About

Alexander Atkins Design, Inc. (AAD), based in the San Francisco Bay Area/Silicon Valley, has been deeply committed to serving nonprofits, universities, schools (elementary to high school), and foundations since its founding in 1983. We consistently and passionately support “design for the greater good” — projects that serve the local and global community. We do this by creating brilliant, compelling design work that informs and inspires people.

What types of projects does AAD work on?
AAD works on the following types of graphic design projects for nonprofit organizations: annual reports, websites, brochures, newsletters, magazines, logos, branding guides, books, capital campaigns, ads, posters, direct mail campaigns, appeal letters, conference materials, slide sets, and exhibits.

How quickly can AAD complete a project?
A client can expect first proofs for small projects in one to two days; larger projects can take three to five days.

What is the process for developing a budget?
The best way to establish a budget is simply to have a conversation. Every project has unique goals, timelines, and variables — and those factors shape the investment. In most cases, we can arrive at a clear, comfortable budget framework in less than 15 minutes.

While our portfolio includes work for major universities and well-known nonprofits, that does not mean a smaller organization cannot afford to work with us. We structure projects thoughtfully and flexibly, aligning scope with resources to ensure the right solution at the right level of investment.

As a philanthropic firm, we also dedicate a portion of every project to giving back — so partnerships with mission-driven organizations are especially meaningful to us.

If you’re exploring possibilities and unsure about budget, let’s talk. You may find it’s more attainable than you think.

What clients has AAD worked with?
We have a deep and broad understanding of the constituencies that nonprofits and educational institutions serve. AAD’s longest association has been with Stanford University and UC Berkeley. AAD has also worked with UC San Diego, UC San Francisco, University of Chicago, Santa Clara University, Texas A&M University, Campbell Union School District, Cupertino Educational Endowment Foundation, Head Royce School, Saint Francis High School, Sacred Heart Schools, Bellarmine College Prep, Making Waves Academy, Bullis Charter School, and Verbum Dei High School.

AAD has worked with many well-known nonprofits like United Way, Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Hope Services, Family Giving Tree, The Salvation Army, LifeMoves, AnitaB.org, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, Midpen, Open Space Authority, Tapia Conference, Hidden Villa, Boys and Girls Club of SF, and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

Why is AAD focused on education?
Alexander Atkins is a passionate advocate for education and lifelong learning. He has taught graphic design and mentored high school and college students for many years. Atkins is also a founder of Bullis Charter School (BCS), a top-rated public charter school in Silicon Valley. Founded in 2003, BCS has been named a  California Distinguished School twice and won the California Exemplary Arts Education Program Award for its art and music programs. In 2012, Atkins created the popular blog Atkins Bookshelf to inspire reading, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. He is the author of Serendipitous Discoveries from the Bookshelf a fascinating tribute to books, literature, the joy of reading, and the English Language. He also wrote Serendipitous Discoveries from the Dictionary a tribute to the English language, featuring beautiful and rare words from his collection of thousands of dictionaries.

How can we help you today?
Please send us an email via the Contact Us page and let us know how we can help you and your organization make a profound difference in the world.