Kia ora, we're Brand Refinery
We’re all about helping down-to-earth, hardworking regional businesses throughout Waikato, Auckland and beyond share their story and grow their brand.
Our purpose is simple: helping businesses refine their brand identities and digital presence to elevate above the rest, inspire loyalty and drive growth.
We partner long-term with businesses of all sizes, including group companies, iwi-owned enterprises and educational institutions.Â
Deeply connected to the Waikato region, we understand the unique demands of regional businesses and love supporting the success of Waikato locals. With nearly four decades of collective experience, we bring a collaborative, thoughtful approach to every project – working closely with our clients to create meaningful, impactful design that supports real growth.
Our approach
We’ve made sure that working with us is not just about getting great results (although you will). It’s also about enjoying the process. Everything we do is flexible to scale and fit with what you need, when you need it.
We’re a boutique team, senior by design. You deal directly with the experienced designers and thinkers who are actually working on your project, without unnecessary account management layers.
Where Brand Refinery began
Our story starts in 2001 when KT Design began as a small studio under the incredible leadership of Katie See (Bloxam). Over the years, KT Design flourished, serving a loyal clientele, many of whom we still work alongside today. By late 2023, Katie decided to focus on her passion for art, passing the torch to a familiar hand—Chrystal Fleming.
Chrystal was no stranger to KT Design, having spent years working under Katie’s mentorship, where she honed her skills in both creative design and strategic management. Her time there was foundational, sparking a love for purposeful, strategic design that would define her career.
 In 2012, Chrystal launched Indigo Ink, her own design studio, bringing her distinctive creativity to a new roster of clients. For over a decade, Indigo Ink built a reputation for thoughtful, impactful design, but when the opportunity arose to merge the two studios, it felt like a natural evolution—a blending of two legacies into something even greater.
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New name, same service
With the merger of KT Design and Indigo Ink, Brand Refinery was born.
The name reflects our commitment to crafting refined, strategic designs that elevate businesses and create lasting impressions.Â
While the brand is new, the ethos remains the same: deep client relationships, meticulous attention to detail, and designs that don’t just look good—they work hard for your business.
We’re proud to carry forward KT Design’s legacy while infusing it with the fresh perspective and energy of Indigo Ink. It’s not just a merger of businesses; it’s a merger of values, experience, and a shared vision for helping more regional businesses succeed.
MEET THE TEAM
Chrystal
Creative Director
With over 20 years of industry experience, Chrystal brings valuable insight to every project. Despite this wealth of expertise, she never stops learning, staying curious and absorbing all the design inspo and ideas that she can through courses, qualifications and resources.
Beyond the studio, Chrystal loves weightlifting (with a personal best of a 120kg deadlift!) and slowly cultivating a green thumb, tending to her orchard and getting excited when something actually grows, hello fejoas!!
Living on a lifestyle block with her husband and two wonderful kids, Chrystal finds joy and inspiration in the rhythms of rural life. Morning walks on her country block are a chance to spot native birds or catch nature’s patterns, whether it’s a plowed paddock or mist over the Waikato River.
Louise
Graphic Designer
Louise is our go-to creative extraordinaire. With five years at KT Design, her name and skills are well-known to many of our clients. An absolute ace at large-formatting, Louise brings imagination and precision to everything she does.
At home, Louise is mum to one-year-old Locky, her dog Luna, and three cats—Nismo, Haze, and Diesel—who double as desk warmers. When she’s not creating stunning designs, she’s painting, with her pieces already finding homes as far as England.
Louise’s friends and family bring lots of joy and connection to her life, and her meticulous organisation is second to none. Her detailed timesheets alone are a work of art! We’re grateful to have her passion and creativity on the team.
Stacey
Graphic Designer
Stacey is our creative concept powerhouse. With over 12 years of experience as a graphic designer and more than six years as a valued team member, she excels at developing standout concepts and managing large-scale projects with speed and efficiency.
Outside the studio, Stacey is a busy mum of two, often found strolling riverside (or energetically herding her little ones), coffee in hand. Her hobbies include dodging kindy and school bugs and indulging in fascinating, albeit unnecessary, facts from her favourite podcasts.
Stacey has a knack for delivering customer-focused omnichannel designs and crafting unique, engaging brand identities. We’re incredibly lucky to have her talent and energy as part of the Brand Refinery team.
Ready to refine your brand?
Your brand deserves to be seen, understood, and remembered.
Need some clarity, strategic direction and stand out design solutions?
