This book is an introduction to what you are about to experience or a reminder of where you are at. Or an inspiration to tell your friends where you put your talent in practice.
This book is about our values and the culture that defines our decisions as a team and a company. The intention of this book is well-defined by C. G. Jung. And why to reinvent something that is already beautifully written:
THE ⅃AƆITIЯƆ was born to create deeper and more impactful solutions for critical challenges (smaller ones as well). And to do that together in the most human way possible.
That’s why we cherish dialogues and celebrate various weird encounters with each other. If you like being simply yourself—you will enjoy this place.
PRINCIPLES
We question norms, standards, and templates. We focus on a question to get to the answer. And we call out anyone who does not sit with the question patiently.
The question paves the way for the answers. Therefore, running straight to the answer means you will need to come back again. Always.
Good books (listening too) give you ideas, and great books provide principles. Principles are the level we operate on.
Initially, it is expected to show off your depth and thinking zigzags. Later, you will experience how precise words and lightness in explanation works magic.
The challenges we like the most are ones with no clear path. Then, our expertise can shine through. Now yours too.
You will hear many ‘why?’. It is because around every project or case, there should be a story explaining how all parts play into one symphony.
This is the meta-approach defining how we work. Focus on a context rather than on an object, engage, make sense, and impact.
The main focus of all we do in the agency is understanding, changing, and transforming contexts. It is our obsession and savior. Don’t be afraid. Join.
Everything from how we choose clients to what we seek as the agency is the impact. Money, fame, and acknowledgment come second, depending on your priorities.
We see sustainability as a perspective that has to be present in the office culture and packaging design, in how we commute and how we research, in how we do our finances and create keynotes.
Research provides understanding for precise solutions, and design creates the means for the needed change to happen. Together, they are enormously impactful. Respect both separately and in combination.
For an impact to be comprehensible, it has to be measured. Measuring can appear in different forms and standards, yet it has to be framed. Of course, not everything can be measured (some of us come from a philosophical background, so relax).
There are plenty of experienced people here—ask what you don’t know. We all were at this place and, to some extent, still are. Besides, everybody will be pleased to feel needed and wise.
It enables an effective knowledge transfer and makes the workplace more engaging. Yet sometimes making that question sit for a bit or saying it out loud provides answers even quicker.
There will be occasions when clients act or react in a non-polite way. Sensing such an action means you need to discuss it with a team and agree on further actions. The client is not always right, and we are here to create, not play politics.
We play according to the principles of sociocracy. What does it mean? There is no top-down decision distribution. There are competencies, experiences, and affordances. With it comes responsibilities that reflect on the remuneration structure.
Everything is a play, even if sometimes it seems as serious as life. Therefore, jokes, pranks, and teasing comments are cherished when they are made with love.
Engagement is crucial in how we do things here. So, you should treat the client as a team member. Then the impact multiplies. And also it is about respect.
We are a design agency. With it comes a certain attitude towards how things are designed. It includes keynotes as well. Yet no worries, there are experienced colleagues, who can (and will) help you out.
Yes, we have people who help us to make the space clean, yet respecting your work area and acknowledging that others use the kitchen is a sign we see each other. Teamwork begins here.
We all have those inspirations to talk to each other. And it is wonderful. Have them in the areas and rooms dedicated to this purpose. Others might have a task that needs extra concentration.
We do not foster a culture of hustle. It means no encouragement to work after hours. Of course, there are no limits on using the office on purpose or suggesting new ways to grow. But we want you to be well-rested and sane when we meet for a morning coffee or tea.
Virtual meetings take away much fun. If you take out your face, it becomes very dark. Please turn on the camera when we have a meeting. It shows you are here and care.
We are a platform for us to grow. You were chosen to do the same. Don’t take anything too seriously, and don’t surf on the surface. Dive in and take a breath. Repeat. Again. This is all a game that everybody cares about. Enjoy.
There are questions.
There are answers.
‘The’ is a determiner that is used to express that something is important. ‘Critical’ is a brand-name keeping the experience we have collected through our history. Both they speak about us being the pivotal point in any change. If you want to know more, ask Jonas Liugaila or Dominykas Karpovič 🙂
It just looks this way. Look again, is it smart, wise, or weird…?
Of course. Just add your name to the address 🙂
It is our own approach that all the projects are based upon. It encourages to reframe a challenge into a phenomenon, engage the stakeholders, make sense of the data, and focus on the impact. Basically, it moves your attention from an object into a certain context when designing worlds for the better.
Do not recommend it; just tell how you feel here. Everything else will follow.
Yes, but first, clarify that people are not allergic to your beloved pet, and ask if there are no important physical meetings that day in the office.
We work in a hybrid way. Yet we have experienced how being together in a physical realm creates more joy, fun, and better work is done. So, it is up to you. And the places are all available for everybody (except a few that you will easily recognize)
Not where, but with whom. Ask, and you will be in for a treat.
It depends on you as: a body, a spirit, or a soul?
Want to speed up the belonging? Feel a need to really become a part of THE ⅃AƆITIЯƆ culture? Here is the list to start with: