CREATIVE AGENCY | DC
Top Shelf Design
We’re an award-winning, women-owned design studio specializing in visual communication. From branding and publications to web design and interactive reports, we help nonprofits, associations, government agencies, and institutions communicate with clarity, creativity, and impact.
Annual Reports that make an impact. We specialize in designing annual reports, publications, and companion materials that do more than share information; they tell your story. Our team helps nonprofits, associations, and mission-driven organizations transform complex data and messages into clear, visually engaging reports that capture attention, strengthen credibility, and drive real engagement.
DESIGN AGENCY DC
What We Do Best
We love what we do, and it shows. At Top Shelf Design, our focus is on creating exceptional design experiences supported by unmatched customer service. We bring creativity and precision to every project, tackling tough challenges with a commitment to detail and collaboration. By blending design talent with strategic thinking, we consistently deliver on deadlines and provide solutions that help our clients succeed and grow.
A Trusted Approach To Design
At Top Shelf Design, our work goes beyond looking professional — we create designs that are original, stylish, fresh, and engaging.
We start by understanding your goals and translating them into clear, compelling visual communication. Whether you’re launching a new organization or evolving an established brand, we can help you build strong recognition and develop the marketing collateral, publications, and digital assets you need to succeed.
Graphic Design
At Top Shelf Design, our graphic design work blends creativity with strategy. We create impactful materials — from event branding and marketing collateral to reports, infographics, and user-friendly layouts — that make information clear and memorable. Our designs enhance communication, strengthen brand awareness, and support long-term growth. Through a collaborative process, we build lasting partnerships that ensure every project reflects our clients’ vision and goals.
See our print work.
Branding
We craft brand identities that are both distinctive and enduring. From logos, icons, and brand guidelines to full visual identity systems, we ensure consistency across every touchpoint. Our process revitalizes brands with modern design while staying true to their core mission and values. By translating ideas into compelling visuals, we help organizations communicate clearly, connect with their audiences, and build recognition that lasts. As a collaborative partner, we deliver cohesive brand experiences that strengthen presence and inspire trust.
See our brand identity work.
Web Design
We design websites that are as functional as they are beautiful. With clear navigation and user-friendly layouts, our sites make information easy to find while reflecting each client’s unique brand. Every site we build is responsive, mobile-ready, and designed to meet accessibility standards, ensuring an inclusive experience for all users. From interactive maps and real-time reporting to custom features tailored to your needs, our goal is to create websites that are visually engaging, secure, and easy for your team to manage long-term.
See our web design work.
Web Development
Our development team builds custom solutions that bring your digital presence to life. From API integrations and interactive dashboards to database-driven features, we create platforms that are secure, scalable, and user-friendly. Every project is developed with mobile performance and accessibility in mind, ensuring seamless experiences across devices. With options like real-time reporting, interactive maps, and tailored functionality, we deliver websites that not only look great but work effortlessly behind the scenes.
See our web development work.
Associations &
Membership Organizations
We understand the unique challenges associations and membership organizations face, from engaging members to communicating complex initiatives. Our team delivers tailored solutions that help both national organizations and local chapters strengthen their presence, build trust, and achieve measurable results. With years of experience designing for nonprofits, associations, and mission-driven groups, we know how to create strategies that resonate with audiences and support long-term growth.
CREATIVE AGENCY
Additional Creative Services
Looking for something specific? Beyond our core offerings, we provide a wide range of design and digital services to support every stage of your communication strategy. Whether you need print collateral, digital publications, or custom web solutions, our team delivers creative, consistent, and effective results.
- Branding
- Brand Strategy
- Brochures
- Events & Conferences
- Logos
- Packaging
- Print Design
- Static Infographics
- Style Guides
- Annual Reports
- One-Pagers
- Print & Digital Companion Reports
- Publications
- Report Design
- Animated Infographics
- Data Visualizations
- Digital Reports
- Hosting & Rehab
- Microsites
- Report Websites
- WordPress Development
FAQ
What makes Top Shelf Design a leading web design agency in Washington DC?
Top Shelf Design has more than 20 years of experience creating user-focused websites for nonprofits, associations, and mission-driven organizations. Our team blends creative design with technical expertise to deliver websites that are visually engaging, strategically structured, and aligned with each client’s goals. By prioritizing accessibility, ADA compliance, and responsive design, we ensure that every site we build is both inclusive and effective.
How does Top Shelf Design approach web development?
Our approach combines design, functionality, and performance. We build secure, scalable websites with clean code, API integrations, and database-driven features that support growth over time. Each site is optimized for SEO, mobile performance, and usability, ensuring a seamless experience across devices and easy management for your team.
Can you provide examples of your web design work?
Yes. We’ve partnered with organizations such as the Alliance for Regenerative Medicine to redesign their digital presence, improving user experience and accessibility. Our case studies showcase a wide range of projects, from association websites to interactive reports, demonstrating how we create solutions that are both visually appealing and technically sound. You can see our case studies here.
How does Top Shelf Design integrate branding into web design?
We ensure every website reflects the organization’s identity by weaving in logos, color systems, typography, and imagery that align with the brand. Beyond visual elements, we focus on voice and messaging so the digital presence feels consistent across platforms and resonates with your audience.
What industries does Top Shelf Design serve?
We serve a diverse set of clients, including nonprofits, associations, higher education, government agencies, membership organizations, policy groups, and private sector businesses. This experience across industries allows us to adapt strategies and designs to meet each client’s unique needs.
How does Top Shelf Design ensure accessibility in web design?
Accessibility is built into our process from the start. We follow WCAG and ADA standards to make websites usable for all visitors, including those with disabilities. This not only reduces legal risk but also strengthens audience reach by ensuring content is inclusive and easy to navigate.
How can I get started with Top Shelf Design?
Getting started is simple. Contact us to schedule a discovery call, and our team will learn about your goals, challenges, and priorities. From there, we’ll outline a tailored strategy — whether you need branding, web design, publications, or development — and guide you through the next steps.