The pre-conference activities for the Square One Design Conference will kick off with studio tours scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, at 4PM PST. The tours, capped at 25 participants, are a special reward for early arrivals and will serve as a prelude to the networking event at Gantri later that evening at 6PM PST. Agencies such as Ammunition and Whipsaw will be participating in these tours, offering attendees an inside look at their design processes. The design studios are encouraged to engage younger designers, particularly interns, to share their experiences with emerging professionals and provide insights into working at an agency. The tour will highlight the design studio's rich history through product showcases, prototypes, and sketches. The tour is designed to last an hour, keeping the experience simple yet informative.

Ammunition

Ammunition is a prominent design studio based in San Francisco, founded in 2007 by Robert Brunner, a former director of industrial design at Apple. The studio is recognized for creating products, brands, and experiences that blend physical and digital worlds. Working across industries such as consumer electronics, furniture, fashion, and health tech, Ammunition is known for producing cohesive, impactful designs that resonate with users and elevate brands.

Ammunition’s mission is to craft products that solve functional problems while building emotional connections with users. They merge aesthetics, technology, and business strategy to deliver innovative, user-friendly designs that stand out in the market. The studio takes a holistic approach, ensuring that every element, from product design to branding, is consistent and reinforces the identity of the brands they work with.

Their collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach brings together industrial design, user experience, and brand strategy to tackle complex challenges. Focused on long-term impact, Ammunition delivers designs that resonate emotionally, drive brand loyalty, and leave a lasting impression across industries.

Gantri

Gantri is a design-forward company founded in 2017 by Ian Yang, specializing in 3D-printed lighting solutions that blend modern design practices with sustainable technology. By collaborating with independent designers globally, Gantri seeks to transform how lighting products are conceived, produced, and distributed. Their mission is to make high-quality, sustainable lighting more accessible, while providing a platform for designers to bring their unique visions to life.

Central to Gantri’s approach is sustainability. They use plant-based materials and 3D printing to reduce waste and environmental impact, while also supporting on-demand manufacturing to avoid overproduction. Gantri handles the manufacturing and distribution for designers, allowing them to focus on creativity and innovation without the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods. This model ensures that their products remain affordable, environmentally friendly, and reflective of minimalist, timeless design.

Through its combination of eco-conscious production, designer collaboration, and cutting-edge technology, Gantri aims to redefine the lighting industry. They promote a balance between thoughtful design and environmental responsibility, positioning themselves as a leader in both the design and sustainability spaces.

Whipsaw

Whipsaw is an award-winning industrial design and product development consultancy founded in 1999 by Dan Harden and Bob Riccomini, based in Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in creating innovative, user-centered products across industries such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and robotics. Whipsaw collaborates with both startups and Fortune 500 companies, focusing on delivering products that excel in functionality, aesthetics, and market appeal by pushing the boundaries of design.

The company's mission is to transform ideas into forward-thinking products that solve problems while enhancing the human experience. Whipsaw combines design innovation with practical solutions that meet the needs of businesses and consumers alike. They are known for their collaborative approach, integrating industrial design, engineering, and strategy to create impactful products that succeed in the marketplace.

Key to Whipsaw’s approach is innovation, user-centered design, and cross-industry expertise. They prioritize sustainable practices and consider the environmental impact of their designs. Whipsaw continually challenges conventional thinking by exploring new technologies and materials, delivering solutions that not only meet market demands but also push the limits of what’s possible in design.