About us

Our Story

At Kern Design Lab, a woman-owned creative agency in Denver, we transform ideas into impactful solutions for the greater good. The name "Kern" comes from typography—adjusting spaces between characters to ensure readability and visual balance. Similarly, our social impact design agency transforms spaces between people through aligned strategy and thoughtful design.

An industrial-style office space with black sofas and chairs, wooden tables, a staircase on the left, and a kitchenette in the back right. The space has exposed pipes and brick walls.

Our clients

We work with nonprofits, community-based organizations, and employment social enterprises advancing equity, access, and opportunity in their communities.

See Who We’ve Worked With

Education & Advocacy

Supporting educators, future leaders, and systems change through teaching, research, advocacy, and organizing.

Colorado Education Association, Denver, CO
Denver Classroom Teachers Association, Denver, CO
Media, Film & Journalism Studies, University of Denver, Denver, CO
University College, University of Denver, Denver, CO
University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO

Housing Access & Community Development

Advancing housing stability, supportive services, and community wellbeing through local partnerships, systems coordination, and place-based solutions.

Chester County Department of Community Development, West Chester, PA
Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness, West Chester, PA
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Denver, CO
The Gathering Place, Denver, CO

Workforce & Economic Mobility

Advancing job access, entrepreneurship, and second-chance employment through training and wraparound support.

Bikes Not Bombs, Jamaica Plain, MA
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
MADE by Downtown Women’s Center, Los Angeles, CA
Homeward Bound of Marin, Novato, CA
Inner City Weightlifting, Boston, MA
NuWay Staffing, Atlanta, GA
RePowered, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, MN
The Challenge Program & CP Furniture, Wilmington, DE
The Knowledge House & 718 Digital Labs, Bronx, NY

Reproductive & Perinatal Health

Expanding access to mental health care, birth equity, and support for parents and birthing people.

Colorado Maternal Mental Health Collaborative, Denver, CO
Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative, Denver, CO
The Birth Squad by Colorado Perinatal Mental Health Project, Denver, CO

View Our Work

Values

Authenticity

We approach our work with honesty, reflection, and care. We recognize that human-centered storytelling begins with trust and self-awareness, and we believe meaningful connections are built through transparency and intention.

Partnership

We build collaborative relationships rooted in mutual respect. Stakeholder voices, especially those who are often overlooked, play an essential role in shaping strategy, messaging, and design.

Accessibility

We’re also approachable, open-minded, and flexible in how we collaborate and adapt. We create communications that reflect that same mindset, ensuring that our work is inclusive and usable by all.

Progress

We are committed to social progress by partnering with organizations building a more equitable, inclusive, and just world. We align with B Corp standards to ensure our own practices reflect the same values we support in our work.

Our team

Kern is led by founder Annetta Crecelius, a creative director with 20 years of experience in strategic communications and design for social impact.

She partners with a trusted network of collaborators—experts in design, web, digital marketing, and content strategy—to build the right team for every project. Get to know the people behind the work who are united by a shared commitment to equity, purpose-driven design, and communications for social good.