What Graven does

Graven is an independently owned, Glasgow-based design consultancy founded in 1986, delivering multi-disciplinary design services to enterprise clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the US, and Asia. The firm operates across interior design, visual branding, graphic design, signage and wayfinding, exhibition design, and environmental branding, serving blue-chip clients in hospitality (Carlson Rezidor / Radisson, Hotel Missoni, Kimpton, Highland Park), banking and finance (Royal Bank of Scotland, Clydesdale Bank), retail (ROX), aviation (British Airways), education and public sector (City of Glasgow College, University of the West of Scotland), sports (Liverpool FC), automotive (Volkswagen), and healthcare (Alzheimer Scotland). Its core technology is human creative practice rather than proprietary software, supplemented by a productized brand-strategy methodology, BuildMyBrand®, delivered via a dedicated sub-domain. The firm runs on a professional services revenue model, with fees determined by project scope, complexity, and client size; there is no modular pricing, no public rate card, and no disclosed pricing model. GTM is enterprise field sales — senior directors and design leads manage direct client relationships, with multi-year retained engagements (notably 14+ years with Carlson Rezidor) and project wins via competitive tenders and referrals. The firm is privately held, has no disclosed external investors, no subsidiaries, and no M&A activity on record. Headcount sits in the 11–50 band, consistent with a senior-heavy boutique consultancy rather than a scaled agency network.

Name

Graven

Legal name

Graven

Website

https://graven.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Graven is an independently owned Glasgow-based design consultancy (founded 1986) delivering interior design, visual branding, signage, exhibition, and environmental branding services to enterprise clients across hospitality, banking, retail, aviation, and public sectors internationally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Design Consultancy Services

NAICS

Interior Design Services (541410), Graphic Design Services (541430), Industrial Design Services (541420)

akta.pro primary industry

Interior Design Services (BPAHAKAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial/Product & Furniture Design (BPAHAKAM)

Keywords

• Interior design services
• Visual branding design
• Signage wayfinding design
• Exhibition design
• Environmental branding

Headquarters

HQ city

Glasgow

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Design Consultancy Services: Professional services revenue generated through design consulting engagements for interior design, visual branding, graphic design, environmental branding, signage and wayfinding, and exhibition design projects. Revenue is project-based with fees determined by scope, complexity, and client size.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Graven is a multi-disciplinary design consultancy that creates interior environments, visual brand identities, signage and wayfinding systems, exhibition designs, environmental branding, websites, bespoke furniture, and brand strategy deliverables for enterprise and public-sector clients. The firm works on a project basis with fees determined by scope and complexity, and additionally runs its proprietary BuildMyBrand® workshop methodology to help clients develop brand strategy.

Product overview

Graven is a Glasgow-based design studio offering integrated design services across interior design, visual branding, communications, and exhibition design. The company operates across multiple service lines including interior design, signage & wayfinding, visual brands/packaging/print/digital, exhibition design, and website/e-commerce design. Rather than a software product, Graven delivers project-based design services for sectors including hospitality, retail, banking, education, healthcare, and government. Services are tailored to each client with no modular pricing or platform architecture.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Interior Design Full-service interior design for hotels, restaurants, bars, retail spaces, workplaces, healthcare facilities and educational institutions, including furniture design and bespoke product development for enterprise clients.
• Visual Brands, Packaging, Print & Digital Comprehensive visual identity and branding services including visual brand development, packaging design, print materials and digital design for clients across multiple sectors.
• Signage & Wayfinding Design and implementation of environmental signage systems, wayfinding solutions and place-making graphics for public spaces, commercial buildings and visitor destinations.
• Exhibition Design Design and delivery of exhibitions, travelling shows and interpretive displays for museums, cultural institutions and government bodies, including physical construction and content management.
• Website & E-commerce Design Design of retail websites and e-commerce platforms, including visual brand implementation across digital channels, for luxury retail clients.
• Brand Development & Guidelines Strategic brand evolution and development services including brand strategy, visual identity systems, brand guidelines and implementation across multiple touchpoints.
• Environmental Branding Environmental and spatial branding solutions that integrate brand identity into physical environments, exhibition spaces and visitor experiences.
• Communications Design Graphic communication design services including marketing materials, advertising, point-of-sale design and branded collateral across print and digital formats.
• Furniture & Product Design Bespoke furniture design, product development and material specification for interior projects, including custom lighting, soft furnishings and exclusive product ranges.
• BuildMyBrand® Workshops Proprietary branded workshop methodology that helps businesses understand how brands strategically help them grow, sold as a standalone engagement alongside Graven's design services.

Named customers14 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Alzheimer ScotlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2014Design and delivery partnership for Kilmarnock Dementia Resource Centre, creating dedicated space for people with dementia and their carers.
• PagePark ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term collaboration with PagePark Architects on multiple projects including Kelvin Hall redevelopment and Scottish National Portrait Gallery extension. Partnership involves joint design delivery and architectural collaboration.
• Carlson Rezidor Hotel GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner14+ year strategic partnership developing Radisson Blu and Radisson RED hotel brands internationally. Graven has developed brand approaches and is delivering new concepts across USA, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Multiple hotel projects delivered including flagship properties.
• British AirwaysflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership to design BA Galleries Lounges internationally. Graven developed the BA Lounge brand concept and has delivered 8 lounges globally including Singapore Changi, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other airports. Includes evolution of brand guidelines.
• MissonicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Hotel Missoni Kuwait project with Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor Hotel Group, and CRC Al-Tijaria. Partnership involved design and delivery of luxury hotel interiors.
• The Rezidor Hotel GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of tri-partite client group for Hotel Missoni Kuwait. Ongoing partnership across Radisson brand hotel projects worldwide.
• CRC Al-TijariacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKuwait-based real estate development and investment group and part of client group for Hotel Missoni Kuwait project.
• Brazen (bespoke jewellery designers)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCollaboration with Glasgow-based bespoke jewellery designers Brazen for Liverpool FC VIP lounges project. Created customized cast bronze badges for The Boardroom Lounge.
• Kevas DesignminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for Liverpool FC project to create bespoke design elements including dark grey linear patterned carpet inspired by dockyard cranes.
• Tanja Gertik (arts consultant)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArts consultant partnership for Standard Life Wealth project to select unique artworks for executive offices in The Gherkin.
• Denholm Partnership ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Isle of Arran Distillers visitor facility, working on purpose-built annexe designed by the architecture firm.
• Highland ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign collaboration on Highland Park whisky customer experience store in Kirkwall, Orkney. Features locally built joinery and materials from whisky-making palette.
• Sir Robert McAlpinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of GLQ Consortium delivering City of Glasgow College campuses (Riverside and City). Main contractor on major education infrastructure project.
• Reiach & Hall ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead architects on City of Glasgow College Riverside Campus as part of GLQ Consortium partnership.
• Michael Laird ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of GLQ Consortium for City of Glasgow College campuses as architecture partner.
• IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with IHG for Hotel Indigo Dundee project, a converted jute mill requiring design response to local community and history.
• Giles Miller StudiominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCollaboration with Giles Miller Studio for British Airways Edinburgh Lounge, creating LED-lit mesh panel wall with BA Speedmarque.
• Royal Bank of Scotland GroupflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership with RBS for flagship branch refurbishment at 36 St Andrew Square Edinburgh and retail banking concept development for 400 branches.
• Royal Bank of ScotlandflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped retail banking concept including brand evolution, retail brand model, strategy, narrative, and retail banking environment guidelines.
• National Australia Group EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Clydesdale Bank flagship branch refurbishment at St Vincent Place, Glasgow.
• Liverpool Football ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDesign partnership for VIP lounges at Anfield Stadium Main Stand, creating The Boardroom Lounge and The Executive Lounge.
• ROXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership with luxury jewellery retailer ROX for boutique store design across multiple locations (Glasgow, Edinburgh). Includes brand development and e-commerce.
• Wauter MannaertminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal comic book illustrator collaboration for Radisson RED Brussels, creating large-scale art installations throughout public spaces and guest rooms.
• Max De RadiguesminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal comic book illustrator collaboration for Radisson RED Brussels, creating giant illustrations referencing Belgium's comic art history.
• G1 GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with G1 Group for The Corinthian Club Glasgow refurbishment, transforming listed building into four-floor entertainment venue.
• Williams Bros. Brewing Co.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Williams Bros. Brewing Co. on Drygate craft brewery, bar, restaurant and events space in Glasgow.
• Matthew AlgiecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Matthew Algie (UK's leading independent coffee roaster) for Tinderbox espresso bar brand and Progreso coffee chain brand development.
• OxfamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Oxfam and Matthew Algie for Progreso coffee chain, where coffee growing co-operatives were made one-third owners of the business.
• Various Orkney suppliersminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal Orkney suppliers providing materials and craftsmanship for Highland Park visitor store, ensuring authentic local feel.
• Renzo Mazzolini PhotographyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPhotography partner for multiple projects including Liverpool FC lounges, Kelvin Hall, and other key projects.
• Kevan Shaw Lighting DesignminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLighting design partnership for British Airways Glasgow Lounge, creating illusion of space and atmosphere of intimacy.
• Bridge of Weir Leather CompanyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerScottish supplier partnership for British Airways Glasgow Lounge, providing materials and skills of Scottish companies.
• Bute FabricsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerScottish fabric supplier partnership for British Airways Glasgow Lounge, featuring Bute tweed on walls with Graven-designed buttons.
• Edinburgh College of ArtminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArt sourcing partnership for British Airways Edinburgh Lounge, purchasing works by young artists alongside BA's own art collection.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• HMKM: London design agency focused on retail, hospitality and leisure environments with integrated branding. Comparable scale and sector mix to Graven's hospitality and retail practice.
• Pentagram: Multi-disciplinary design consultancy operating across branding, interiors, environmental graphics, and digital. Closely comparable business model to Graven — partner-owned, project-based, integrated design across disciplines.
• Mather & Co: UK-based design consultancy specialising in exhibition, visitor attraction, and interior design. Direct peer in Graven's exhibition design and visitor-experience verticals.
• CADA Design: UK-based interior design consultancy serving hospitality, leisure and residential clients. Direct overlap in hospitality interior design, with comparable boutique scale.
• Land Design Studio: London-based creative consultancy delivering interior, branding, signage and wayfinding design. Highly comparable service mix and UK focus, serving hospitality, retail, and workplace clients.
• Jump Studios: London design and architecture studio delivering workplace, hospitality and brand-environment projects. Overlapping disciplines (interior + brand) and similar boutique positioning.
• Dalziel & Gill: UK retail and brand-environment design consultancy. Direct overlap with Graven's retail and hospitality interior design practice and brand-environment integration.

Broad incumbents

• Gensler: Global architecture and design firm delivering interiors, brand strategy and environmental design for enterprise clients. Significantly larger scale incumbent competing for similar hospitality, retail and workplace mandates.
• Foster + Partners: Global architecture and integrated design practice. Overlaps with Graven's high-end hospitality and cultural-sector design, but at vastly larger scale and broader capability.
• Designworks (WPP): Global brand and design consultancy owned by WPP, offering strategy, brand and design across sectors. A scaled incumbent offering overlapping capabilities (branding + environmental design) but with much broader portfolio and geographic reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GravenHQ
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCUyoIpMIvpLjAlSmcUmR22g
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/graven
• Instagraminstagram.com/graven_hq
• Pinterestpinterest.com/gravenhq

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Graven