Jon Santos

At Common Space Studio, we see design as a powerful agent of cultural transformation. We’re not just building brands or crafting visual identities—we’re shaping systems of meaning for institutions, artists, and innovators who understand that design is cultural leadership. Our work engages deeply with contemporary narratives, transforming ideas into immersive, resonant experiences that last.

Our expertise spans graphic design, branding, and creative direction, with a focus on the design and contemporary art industries. We’ve collaborated with the Whitney Museum, Werner Herzog for his 2012 Whitney Biennial video installation, Frieze Art Fair, and Anicka Yi Studio. Our work has been featured in T Magazine, Casa Vogue, Wallpaper, Architectural Digest, and Dwell. We’ve even been nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant Graphics, showcasing our ability to deliver contextually rich and visually compelling design across a broad range of disciplines.

Ethics play a central role in our approach, as seen in our work with Xapiri Ground, where we developed an ethical expression that truly serves indigenous communities. This commitment reflects our belief in design as a force for cultural integrity and positive impact.

Our signature initiative, Ontopo, embodies our belief that design transcends the visual to become an experiential, communal act. In this project, we curate spaces for community, performance, and spiritual engagement, demonstrating that design can foster connection in transformative ways.

At Common Space, we are constantly redefining the role of design in contemporary culture. We see design as a way of thinking, a way of being, and ultimately, a way of transforming the world. Our work doesn’t just sit on a page or a screen—it lives in the minds, hearts, and lives of the communities we serve.