Common Space
Designing systems for culture, identity, and digital archives
We approach each project as a collaboration between strategy, design, and cultural understanding. Common Space works closely with artists, institutions, and organizations to translate complex ideas into clear visual systems, digital platforms, and long-term creative infrastructure.
Every project begins with research into context, audience, and intention. Understanding the cultural and strategic landscape allows the work to move beyond style and toward meaningful communication.
Insights are translated into clear direction. This stage defines the conceptual framework, visual language, and technical structure that will guide the project forward.
Design systems, websites, publications, and digital platforms are developed with precision and care. Projects scale through collaboration with trusted programmers, designers, and specialists when needed.
Jon Santos is the founder and principal of Common Space, a New York–Honolulu based design studio working at the intersection of visual identity, digital platforms, and contemporary culture. Common Space operates as a flexible studio model. Jon leads every project directly and collaborates with a network of programmers, designers, and technical specialists depending on the scale of the work. This structure keeps projects conceptually focused while allowing them to expand when needed.His work spans brand identity, websites, exhibitions, publications, and long-term digital archives developed for artists, institutions, and cultural organizations.
"Working with Jon Santos and Common Space has been a consistently positive experience. Jon’s creative direction and previous work set a high benchmark that we continue to reference for new campaigns. I trust Jon’s process and ability to deliver, even under tight timelines and shifting priorities. He’s always in the right realm creatively, and I know I can rely on him to refine concepts and push projects forward. When we need to move quickly, Jon is the person I call to hash out ideas and get things done."
"I owe a great debt of gratitude to Jon Santos. The installation for the biennial simply would not exist in its current form without him. What Jon created is truly wonderful—his vision, craft, and commitment shaped the work in ways I could not have achieved alone. His contribution did not merely support the piece; it fundamentally elevated it."
"I owe a great debt of gratitude to Jon Santos. The installation for the biennial simply would not exist in its current form without him. What Jon created is truly wonderful—his vision, craft, and commitment shaped the work in ways I could not have achieved alone. His contribution did not merely support the piece; it fundamentally elevated it."
“From concept development to execution, they demonstrated professionalism and passion at every step. Their work elevated our brand presence and created a product that our clients and partners continually praise.”
-min.png)
"If you’re considering working with Common Space and Jon Santos, I can’t recommend them enough. Jon is truly a ‘design shrink’.. a psychologist of design. He offers not just creative solutions, but the thoughtful work of sitting with you, reflecting on what you’re doing and why, and exploring different practices and approaches. He doesn’t just recreate the wheel every time; he brings very specific advice and angles that help steer you toward a better, more sustainable practice. What’s special about Jon is that he empowers his clients to do things themselves through his initial guidance, but he’s always there, checking in and evolving the communication as your needs change. That kind of support and insight is really unique, and it’s made a huge difference for us."
Projects usually begin with a conversation to understand goals, context, and scope. From there we outline possible directions and develop a proposal that defines the creative and technical framework.
Timelines vary depending on complexity. Identity systems may take several weeks while websites or archive platforms can extend over several months. We do offer expedited services with limited rounds of design or on compressed timelines.
Yes. Depending on the project, Common Space handles web development and complex production tasks internally and when necessary, we collaborate with programmers, designers, and technical specialists to deliver fully realized outcomes.
Pricing is based on scope, complexity, and deliverables. Some projects are defined by a fixed proposal, while others develop in phases as the work evolves.
Yes. Common Space regularly collaborates with clients internationally through video calls, shared documents, and online production tools.