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Inside.Sparq

We are a strategic brand and creative design agency focused on building clear, compelling and enduring work. We partner with businesses, cities, districts, architecture and interior design firms, arts and cultural organizations, healthcare systems and retail brands to create meaningful strategies and engaging design systems that work in the real world.

Led by Founder and Principal Richard Cassis, Sparq operates as a nimble, experienced collective rather than a traditional agency. Clients work directly with seasoned professionals across research, strategy, planning, design and production allowing us to move quickly, adapt seamlessly and stay deeply involved at every stage.

This model delivers senior-level thinking, focused collaboration and efficient execution.

A person with a shaved head and light skin wearing a white shirt, partially visible behind brown curtains, with only part of their head and arm showing.

  • Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2025
    (Hilco Global Asset Smarter Ad Campaign)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2025
    (Kadlec Architecture & Design Website)
    Graphic Design USA Digital Design Award 2025
    (Kadlec Architecture & Design Website)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2024
    (Univ. of Kentucky + KIRP, HIV Testing Social Media Campaign)
    Graphic Design USA Health + Wellness Design Award 2024
    (Univ. of Kentucky + KIRP, HIV Testing Social Media Campaign)
    Best of Sarasota Award 2023
    (Winner, Best Design Agency)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2023
    (City of St. Cloud, GREATER Placemaking Brand Refresh)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2022
    (Univ. of Kentucky HealthCare, Gill Heart & Vascular Inst. Annual Report)
    Graphic Design USA Health + Wellness Design Award 2022
    (Univ. of Kentucky HealthCare, Gill Heart & Vascular Inst. Annual Report)
    Graphic Design USA Digital Design Award 2022
    (Hilco Global, Shop-Vac Ad Campaign)
    Graphic Design USA Digital Design Award 2022
    (Center on Halsted, Human First Event Campaign)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2021
    (Langdon & Emison When It Matters Brochure)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2021
    (Art For Life Chicago 2021 Show Catalog)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2020
    (Art For Life Chicago 2020 Show Catalog)
    Great Lakes Graphics Association Graphics Excellence Award 2020
    Best of Category (Center on Halsted, Human First)
    International Design Awards 2020 Honorable Mention
    (Center on Halsted, Human First Event Campaign)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2019
    (Great Lakes Center for The Arts, Environmental Graphics)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2019
    (City of De Pere, Wisconsin, Civic Branding)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2019
    (Center on Halsted, Human First Event Campaign)
    Graphic Design USA American Package Design Award 2019
    (City of De Pere, Custom Coffee Packaging)
    Graphic Design USA American Graphic Design Award 2018
    (Center on Halsted, Human First Event Campaign)
    Graphic Design USA Health + Wellness Design Award 2018
    (Center on Halsted, Get To Zero)
    Graphic Design USA Health + Wellness Design Award 2017
    (Center on Halsted, THE NXT LVL)
    Tnemec Tank of the Year 2017 2nd Place
    (St. Cloud GREATER Water Tank)
    Friends of the Chicago River Green Ribbon Award 2017
    (Calumet Crescent)
    American Society of Landscape Architects Placemaking Honor Award 2017
    (Calumet Crescent)
    Graphic Design USA Package Design Award 2016 & 2017
    (KOVET Boutique and A Scenic Road)
    American Society of Landscape Architects Placemaking Merit Award 2015
    (City of St. Cloud)
    Award-winning logos/brandmarks published in design books 1991-2025
    American Graphic Design Award 2009
    American Graphic Design Award 2008
    Creative Excellence Award First Place 2008
    American Graphic Design Award 2007
    Communication Arts Design Annual Award 2003

  • DIFFA Chicago Unsung Hero 2009 presented to Richard Cassis
    People to Watch 2009 Graphic Design USA

  • LogoLounge Book 15, 2025 (Belmaire Brandmark)
    Tnemec Tank of the Year 2017 Annual Winners Calendar
    DESIGN:TYPE A Seductive Collection of Alluring Type Designs, 2012
    LogoLounge Type & Closures, 2011
    Logo Trend Report (logolounge.com), 2010, 2011, 2012
    LogoLounge Shapes/Symbols, 2010
    LogoLounge Mini Book 4, 2010
    Best of Business Cards 9, 2010
    i4design magazine guest artist feature spread 2009
    Best of Business Cards 8, 2008
    LogoLounge Book 4, 2007
    Logos & Letterheads 9, 2005
    Best Brochures, 2004
    How Magazine Feature, June 2003
    Strathmore Identity, 2003

  • Society of Typographic Arts Chicago Design Archive
    Newberry Library Permanent Collection

  • Richard Cassis, Professional Member and Past Board Member,
    AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Design)
    Richard Cassis, Professional Member,
    SEGD (Society for Experiential Graphic Design)

  • Richard Cassis, Past Executive Board Member, Secretary, DIFFA Chicago
    Richard Cassis, Past Board Member, Winnetka Parks Foundation

Where.We.Are

Aerial view of a coastal area with a beach, ocean waves, residential buildings, and green vegetation under a clear blue sky.

Sarasota, FL

Aerial view of Chicago skyline at sunset with tall skyscrapers near Lake Michigan, clouds in the sky.

Chicago, IL

We believe strong partnerships are built on transparency. Expectations are set early, communication stays open and clients feel supported throughout the process, so there are no surprises, just thoughtful outcomes.

With a presence in Chicago, IL and Sarasota, FL, Sparq Design works with clients across the country, bringing seasoned expertise, agility and clarity to every engagement.

A diagram showing a single highway dividing into two separate roads, one continuing straight and the other curving to the right.

Clear communication.
Thoughtful strategy.
No surprises.

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