Pivot Design Group

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Pivot Design Group Pivot Design Group is a strategic design studio. Pivot looks at things differently — a team that knows how to listen is at the heart of work that delivers.

We often say, we’re not experts at what you do — we’re experts at listening to you. It’s this approach that helps us bring people together through design. Our empathetic approach is our strength. We apply design thinking differently and this is how Pivot has become one of the city’s most unique agencies in our own nimble yet robust way. We know it works because we’ve been perfecting and refining our unique approach to communication design and user experience since Ian Chalmers, owner and creative director, first opened our doors in 1998. Well-credentialed with broad swaths of experience that come only from working first-hand in the evolving design landscape, we’ve been known to be picky about who we work with… This allows the team to maintain our pivotal hands-on approach. It’s an approach we know our clients love because they tell us as they experience the benefits first hand.

We spend most of our time designing digital products, but we’ll always have a soft spot for something you can hold in yo...
09/17/2026

We spend most of our time designing digital products, but we’ll always have a soft spot for something you can hold in your hands.

We’re honoured to have collaborated with Michael Godel to design his recent book, The Next Rooster, a collection of essays, stories, and photographs detailing the next generation of Chianti Classico wine makers.

The Next Rooster is an exploration of what comes next: how a new generation is carrying a deep-rooted legacy forward while redefining what it can become.

Thank you to Michael and team for the opportunity!

Author: Michael Godel
Photography: Lauren Segel
Publishing: FriesenPress (distributed by The Ingram Book Company)
Design: Pivot Design Group

As designers, a simple city stroll often turns into a visual study. Look closely and you’ll find that a city’s true visu...
06/18/2026

As designers, a simple city stroll often turns into a visual study. Look closely and you’ll find that a city’s true visual identity isn’t ruled by a style guide— it’s built by those within it.

Intern and Colombian native Jorge Cruz shares his perspective, taking us on a journey from the layered, vibrant streets of Bogotá to the rich, diverse tapestry of Toronto.

Two cities, two distinct visual languages, one shared truth: design is the mirror of a city’s culture, built by the people within it.

Real co-design isn’t neat, it’s messy, layered, and human.From navigating power dynamics to shaping systems that reflect...
04/23/2026

Real co-design isn’t neat, it’s messy, layered, and human.

From navigating power dynamics to shaping systems that reflect real-world complexity, our latest article explores what it takes to make room for multiple seats at the table— and to design with the people in them, not just for them.

Read more at the link in our bio 🔗

This , we’re reflecting on the quiet power of design to shape health outcomes.Whether it’s streamlining a care journey ...
04/07/2026

This , we’re reflecting on the quiet power of design to shape health outcomes.

Whether it’s streamlining a care journey for an older adult or introducing digital tools in a remote community, design has a profound ability to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and lived experience.

Because when we lead with a human-centred approach, we can help ensure that healthcare feels more intuitive, supportive, and accessible for everyone 🌍

At Pivot, co-design is foundational to our process. When we design with—not for—we reduce risk, redistribute power and c...
03/02/2026

At Pivot, co-design is foundational to our process. When we design with—not for—we reduce risk, redistribute power and create solutions that are more inclusive and sustainable.

Thursday’s event with Wina Smeenk will explore this practice framework, diving into:
💡 What co-design really looks like in practice
💡 How it leads to stronger, more inclusive outcomes
💡 Ways to integrate it in your process

If you work in design, innovation, strategy, or service delivery and want to deepen your impact, this session is for you.

Tickets available at the link in our bio.

When every designer drinks from the same digital well, the work starts to look familiar, detached.In our latest blog art...
02/12/2026

When every designer drinks from the same digital well, the work starts to look familiar, detached.

In our latest blog article, Designer Sam Laurier shares her radical, outlandish approach to sourcing inspiration: she goes outside.

🔗 Read the full article at the link in our bio

We’re thrilled to be a sponsor for this year’s Student Awards ✨Championing the next generation of designers, the Studen...
02/03/2026

We’re thrilled to be a sponsor for this year’s Student Awards ✨

Championing the next generation of designers, the Student Awards recognize design excellence from students across Canada in all areas of communication design. Pivot is sponsoring the award for Information Design.

🔗 Learn more about this program at rgd.ca/studentawards.

Address

213 Sterling Road #107
Toronto, ON
M6R2B2

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

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