
A multidisciplinary
design studio.
We exist to spark desire and build long-term equity.
Brave brands change the world. We help create them. We start by listening to uncover what makes a brand true, not just different. Then we move fast, using strategy and imagination to create identities people feel and remember.

Nina is the co-founder and creative lead at Swim Duck Swim. Previously, she founded Room 13 Design, one of Cape Town’s most respected design studios. Nina’s creative instincts are tuned to a different frequency. The kind that sees around corners. She’s known for turning complex briefs into beautiful, intelligent design systems that stand the test of time.

Ro has spent 25 years working across the food, beverage, and lifestyle space in the UK, Scandinavia, and South Africa. He spent time at Innocent Drinks in both the UK and Denmark during the brand’s rise, and went on to lead projects across CRM, brand strategy, and product innovation for Brandhouse, BAT, and Sir Fruit, where he helped drive a decade of brand and business growth. As co-founder of Swim Duck Swim, Ro brings commercial focus, creative range, and a deep understanding of how to build brands people care about.

Fred is a visual communication expert with a global portfolio that spans luxury, fashion, food, lifestyle, and the arts. He’s helped shape standout campaigns for top-tier clients across the world, always combining sharp design with strong cultural insight. His work speaks loudest when it’s out in the wild, making brands look the part and feel relevant.

Jade is a leading Cape Town-based illustrator and designer whose work has become a fixture in contemporary South African design. With a double BA from UCT and Vega, she’s known for her narrative-driven approach, feminine edge, and dreamlike aesthetic. Her portfolio spans global brands, galleries, and personal projects, each carrying her unmistakable signature and emotional depth.

Carla is a qualified graphic designer and art director with experience across product development, marketing, and team leadership. As the studio manager project management, stakeholder relationships, and commercial management, all delivered with calm, focus, and care. She values collaboration, clear communication, and the kind of teamwork that makes great ideas possible.

Alice is a Cape Town-based communication designer with Swedish and South African roots, drawn to brand identity and the thinking behind it. Detail-driven and conceptually minded, she balances bold, expressive ideas with considered execution, ensuring every decision serves the bigger idea. A Loerie medalist and FM AdFocus Student of the Year finalist, her work is distinctive and considered down to the last detail.

Our extended team includes trusted collaborators across design, web, content, media, strategy, and production. We work with the best in the business, not just for their skills, but for how they think. They help us go wider, move faster, deliver projects at any scale and make better work every time.