FOR DESIGN LEADERS
As an independent, I bring three important elements to every project
Senior-level work
With my background in interaction and visual design along with running a studio, I know what it takes to produce high quality work.
Connections & Networks
When needed, I tap into the Climate Designers community, vetted colleagues, and various design and climate groups.
10 years of climate experience
Self taught, I know the science, the language, the landscape, and the players in the climate space.
What I Bring to Your Team
CLIMATE SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE
Bringing ten years of climate experience (the science, the policy, the solutions) into each project and into every team
BRAND & EXPERIENCE DESIGN
Senior-level branding and UX work designed to align with sustainability standards, constraints, and possibilities
CONTENT & NARRATIVE STRATEGY
Storytelling your sustainability clients can stand behind, not that greenwashing crap
CREATIVE FACILITATION
Sprints and workshops I can run for your client engagements when internal alignment or roadblocks slow things down
NETWORK & REFERRALS
Warm intros into the Climate Designers community and vetted clients (plus referrals back to you)
TEAM LEADERSHIP
I’ve led teams of 3–8 across staff, contractors, and volunteers, including the core team behind Climate Designers’ 50+ volunteer network
Select Project
BEAM CIRCULAR
Maybe it’s possible to build an economy where nothing gets thrown away and everything gets transformed
What if California’s Central Valley leads this global transition from extraction towards regeneration?
Studio: Serotonin
Supporting design studios with their client’s sustainability projects
Studios and agencies bring me on to help with their climate-related client work. I send work back the other way when a project needs more than I can offer alone.
I also advise design studio leaders to become better climate partners for their clients.
Skills & Talents
The tools and methods I bring to your team, from brand systems to creative facilitation
STRATEGY & PLANNING
Campaign Development
Messaging Strategy
Content Strategy
Business Model Design
Landscape Analysis
Experiential Design
Event Production
PROCESS & METHODOLOGY
Thinking Wrong
Systems Thinking
Design Thinking
Human-Centered Design
Life-Centered Design
Creative Facilitation
User Research & Testing
DESIGN & VISUAL
Design Systems
Brand Systems
Brand Development
Interaction Design
Experience Design
Website Design
Graphic Design
Prototyping
STUDIO FIT
Fractional, project-based, or single sprints. Named collaborator. Client-facing (when needed). Availability varies.
Kind Words From Design Founders
“Marc O’Brien has been instrumental in helping Serotonin Creative Consultancy amplify its focus on climate-forward initiatives. With his deep knowledge of the climate space and a knack for strategy, Marc has pushed Serotonin to align our creative efforts more meaningfully with the needs of our climate-focused clients.
His ability to connect us to his extensive network, share invaluable resources, and introduce frameworks tailored to the climate economy has elevated the quality and impact of our work.”
+ Casey Hogue, Founder & Executive Director, Serotonin Creative
“Working with Marc has been transformative in addressing climate change communication challenges. His unique ability to facilitate difficult conversations with a demeanor that is both disarming and progressive has proven invaluable.
What sets Marc apart is not just his design expertise, but his thoughtful approach to facilitation strategy and collaboration. When you need someone to help stakeholders move past inertia and take meaningful action on climate initiatives, Marc's combination of strategic thinking and collaborative spirit makes him the ideal partner.”
+ Brandt Williams, Co-Founder, Thinknado
Want to build something great together?
Let’s connect so we can talk details and opportunities.