The Nuttshell Story
Our Story
In 1985, Sue Allnutt founded Nuttshell, bringing with her a wealth of experience from working at the forefront of London’s design scene. She had spent time at the Design Research Unit, being one of the first agencies to unite architecture, graphic design, and industrial design, as well as at the British Museum Design Studio.
Those early experiences shaped how Sue saw the world: that design thrives where disciplines overlap and ideas are freely shared. Collaboration became part of her DNA – and part of Nuttshell’s identity from the very beginning.
It is this play between disciplines that gives us the ability to deliver creative outcomes that surprise, enliven and excite.
A stable full of walnuts
When Sue found a run-down stable in North Melbourne to turn into her first studio, the floor was scattered with walnut shells – the remnants of its former life as a nut wholesaler.
She took it as a sign, and Nuttshell was born. The property became both a family and creative home. Its walls witnessed decades of projects, partnerships, and late nights - each one shaped by the same values of curiosity, integrity, and care.
Through the ’80s and ’90s, Nuttshell thrived, a remarkable achievement for a female-led practice at the time.
From the very beginning, Nuttshell grew not by chasing trends but by building genuine relationships and creating work that mattered.
Building meaning through design
Over the years, we’ve helped shape some of Victoria’s most recognisable visual identities – from the National Gallery of Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary, to more than 40 state school logos that continue to welcome students every day.
We’ve designed books and publications for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Pride Centre, and the Jewish Museum of Australia.
We’ve created wayfinding and interpretation projects from Parramatta to Patchewollock, and Glen Iris to Parkville, and have had the privilege of collaborating with Traditional Owners and First Nations artists to co-design and share stories that speak deeply to place and culture.
A family legacy
Nuttshell has always been a family business, in every sense. Sue’s daughter Zoë grew up among the tracing paper, Pantone books, and the creative buzz that filled the studio.
After time working in other Melbourne studios, she returned to Nuttshell over 15 years ago. For a decade, Sue and Zoë worked side by side - mother and daughter, mentor and peer - balancing heritage with fresh energy and vision.
Our collective design expertise shapes who we are, authentic people creating design solutions
A new chapter
Today, as Sue enjoys her well-earned retirement, Zoë leads Nuttshell into a new chapter.
The studio has moved from its beloved North Melbourne stable to a light-filled studio in Nightingale’s Wurru wurru biik building in Brunswick – a place that mirrors our values of sustainability, community, and thoughtful design.
This move marks the next phase in our story. One that carries forward the spirit of Nuttshell’s beginnings – collaborative, curious, and deeply human – while looking ahead to the possibilities still to come.