We’re a design studio that works with people and organizations to move good ideas forward—through engagement, design, and strategy that centers inclusion and collaboration.
Services
Engagement
We start with people. Through conversations, workshops, and collaboration, we listen deeply and build relationships that guide the work. Real change begins with real connection.
Asset mapping
Stakeholder engagement
Engagement strategy
Engagement implementation
Qualitative and quantitative findings
Facilitation and convening
Design
Our design process is participatory. We create with people, not for them—turning lived experience into tools, visuals, and systems that help communities tell their stories, share their ideas, and act together.
Toolkits and educational materials
Reports
Event collateral
Website design & Squarespace development
Storytelling
Branding and visual identity
Campaign assets
Strategy
We help clarify vision and direction—connecting what’s possible to what’s next. With a shared plan and collective purpose, we move ideas from conversation to action, based in care for community.
Visioning & strategic planning
Facilitation and convening
Collaboration frameworks
Program design
Needs assessments
Landscape assessments
We rely on a deep bench of collaborators to extend our reach and capabilities.
COLLABORATORS PAST AND PRESENT
Libby Bogner
Fatema Boxwala
Andrea Cardinal
Lindsay Casadonte
Featherstone
Bree Gant
HECTOR
Meg Heeres
Bianca Ibarlucea
Kadushin Communications
Denise McGeen
Zoe Minikes
Latoya Morgan
One Custom City
Kikko Paradela
Carlie Quezada
Reel Clever
The Storm Company
Meghan Sweet
Emily Tinklenberg
Val Waller
Eva Zielinski
The Work Department was formed in 2010 in the shadow of Detroit’s financial crisis. We began as an open-source web development firm, dedicated to upholding core values of collaboration and transparency while partnering with aligned organizations in the city. Over the years, our work evolved from human-centered design to a focus on integrative design for social impact. Each evolution has been shaped by the interests of our team and the priorities of the communities we serve.