Experts in Designing Brands and Creating Customer Experiences with a Global Vision: Red Design Group

The Silicon Review

In the dynamic world of design, Red Design Group stands out as a pioneering force, redefining the landscape of retail and hospitality design. Established in 2002 with a clear vision, the Melbourne-based firm has transformed from a relatively new idea into a globally recognized powerhouse. This journey, marked by innovation and expansion, reflects the essence of a company that combines creativity with strategic prowess to deliver unparalleled design solutions.

Red Design Group was born from a revolutionary idea: to create a comprehensive retail design agency combining top talents in brand, architecture, and interior design. This innovative approach aimed to offer a “one-stop-shop” for retail design, a concept that was virtually unheard of at the time. The company’s unique integration of these disciplines not only met the growing needs of retailers but also allowed them to triple their billings within the first four years. This initial success laid the foundation for a broader vision, propelling Red Design Group into new sectors and regions.

The Three Pillars of Innovation

The core of Red Design Group’s strategy is its distinctive PPP model: Practice, Process, and Platform. This model underpins the firm’s approach to design and service delivery, ensuring a seamless integration of creativity, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology.

RED: The flagship brand, RED, represents the creative heart of the company. It brings together architects, interior designers, and branding specialists who work in tandem with technical experts skilled in BIM and CAD design. This collaborative approach ensures that every project—from research and strategy to concept design and 3D visualization—is executed with precision and creativity.

RXD: RXD was established to address the need for efficient, scalable design solutions. This brand specializes in the rapid, cost-effective rollout of store designs across the globe. By offering volume pricing and leveraging a team based in Vietnam, RXD delivers significant savings and faster turnaround times compared to traditional methods. This model has attracted notable clients such as Uniqlo, Lego, and Timberland, highlighting RXD’s role in executing high-quality designs on a global scale.

RCX: At the forefront of digital innovation, RCX is a proprietary software platform that enhances client interactions with design projects. By providing immersive 360° visualizations and enabling real-time feedback through mobile devices, RCX transforms the design approval process. This platform was notably used to bring Timberland’s flagship store in Manhattan to life, allowing stakeholders to experience the space virtually before construction began.

A Global Presence with Local Expertise

Headquartered in Melbourne, Red Design Group has expanded its reach far beyond Australian borders. With additional offices in Ho Chi Minh City, New York, and soon Dubai, the firm covers almost all time zones, facilitating a truly global operation. The team’s diversity—comprising members from countries such as Vietnam, India, China, and South Africa—brings a rich array of perspectives and expertise to each project. This multicultural approach, coupled with local partnerships, ensures that Red Design Group effectively navigates regional markets while maintaining its international standards.

Embracing Technology and Sustainability

Red Design Group’s commitment to innovation extends to its use of technology and sustainability practices. The company has embraced digital platforms for seamless collaboration and client engagement, adapting to the evolving hybrid workplace. The Virtual Agency approach, supported by RCX, enables 24/7 service and efficient project management across time zones.

Sustainability is also a core focus. The firm adheres to the Green Building Council of Australia’s design principles, advocating for the use of renewable materials, non-toxic paints, and energy-efficient technologies. Despite challenges such as higher costs for sustainable materials and client resistance, Red Design Group remains dedicated to incorporating environmentally friendly practices into its designs.

Crafting Brand Stories

One of Red Design Group’s standout achievements is its ability to craft compelling brand stories through design. For instance, Red Design Group developed a new brand identity for a chain of natural and fresh, healthy foods, similar to Whole Foods Market in the US, for a client in Vietnam. The brand, named Grove, draws inspiration from the natural ambiance of a forest, reflected in its green and earthy color tones and textures reminiscent of a grove of trees. This design theme was consistently applied across various elements, including the store interior, finishes, and materials such as timber and terracotta tiles. The branding also extended to signage, full-color graphics, and the natural fabrics used for staff uniforms.

Red Design Group’s team begins their presentations with a compelling brand story, believing it to be the most effective way to engage clients, ensure alignment, and secure their approval.

The Future of Red Design Group

Looking ahead, Red Design Group is all set for continued growth and innovation. The company’s PPP strategy has successfully integrated its three brands into a cohesive model that disrupts traditional design methodologies. With an expanding geographic footprint and a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Red Design Group is well-positioned to lead the industry into the future.

A Legacy of Excellence

Red Design Group’s impact on the design world is evident in its global recognition and prestigious rankings. The firm is listed among the Top 50 retail designers by VMSD, underscoring its influence and reputation in the industry. With a creative DNA that remains at the core of its operations, Red Design Group continues to push boundaries, deliver exceptional designs, and forge lasting partnerships worldwide.

Red Design Group’s journey from an emerging concept to a global design leader reflects its unwavering commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence. By blending strategic vision with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of diverse markets, Red Design Group is not only shaping the future of retail and hospitality design but also setting new standards for the industry.

The Visionaries behind the success of Red Design Group

Red Design Group’s Founders Rob Ovcaric, Darren Hose, and Roy Tavenor—have been instrumental in shaping the company’s trajectory. Roy Tavenor, the Chairman and CEO, brings over four decades of retail experience to the table, guiding the firm’s strategic direction. Rob Ovcaric and Darren Hose, as Design Principals, contribute their expertise in architecture and branding, while Rhys Mullarvey, as the head of RED Vietnam and CEO of RXD, injects youthful energy and drive into the company’s operations.