We visited Jonathan Ellery, the founder of Browns, in the firm’s office to talk about his distracting cats and primitive typing skills.
Photography by Christine Navin
Location
London Bridge, Bermondsey, southeast London 
London Bridge, Bermondsey, southeast London
Year started
1998
Size
3,000 square feet
Number of employees
Ten
Specialty
Design in the
broader sense
Can’t work without
Peppermint tea, music, clients, designers, and books
Current projects
It’s been a very busy year for the studio, with the majority of the work being digital and moving image. Work includes a global-branding project for Invesco, ongoing identity work for the art consultancy John Jones, and the Wapping Project Bankside.
We’ve just started a new book for a photographer, Dave Stewart, which we’re designing and publishing. We’re also in the middle of redesigning our own website, which has been neglected for some time.
On the art side of things, I’m currently working on a commission from Mulberry for their new flagship store on Spring Street, in New York City, which is to open later this year. The commission consists of three large-scale, sculptural brass pieces. 
Favorite piece of decor
London brick
Best mistake you’ve ever made
I’ve never learned to type, so the studio has taken the mickey out of me over the years for my one-finger approach.
But now it’s all changed. With the arrival of the iPad, I think my one-finger approach will be seen as progressive.
What other profession would you like to try?
Boxing or drumming
I’ve never learned to type, so the studio has taken the mickey out of me over the years for my one-finger approach.
But now it’s all changed. With the arrival of the iPad, I think my one-finger approach will be seen as progressive.
What other profession would you like to try?
Boxing or drumming
Best place for a coffee break
Monmouth Coffee (2 Park Street)
and Allpress Espresso Roastery
(58 Redchurch Street)
Favorite piece of decor
London brick
What are you listening to?
Right at this moment, Blur
Biggest distraction
My Cornish rex cats who
live upstairs
One word that describes
the space
Bermondsey
Resources Recommended by Print
- Get Inspired: Color Inspirations
- Improve Your Design Skills: Creative Workshop
- Get an inside look at logo design from Chermayeff & Geismar
- Design TV: Improve your design skills with help from experts in the design industry.