‘Design with the future in mind’: Branding experts Paul Hoskins and Nick Davis launch new strategy and design agency Superunknown

Superunknown is the new strategy and design agency launched by Paul Hoskins (left) and Nick Davis (above).

The agency launched quietly in May this year and has been getting runs on the board with a number of foundation clients including: Orygen Digital, University of Melbourne, EACH community health, Save the Children, Monash IVF Group, and Publift.

As per its mantra—‘Design with the future in mind’—the agency has been founded on an innovation-led approach to its work on brands, products and experiences.

Says Davis: “The notion of ‘innovate or die’ once carried a lot of drama but nowadays it’s common sense for brands and businesses. We’re here to help our clients imagine truly future-ready brands and digital platforms.”

Superunknown has set itself the goal of creating outsized impact in four specific sectors: education, health, community, and technology.

Says Hoskins: “In the last few years, we’ve done a lot of work with organisations in these sectors—they’re domains that we’re passionate about and where we have the expertise to make a difference. Moreover, we feel these sectors present the biggest opportunities to design better futures.”

The agency has grown at a steady pace since its inception, building capability across its brand and digital teams. In the past few months it has made a number of key hires including Carlo Mussett (design lead), Gareth Joe (strategy lead), Mathieu Burton (designer) and Sally Coldham (UX designer).

Davis and Hoskins have been working together since 2018, when they launched their micro consultancy, Everyhow. The pair bring a combination of best-of-breed digital and branding expertise to their new venture. Hoskins previously ran Etsy in Australia, launched goodwork (a venture-funded startup), and led digital transformation at Medibank and ANZ. Davis previously headed up Landor in Melbourne where he rebranded the Australian Open and created the Anko brand for Kmart, and prior to that led strategy at Interbrand where he worked on Australia Post, REA Group and ahm.