For over two decades, Elizabeth Kole Designs has helped businesses, schools, and nonprofits communicate with clarity and heart through thoughtful, intentional design. What began as Elizabeth Kole’s personal studio has evolved into Duet Creative, a partnership that unites design and storytelling into a cohesive brand experience. In this interview with
Website Planet, Elizabeth Kole shares how her collaborative approach, attention to detail, and belief in the power of design continue to shape meaningful brands in an ever-changing creative landscape.
Could you share the origins of Elizabeth Kole Designs and how the company has evolved over time?
Elizabeth Kole Designs began over twenty years ago as my personal design studio, grounded in a simple philosophy: good design should make ideas clear, credible, and emotionally resonant. I started out helping small businesses elevate their presence through thoughtful logos, print materials, and websites. Over time, my work expanded to include nonprofits, schools, and national brands, while keeping that same personal, collaborative approach. Today, that evolution continues with Duet Creative, a partnership with copywriter Wendy Gale, bringing design and storytelling together into a unified creative agency.
What distinguishes Elizabeth Kole Designs from other design studios in terms of creative approach and client service?
What sets my studio apart is how individualized and collaborative the process is. I take the time to truly understand each client’s story and goals, then translate that into a design that feels intentional and true to them. I balance creative intuition with strategy, ensuring that every visual choice supports a purpose. Clients often describe the process as a true collaboration – and that same spirit carries into Duet Creative, where Wendy and I unite design and writing to build cohesive, authentic brands.
How do you ensure that each project reflects the unique identity and goals of your clients?
Every project starts with discovery. I use brand questionnaires, creative briefs, and conversations to understand each client’s story, audience, and goals. From there, I translate that insight into visual form – using color, typography, and structure to communicate meaning. Collaboration is key; I share early sketches and drafts, invite feedback, and refine until the design feels right. By pairing design and copy under Duet Creative, we ensure that every element – from headline to layout – speaks in the same voice and reflects the client’s true identity.
Can you discuss a recent project that particularly challenged your team and how you overcame those challenges?
One of our recent projects was rebranding four Montessori schools under a single umbrella identity. Each school had its own personality and community, yet they needed to coexist as part of one cohesive brand. Wendy led the naming process, creating Lake Shore Montessori, while I designed a modern, timeless logo and website that brings all four schools together in an equitable and intuitive way. The biggest challenge was creating a design system that honored each school’s individuality while feeling unified as one brand family. Through careful color use, photography, and messaging, we built a digital space that balances shared identity with local distinction – a great example of how collaboration between design and copy can solve complex brand architecture challenges.
What are your aspirations for the future of Elizabeth Kole Designs in the ever-changing design industry?
The future of Elizabeth Kole Designs is evolving into Duet Creative, where design and copywriting work hand in hand to help organizations tell their stories with clarity and purpose. I’m especially passionate about partnering with schools, nonprofits, and creative entrepreneurs – the kinds of clients who value meaning and connection as much as aesthetics. As the design industry continues to evolve with new tools and technologies, my focus remains the same: listen deeply, design thoughtfully, and create brands that feel personal, enduring, and human.
ElizabethKoleDesigns.com
DuetCreativeAgency.com
