Designing Clarity, Building Identity
Universe Design Studio is a Toronto-based design studio creating thoughtful brands, publications, and digital experiences for organizations with ideas to communicate. We bring strategy, creativity, and a strong visual point of view to every project, turning complex information into design that feels clear, purposeful, and distinctly yours.
The Universe Story
/ 01
Universe Design Studio grew out of founder Elaine Stam’s decade-long career in Toronto’s university sector, where she developed deep expertise in communication design, branding, UX, and accessibility. Working within complex academic environments shaped her approach to design: understand the information first, then create a visual system that makes it clear.
/ 02
Today, Universe brings together brand design, publication design, web development, accessibility, and SEO under one studio. That mix of creative and technical expertise allows us to think beyond individual deliverables and create design systems that work across an organization.
/ 03
We primarily work with Canadian research institutes, think tanks, academic organizations, foundations, nonprofits, and public-facing organizations. We’re particularly drawn to projects with complex ideas, substantial content, and something meaningful to communicate.
Meet Elaine Stam
Elaine Stam is the Owner and Creative Director of Universe Design Studio, bringing more than two decades of experience across graphic design, branding, web development, and digital communications.
With a background spanning both art and technology, Elaine combines creative direction with hands-on technical expertise. She is particularly known for her contemporary approach to design, deep knowledge of accessibility, and ability to turn complex content into clear, engaging visual experiences.
Before founding Universe, Elaine held senior design and web development roles at several major Toronto universities.
Elaine Stam
Owner + Creative Director
Who We Work With
We work with organizations that have something important to communicate — often complex research, policy, data, or public-facing information.
- Think Tanks
- Research Departments
- University & Education Support
- Survey Data Institutes
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Diversity & Future Skills Departments
- Canada Research Chairs
- Public Policy Departments & Academics
- Government Departments
Accessibility by Design
Accessibility isn’t an afterthought at Universe. It’s part of the design process from the beginning. With more than 15 years of experience working with accessibility standards and best practices, we build accessibility into both the visual and technical sides of our work.
Research, Policy & Public Impact Design
Explore our work supporting research institutes, think tanks, foundations, associations, and public-facing organizations. From report series and publication systems to websites and branding, discover how we help communicate complex ideas with clarity.
Let’s design something great together.
If our work resonates with you, we’d love to chat about your next project.