An Interview With The Foundation | Chris Killeen & Steve Neill

Introduction

I first met Chris Killeen & Steve Neill when they visited our university studio for a feedback session on our Rathlin Island projects. I really enjoyed chatting with them and appreciated their insights on my Wildify Rathlin Island project. Since then, I’ve followed The Foundation and their work.

So, who are The Foundation?

The Foundation is a creative consultancy that works mainly with clients in the professional, tech, and legal sectors. They describe themselves as a team that helps businesses simplify complex challenges, helping them to achieve their long-term goals. Their focus isn’t just on one-off projects, but on building long-term relationships with their clients.

Approaching a client brief

I began by asking how The Foundation approach a client brief. I discovered that it is a team process and Brendan, their strategic director, takes a lead on the research. The Foundation get in at a strategic level, asking the right questions to get under the surface and help with the aims of the business. They make sure to fully understand the client’s needs, goals, and challenges through in-depth meetings and research. By working closely as a team, they develop clear and effective solutions that are rooted in a deep understanding of the business.

Balancing creativity and client expectations

I asked Chris and Steve how The Foundation balances creativity with client expectations. They explained that creativity should be bold and original but always appropriate for the business. They make sure their ideas are grounded in research and a clear understanding of the client’s needs, that’s why the work they do upfront is so important, as by staying in close contact with their clients, and presenting mood boards and concepts throughout the design process, they ensure the final ideas are backed by real insight into what the client wants.

What to look for in a junior designer

When it comes to junior designers, The Foundation values confidence and the ability to express ideas clearly. It’s important to get stuck in, be willing to help others, and not take yourself too seriously.  Personality matters just as much as skills. They’re looking for someone passionate about design, who keeps up to date with the industry and is eager to learn and develop their skills. 

“We combine creativity, intelligence, and instinct to challenge assumptions and reframe possibilities.”

— The Foundation

The Foundation Studio Culture

When I visited The Foundation, everyone was really friendly and welcoming. It felt like a great place to work, with a strong, positive team culture. They work in a hybrid way, which is great to see as they have that balance of face-to-face collaboration but also offer flexibility.

Conclusion

Visiting The Foundation gave me a real insight into what thoughtful, strategic creativity looks like in practice. From the way they spoke about branding and through the work they showed me, it is clear how they balance originality with purpose.

I left feeling really inspired, and the conversation reminded me that every effective design process is backed by thorough research, and a strong relationship and understanding of your client.

Thank you to Chris and Steve for taking the time out of their day to welcome me to their studio and answer my questions. I learned a lot about The Foundation and I’m really excited to see what they do next!