential to grow exponentially in the next 2-5 years.”

Boston Consulting Group, India

The studio are also excited about the potential to push the boundaries of three-dimensional and digital design in a region increasingly open to non-conventional and emerging technologies, including virtual and augmented technology.

“We feel that Asia is prepared for these advancements,” says Eckel, “which makes working in the region a very exciting prospect.”

THERE

there.com.au