

The Design Affair is a boutique, multidisciplinary strategic design studio focused on branding and visual communication. We collaborate with brands and organizations dedicated to creating positive societal and environmental impact, whether you're a startup or an international corporation. Our approach sees design not merely as an aesthetic layer, but as a powerful asset for doing good and driving success. Your brand is your most important business driver.
Your brand is the narrative you've crafted with intrinsic beliefs and authenticity. We're committed to elevating your presence and enriching your story by developing inspiring concepts, striking designs, and a captivating tone of voice. Whether through visual identity, compelling campaigns, or unexpected touchpoints, we create narratives that resonate across all mediums.
So love your brand and have a design affair.
About Yvo de Ruiter (MSc)
I am a versatile Dutch creative director and certified strategist with a strong foundation in design and communication. With over 25 years of experience I’ve developed a sharp focus on storytelling, branding and design management, viewing the brand as a key business driver. This often leads to innovative organizational insights and concepts that elevate brand value.
In addition to my work with The Design Affair, I teach in the New Design & Attitudes program at St. Joost School of Art & Design (part of Avans University of Applied Sciences), one of the leading design institutions in the Netherlands. My role focuses on strategy and design for undergraduate students, while also coordinating internships to foster connections between students and a wide range of organizations in the design field.
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Your brand is the narrative you've crafted with intrinsic beliefs and authenticity. We're committed to elevating your presence and enriching your story by developing inspiring concepts, striking designs, and a captivating tone of voice. Whether through visual identity, compelling campaigns, or unexpected touchpoints, we create narratives that resonate across all mediums.
So love your brand and have a design affair.
About Yvo de Ruiter (MSc)
I am a versatile Dutch creative director and certified strategist with a strong foundation in design and communication. With over 25 years of experience I’ve developed a sharp focus on storytelling, branding and design management, viewing the brand as a key business driver. This often leads to innovative organizational insights and concepts that elevate brand value.
In addition to my work with The Design Affair, I teach in the New Design & Attitudes program at St. Joost School of Art & Design (part of Avans University of Applied Sciences), one of the leading design institutions in the Netherlands. My role focuses on strategy and design for undergraduate students, while also coordinating internships to foster connections between students and a wide range of organizations in the design field.

Yvo de Ruiter
Creative Direction & Design Strategy
yvo@thedesignaffair.nl
Creative Direction & Design Strategy
yvo@thedesignaffair.nl
We had quite some affairs...
Lifestyle & Retail
Marlies Dekkers, Royal VKB, Turnover, Claudy Jongstra, Hema, De Bijenkorf, Imps & Elfs, Lidl, Philips, 3Suisses.fr, Gastkok, Ottovino
Technology
KPN Glasvezel, KPN All IP, KPN Primafoon, KPN MediaMall (OPTV), Atos Origin, Okkey, DTG (De Telefoongids & Gouden GIds), Timecounts, Eboost Interactive, FIDDS
Finance
ABN AMRO, Florius, Moneyou, Eureko, Europese Centrale Bank, Achmea, SNS Reaal, Centraal Beheer, Ohpen, Europeesche Verzekeringen
Industry
EBO Van Weel, Nuon Vattenfall, Omala, Amvest, TPG Post, TNT Post, PostNL, Bloemenveiling Aalsmeer, Metro Amsterdam
People Services
USG People, Unique, SecretaryPlus, Technicum, Receptel, Randstad, Edventure, Eurib, NHTV, Avans, Nuffic, Erasmus Student Network
Healthcare
Tergooi MC, Medsports, Jacqueline Wiener, Ströer Psychotherapie, ASVZ, Erasmus MC, Nobilis, Myvie, CortoClinics, Myvie, Partinzo Groep (Careflex, Medical, Advizo, Ambinex)
Government & Public
Ministerie van LNV, Provincie Zuid-Holland, Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Rotterdam, Hydron, NBD Biblion, Politie Gooi- en Vechtstreek, Gemeente Altena, de Alliantie
Art & Culture
International Film Festival Rotterdam, Den Haag Sculptuur, De Doelen, Muziektheater Amsterdam, NRC Live, Frans Hals Museum Haarlem, Elise Mathilde Fonds
Design & Communication
VBAT, ...,staat, Fabrique, Studio Dumbar, Ontwerpwerk, Koeweiden Postma, Dart Design, Total Design, Buro Boudier, The Garage, VIM Group, No Such, Less or More
Charity & Initiatives
The Beautiful Minds, Wearegenuine, RetailLab, Elisa Mathilde Fonds
Our expertises
Design Strategy
Brand Design
Creative Direction
Copy Writing
Naming
Coaching
Education

Visit us:
De Krachtcentrale
Havenstraat 76
1271 AG Huizen
The Netherlands
Call us:
+31 (0)6 15 15 82 46
Mail us:
contact@thedesignaffair.nl
yvo@yvoderuiter.com
Member of
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Association of Dutch Designers

Association of Dutch Designers