Caine is an independent experiential design studio shaping how people move through, understand, and connect with the built and natural environment.
We make movement intuitive in complex environments.
Wayfinding
Wayfinding is spatial problem solving: people read their surroundings, make decisions, and act on them. We interrogate how legible a place is, how people actually move through it, and what cues they need along the way. From that evidence we develop wayfinding principles that feel intuitive.
Analysis
We map who is moving through a place, where they need to go, and what they need to know at each decision point. We set the information hierarchy, naming conventions, and sequence so navigation is clear and the place is easy to read and remember. The result supports both functional clarity and spatial identity, creating journeys that connect people to place.
Strategy
Our designs turn the strategy into a physical system. We integrate it with the architecture and character of each place, so it feels part of the environment, not added to it. Every element is legible, accessible, and resolved through to documentation.
System Design
We create environments that tell a story, bringing brand identity and architectural
intent together to give every place a distinct sense of character.
Environments
Every place has its own character, shaped by its landscape, history, and the people who use it. We draw that character out and turn it into a visual language of colour, material, form, and graphics that fits the architecture and the brand. The result is a place with a clear identity, one that people recognise and connect with.
Place Identity
Places are full of stories, and the good ones deserve to be told. We turn history, heritage, and cultural narrative into interpretive experiences that inform, engage, and stay with people. Working with communities and mana whenua, we make sure those stories are told with accuracy, respect, and a strong sense of place.
Storytelling
What we do
We partner directly with organisations and we collaborate with architects and fellow design studios.
Work with us for
Spatial analysis
Wayfinding strategy
Sign system design & documentation
Information architecture
Customer centred design (CCD)
Branded environments
Place identity
Environmental graphics
Interpretive and heritage design
Exhibition design
Sectors
Transport
Healthcare
Education
Retail
Civic and local government
Cultural and tourism
Commercial and workplace
Clients and collaborators
From our studio in Tāmaki Makaurau, we design environments that people remember. We believe every space can create its own experience, whether that's wonder, calm, excitement, or a journey that simply flows.
Clients
Air New Zealand
Auckland Airport
Auckland Transport
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland Zoo
Colliers
Hastings District Council
Majid Al Futtaim
MOTAT
Ministry for Primary Industries
Ngāi Tahu Tourism
Subaru of New Zealand
Tauranga City Council
Te Whatu Ora
University of Otago
Vital Healthcare
Vincom
Colabs
ThoughtFull Design
Special Group
Unsworth Shephard
JASMAX