Becoming a catalyst for change

We’re excited to announce the relaunch of AREA 17 with a new brand and website that reflects who we are, the value we create with our clients, and our ambition for the future. This isn’t just about a new look—it’s about marking a new beginning, one that highlights the depth of our craft and our evolution into something greater.

Over the past twenty-one years, we’ve grown from a leader in design and engineering to a partner in brand, experience, and technology transformation. While craft remains at our core, our focus has expanded to deliver broader, deeper, and more strategic value.

In our first decade, we pioneered a timeless digital design vernacular native to the web. In our second, we expanded our engineering capabilities and integrated strategy to deliver deeper value. Now, in our third act, we’re helping our clients realize their fullest potential—advancing their vision, impact, and growth.

In a time where innovation and accountability are essential, organizations face increasingly complex and interconnected challenges. We help navigate this rapidly evolving landscape by aligning strategic consulting with rigorous craft and agile methods—driving systemic change that empowers our clients to address today’s challenges and unlock tomorrow’s opportunities.

From ambition to impact

When AREA 17 was founded in 2003, simply having a website was a bold declaration of ambition. Today, digital is the backbone of most organizations. But their challenges are far more complex—spanning technology, organizational structures, and culture—and demand solutions that go deeper than a website or an app.

Our industry is evolving rapidly. Design and engineering services are increasingly commoditized, while clients demand greater value and measurable impact. Emerging technologies like AI are reshaping the landscape, creating both challenges and opportunities. By embracing these shifts, we’re positioning ourselves to meet client needs, unlock greater potential, and lead in a crowded market.

This transformation creates value for all stakeholders. For our clients, it means a partner who combines exceptional craft with long-term growth and transformation. And for us, it means meaningful work—collaborating with inspiring clients, solving complex challenges, and shaping an open, resilient, and optimistic future for all.

From outputs to outcomes 

We partner with influential leaders to elevate their brands to embody their bold vision, inspire belonging, and lead with purpose. We design experiences that adapt to evolving customer needs and harness emerging technologies to drive growth. We turn technology into a strategic asset that enhances performance, fuels innovation, and ensures long-term scalability.

Take the International Energy Agency (IEA), for example. Over a six-year partnership, we helped the agency transition from oil security to the world’s leading authority on clean energy. Similarly, we worked with the National Gallery of Canada to support their groundbreaking efforts to decolonize their institution by reframing art through a more inclusive and expansive lens.

These examples reflect a fundamental shift: from isolated deliverables to transformative value, from individual projects to enduring partnerships. Rooted in co-creation, transparency, and curiosity, we prioritize outcomes over outputs. Through open collaboration, we build trust; by challenging assumptions, we uncover fresh perspectives; and with adaptability, we turn uncertainty into opportunity.

From projects to partnerships

Our new brand platform and website better reflect the work we’re already doing. By telling the story of our collaborations through client stories, we show how one initiative leads to another—how distinct projects weave together into a broader narrative of transformation that spans all levels of an organization. Unlike our past case studies, which focused on individual projects, this approach reveals the full scope and evolution of our partnerships.

Additionally, we’ve introduced an industry lens to showcase our perspectives on the unique challenges our clients face specific to their industries. This lens reflects the breadth of organizations we work with and the depth of expertise we bring to every partnership.

This rebrand reflects our mission: to co-create the world we want to live in. It brings us closer to our vision—using craft as a catalyst for impact, building honest and meaningful partnerships, and expanding the breadth and depth of our work. We’re not reinventing ourselves but becoming more of who we already are while laying the groundwork for what comes next.

We invite you to explore our capabilities, culture, and client stories, which define who we’ve become. Let’s start a conversation about how we can support you on your journey. If you’re in Paris or New York, let’s connect in person.