Mike Spakowski & Jesse McGowan | AtomicDust
“Everything else was way too expensive for the character that our space had or was super boring. But then we met Jassen, who’s extremely design-focused, and he showed us what the space could be, even for our budget.”
Jassen gets to know our partners personally, allowing their company’s personality to drive the ultimate design.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Mike Spakowski and Jesse McGowan are the co-owners of the St. Louis based branding and digital marketing agency AtomicDust, and occupy an office space in the Midtown Business District. As an agency whose success relies on design, it was important for them to find an office that represented who they were as a company while still being able to afford it. Once they partnered with Jassen and ONYX, they created a space that reflected the brand experience from the moment people entered their first floor office. One key part of that reflection is a bookcase that extends across the entirety of the back wall. “I wanted a massive taxidermy piece” joked Jesse, “but the bookcase idea won.” Their former partner James built it, but then they struggled to think of what should fill such a large area. Eventually, they decided to let their team create a space that was all their own. Mike explains, “We had a housewarming party and we had everyone bring something in to put on the shelf. Now, it’s our own, personal weird library.”
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHT
This ONYX-designed space is one the team has held onto for more than a decade thanks to its appeal - both personal and business. During the pandemic, Mike and Jesse considered leaving the space due to the work from home transition most businesses took on, but found they couldn’t give it up, “There’s always a tour of the space [...] it’s a sales and recruiting tour” said Jesse. “The story we tell here is part of the way we represent the work we are going to do for other people.”
MEET JESSE MCGOWN
As Account Director, Jesse McGowan leads strategy work for Atomicdust and its global client roster.
Working closely over the past decade with the rest of the agency’s leadership team, Jesse has transformed our approach to branding and positioning. His unique perspective, stemming from a background in design, has helped countless brands find new success during times of growth and transition. Jesse is extremely detail-oriented and always excited to help our clients solve complex marketing puzzles.
Jesse feels even more creative working on the account side than he did as a designer, because he’s helping brands see themselves in ways they never thought possible.
MEET MIKE SPAKOWSKI
More than twenty years after founding Atomicdust, Mike is actively involved in day-to-day design strategy, art direction and studio management.
As Creative Director, his collaborative attitude, drive for design excellence and even-keeled temperament set the tone at Atomicdust. Under Mike’s direction, our work has been recognized by the One Show, Step, Print, and Create Magazine, the ADDY Awards, and countless local publications and design competitions. He was also recently named a “Person to Watch” by Graphic Design USA Magazine.
Mike believes that the key to creative breakthroughs is having the courage to approach things from your own perspective, take chances, and be yourself along the way.
