TORONTO—A new walk-in design shop provides solutions for clients with limited budgets while sending business to an approved list of designers.

The Design Walk-In is located at 367 King Street West (across from MEC) — with the space donated by TASDesignBuild. Design Walk-In was created by designers Zahra Ebrahim (principal and founder of archiTEXT, a design think tank and creative agency) and Ken Chong (founding partner and creative director of The Baitshop Inc, a Toronto-based creative house/print studio/gallery/skateshop).
Launching with a media event last night, and continuing through the month of June, the walk-in will be "providing Torontonians street level access to good design and designers for all projects, regardless of scale or budget."

Clients with limited coin will be paired with a junior designer, while those with a bit more cash will find a more senior designer to take on the project, said a spokesperson.

During their initial “weigh in,” clients will have a consultation with an experienced design expert "who explores the root cause of their brand and design issues and prescribes the suitable solution with the creation of a client chart. If the ailment cannot be aided by the consulting designer, a referral will be made to a trusted specialist."

The recommended specialist list includes graphic designers, illustrators, artists, web developers, branding strategists, photographers, printing specialists and more. There are "several dozen" designers already involved, with many still in the approval process, noted the spokesperson. "Designers get on the approved list through a robust vetting process of portfolio review, reference checks, and in some cases, an interview by a panel of art directors and creatives. Specialists are selected on the merit of their work, their professionalism, and their ability to execute projects on budget and on time."

In addition to seasoned design professionals, the list of recommended specialists includes "top tier" students from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U), "offering clients the possibility of cutting edge design at a modest price point," noted a release.

Designers/agencies pay a $25 application fee to be considered for the network, as well as pay an annual membership fee, which varies by level of experience (there's no fee for junior specialists). The Walk-In takes seven percent of the first job it refers to a specialist (junior specialists receive the full revenue from a project).

“As a concept, The Design Walk-In is an idea that is long overdue. There is much ignorance and mystery that surrounds design and designers — demystifying design and design processes will help clarify the accessibility and importance of good design,” explained Keith Rushton, chair of OCAD U's graphic design program and a professor of its faculty of design.

Clients can simply walk in off the street, as the name suggests, but there may be a wait depending on how many clients have registered before them (clients can book an appointment on the Walk-In website).