Pentagram

The world's largest independent design studio, run as a partnership of 25+ principals.

4.9 (Editor review)
Founded
1972
Team size
251-500
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Avg. cost
$100,000–$1,000,000+/project

Overview

About

Pentagram has been shaping identity, publication, and environmental design since 1972, and still operates as a partnership where each principal runs their own team. The work spans graphics, strategy, packaging, exhibitions, digital, motion, and typography, with partners picking projects by interest rather than account rotation. It's the reference studio for serious identity work, which is reflected in both the roster and the price.

Pentagram has been shaping identity, publication, and environmental design since 1972, and still operates as a partnership where each principal runs their own team. The work spans graphics, strategy, packaging, exhibitions, digital, motion, and typography, with partners picking projects by interest rather than account rotation. It’s the reference studio for serious identity work, which is reflected in both the roster and the price.

What they do

Services

  • Graphics and Identity
  • Strategy and Positioning
  • Products and Packaging
  • Exhibitions and Installations
  • Websites and Digital Experiences
  • Advertising and Communications
  • Data Visualizations and Typefaces
  • Sound and Motion

Specializations

Industries served

Arts & Culture Civic & Public Climate & Sustainability Consumer Brands Education Entertainment Fashion & Beauty Finance Food & Drink Health Hospitality & Travel Technology

Ideal client

Who they help

A fit for cultural institutions, consumer brands, and large organizations that treat identity as a long-term asset rather than a quarterly refresh. If you want a signature partner whose fingerprints will be on your brand for a decade, this is the shortlist.

Good fit for

Enterprise Mid-market Non-profit B2C

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Partner-led engagements mean a named principal is on your project, not a junior team
  • Deeper range than any peer, from wayfinding to typefaces to digital
  • Five-decade portfolio across Arts, Finance, Education, and consumer brands
  • Independent ownership keeps creative decisions out of a holding company

Cons

  • Pricing sits at the top of the market and timelines are rarely fast
  • Access depends on partner interest, not just a signed proposal
  • Not structured for ongoing campaign work after the identity ships

Pricing

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

Common questions

FAQ

  • What services does Pentagram offer?

    Pentagram offers Graphics and Identity, Strategy and Positioning, Products and Packaging, Exhibitions and Installations, Websites and Digital Experiences, Advertising and Communications, and more.

  • Where is Pentagram based?

    Pentagram is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with additional offices in New York, Austin, Berlin.

  • How much does Pentagram cost?

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

  • Who is Pentagram best for?

    A fit for cultural institutions, consumer brands, and large organizations that treat identity as a long-term asset rather than a quarterly refresh. If you want a signature partner whose fingerprints will be on your brand for a decade, this is the shortlist.

  • What industries does Pentagram serve?

    Pentagram serves clients in Arts & Culture, Civic & Public, Climate & Sustainability, Consumer Brands, Education, Entertainment, among others.

  • How big is Pentagram and when was it founded?

    Pentagram was founded in 1972 and has a team of 251-500 people.

  • How do I contact Pentagram?

    You can visit www.pentagram.com, or email london@pentagram.com.

Editor’s take

The default pick when identity is strategic and budget allows a top-tier partner. Overkill for anything resembling a tactical rebrand.