Wolff Olins

Independent-minded brand consultancy known for bolder identity bets than its peers.

4.8 (Editor review)
Founded
1965
Team size
251-500
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Avg. cost
$100,000–$1,500,000+/project

Overview

About

Founded in 1965 by Michael Wolff and Wally Olins, Wolff Olins now operates within Omnicom but still trades on a reputation for braver creative than most big-firm competitors. Their work covers brand strategy, visual and verbal identity, architecture, and physical environments for clients like Lloyds, Decathlon, Patreon, Ubisoft, and Blank Street. It's a mid-sized shop by headcount but punches at the top of the category.

Founded in 1965 by Michael Wolff and Wally Olins, Wolff Olins now operates within Omnicom but still trades on a reputation for braver creative than most big-firm competitors. Their work covers brand strategy, visual and verbal identity, architecture, and physical environments for clients like Lloyds, Decathlon, Patreon, Ubisoft, and Blank Street. It’s a mid-sized shop by headcount but punches at the top of the category.

What they do

Services

  • Brand Strategy
  • Visual Identity
  • Verbal Identity
  • Brand Architecture
  • Physical Environments

Specializations

Industries served

Travel and Hospitality Financial Services Sports Consumer Goods Food and Drink

Ideal client

Who they help

Right for established brands or well-funded growth companies that want identity work with a point of view, not committee-safe design. If leadership is bought into taking a creative risk, Wolff Olins can make that risk feel defensible.

Good fit for

Enterprise Mid-market B2C B2B

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Portfolio balances cultural icons like The Met with growth brands like Blank Street
  • Strong verbal identity practice, not just visual
  • More willing than peers to push a brave creative direction
  • London and New York offices support transatlantic rollouts

Cons

  • Enterprise pricing and project timelines that match it
  • Omnicom ownership can introduce holding-company dynamics
  • Best work tends to require executive buy-in to risk, which isn't always there

Pricing

Pricing modelProject-based
Minimum engagement$100,000
Average cost of services$100,000–$1,500,000+/project
Price bracket$$$$

Notable clients

Lloyds Decathlon Benefit Blank Street Ubisoft Patreon LG Electronics The Met

Common questions

FAQ

  • What services does Wolff Olins offer?

    Wolff Olins offers Brand Strategy, Visual Identity, Verbal Identity, Brand Architecture, Physical Environments.

  • Where is Wolff Olins based?

    Wolff Olins is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco.

  • How much does Wolff Olins cost?

    Wolff Olins operates on a project-based model, a minimum engagement of $100,000, typical costs of $100,000–$1,500,000+/project.

  • Who is Wolff Olins best for?

    Right for established brands or well-funded growth companies that want identity work with a point of view, not committee-safe design. If leadership is bought into taking a creative risk, Wolff Olins can make that risk feel defensible.

  • What industries does Wolff Olins serve?

    Wolff Olins serves clients in Travel and Hospitality, Financial Services, Sports, Consumer Goods, Food and Drink.

  • How big is Wolff Olins and when was it founded?

    Wolff Olins was founded in 1965 and has a team of 251-500 people.

  • How do I contact Wolff Olins?

    You can visit www.wolffolins.com.

Editor’s take

A premium pick when you want serious identity work with a sharper creative edge than the usual big-firm output. Not the choice for pure execution engagements.