Collaborative. Curious. Human-centered.
We are Cast & Hue.
We believe creativity thrives within structure.
Our process is uniquely tailored to each project, but we tackle every challenge with a proven approach.
Listen
We lean into consumer and employee insights that make up the human perspective.
Think
We solve design challenges side-by-side with the people who are most impacted.
Build
We don’t leave you with ideas. We create a strategy for implementing change.
What sets us apart.
Results
not just reports.
Any consulting firm can put together a nice-looking report. We’re more concerned with creating a strategy you can execute on (and measure).
Open-mindedness
not cognitive bias.
The human brain loves putting things in boxes. We challenge ourselves and clients to set assumptions aside and embrace different ways of thinking.
Depth
not just breadth.
Going a mile wide and an inch deep keeps you at the surface level. We marry volume with depth to develop a stronger understanding.
Informed strategy
not impulse.
When making recommendations, we don’t listen to our gut. We listen to the data — and more importantly, the humans behind it.
I've engaged a lot of different consultants. One thing that distinguishes Cast & Hue is a strong desire to really understand our business.
My business is not like other businesses. Cast & Hue understood. Everybody on their side really bought in and became part of our mission.
Jeff Morley
Assistant Director, DBME
Arizona Department of Economic Security
Arizona Department of Economic Security
What you can expect partnering with us.
Adaptable Advisors
We stay focused on your unique challenges, customizing our approach to fit your specific needs and meet your goals.
Leaders That Listen
The best ideas come from a variety of perspectives. We begin by listening to your consumers, employees and community.
An Open Book
We don’t just do — we teach. Over the course of your project, your team learns how to continue the process on their own.
Multifaceted minds working as one.
Cast & Hue is a collective of diverse thinkers united by a human-centered philosophy. Our strength lies in the unique perspectives and areas of expertise we bring to every challenge.
Steve Koch
Steve evolved from a career in marketing and advertising to experience design. He focuses on understanding consumer needs, motivations and decision-making drivers to design experiences that differentiate brands in competitive markets.
Outside of a workshop, you’ll find Steve on a hiking trail, snowboarding down a mountain, or hanging with his wife and their two dogs.
Jonathan Pathuis
Early in his career as a digital marketer, Jonathan realized many brands were missing truly differentiated experiences that reflected their messaging. Today he tackles that challenge through intentional listening and thoughtful design sessions that put people at the center of the story.
Jonathan enjoys the challenge of growing his own food in Arizona and is a certified Master Gardener.
Russ Maloney
Russ is an original co-founder of Cast & Hue, and most recently was leading the innovation team at a large healthcare system. He builds innovation principles into team culture and corporate strategy, blending disciplines of design, foresight, and leadership as balanced components.
As a father to 2 boys, Russ is an avid collector of puns, distractions, snacks, insects, and win-win games.
Gabriela Karolak
Gabriela believes great design comes from empowering and collaborating with the people who are directly impacted by new innovations. She uses a variety of ethnographic research methods to take all perspectives into account.
Gabriela is a professor at Parsons School of Design and enjoys flipping furniture and taking long walks.
Meredith Baker
A nurse turned consultant, Meredith has worked extensively with health systems, payors and startups on a range of initiatives. She is adept at facilitating open dialogue and breaking down silos to preserve the human element in healthcare.
Meredith is a mother, a Baker (pun intended) and also a cook with her own food blog.
Lucila Garcia
Lucila is a veteran communications strategist with a deep understanding of the Hispanic audience. She crafts human-centered campaigns for mission-driven companies and nonprofits. Her expertise drives impactful results, making her a trusted leader in her field.
Lucila loves traveling to destinations by the ocean.
Salvador Bravo
Salvador is fueled to understand how consumers make decisions, what drives their behaviors and what shapes their journeys. He designs impactful, seamless experiences for brands in all fields, from healthcare to finance.
Salvador is a thoughtful father and husband who likes exploring natural wine in his spare time.
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Hallie Wright
Hallie's expertise spans brand building, product positioning, and messaging, gained from leading roles in both agency and corporate settings. She excels at crafting impactful, audience-focused communication strategies that resonate.
Hallie loves spending time with her two children, husband, and scruffy dog.
David Schlinkert
David brings extensive experience in applied policy research to our team, with a focus on empowering disadvantaged populations. His expertise includes mixed-methods research, data analysis, advocacy and training.
David and his family live in Phoenix, Arizona and travel abroad regularly. He’s explored over 45 countries!
