ACRE is a design agency focused on creating meaningful products and experiences
Founded by David Malina, a leading designer with 25 years of design experience, ACRE works at the intersection of Product Innovation and Brand Creation, leveraging our expertise in Industrial Design, Brand Strategy, Identity and UI to create cohesive experiences across multiple touch points that resonate with today’s consumers.
From consumer electronics, medical devices, apparel, branding and packaging design, we have worked for a large variety of brands and industries.
Combining California ingenuity with Swiss attention to detail, we always look to do exceptional work.
Prior to founding ACRE, David was responsible for leading in-house product development and innovation teams for design and brand development firms in California, Boston and New York City, as well as co-founding design agency ChappsMalina and launching sustainable apparel brand SALTURA.
David has created many award winning products for companies including Samsung, Panasonic, The Home Depot, Electrolux, Unilever, Johnson&Johnson, and Pfizer, and has worked on projects ranging from brand identity, design strategy, packaging and consumer product design across multiple industries.
David holds 40+ U.S. patents and has won numerous design awards from IDSA, Red Dot, COR, Good Design, and The Dieline.
Born in Switzerland, he resides with his family in Santa Barbara, California.
How we engage
EQUITY PARTNERS / STARTUP ADVISORS
Many of our clients are smaller companies or just starting up, and ask us to get involved early on.
This could be by helping to define the brand, business model, refine or expand the product portfolio or simply create a hero product to help set the brand apart.
This engagement can range from an advisory role, helping in fundraising efforts or streamlining the business for acquisition.
STRATEGIC COLLABORATION
Typically, our larger clients engage us for project needs that result in a more traditional consulting role.
With 30 years of consulting work, we have successfully collaborated with in-house teams across many industries and project types - from fashion, digital experiences, housewares, medical devices to consumer electronics.
VENTURES
In some cases, small teams with a big idea come to us where we just can’t refuse to roll up our sleeves, sharpen our pencils, put a little skin in the game and get heavily involved in the creation of a brand and business.
We have done so successfully across several industries, from consumer packaged goods, apparel and medical products.
Some of our clients & partners
