Our Story

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders

In the early 1980s, Peter Scott and Glenda Rissman embarked on a journey that would shape the design industry and redefine client relationships. Fresh out of college, Peter joined a small, Toronto-based design firm specializing in investor communications. Just a few weeks later, Glenda joined the team. Over the next eight years, they both advanced within the company, becoming cornerstones of the firm.

Learning from Experience

The firm’s work culture in the early ’80s was tough, with high expectations but little focus on employee well-being or continuity for clients. This environment led to frequent turnover — a revolving door of talent that disrupted client projects. Peter and Glenda witnessed the negative impacts of this firsthand—constantly onboarding new employees, witnessing cultural upheaval, and a lack of consistency for clients. These experiences were foundational, teaching them that building alignment between strong client relationships and a supportive work culture truly matter

A Vision Realized

In a pivotal move, Peter and Glenda decided to start their own firm in 1991, turning down partnership offers at their previous company. Launching during an economic recession, they knew the odds were challenging. But their willingness to hustle and provide differentiated service and results quickly set them apart from other design firms in the market. For the first 18 months, Q30 Design scrapped by, initially with just one computer! Glenda spearheaded sales, while Peter took on the role of Creative Director, overseeing design strategy and execution.

Milestone Moments

Their perseverance paid off when they landed their first major client, TD Bank, taking on the design and production of the Bank’s annual report. This project marked a significant milestone and laid the groundwork for a lasting partnership that has continued for over 30 years. Today, Q30 proudly serves a wide array of client relationships across private, public, and non-profit sectors, showcasing their versatility and commitment to excellence.

What’s in a Name?

Clients often ask about the meaning behind our name, Q30. For Peter and Glenda, it was a conscious decision to avoid a surname-based company, and to emphasize a collective team. The ‘30’ symbolizes a personal goal—Peter and Glenda’s ambition to become entrepreneurs by age 30, which coincided with the incorporation of Q30 in 1991. The letter ‘Q’ also holds a special place in the world of typography, representing the beauty and intricacies of design that stand the test of time. A spirit and philosophy that is deeply ingrained in Q30’s approach to crafting design, building brands and supporting clients.

A Legacy of Excellence

Over 30 years later, the vision for Q30 has grown into a thriving design firm known for its strong client relationships and exceptional work. Q30 continues to evolve, embracing new challenges and opportunities while staying true to the core values that have guided us from the beginning.

In 2022, Glenda stepped away from her role at Q30 to pursue personal projects. As Founder Emerita, she continues to serve the firm as a Special Advisor.