About

Cowen & Co, founded by me: Isobel Colebrook, is a collaborative design agency working in a variety of sectors.

I spend my days working for agencies in Bristol and Bath, or for my own clients from my desk at home. And I’ve been doing so for over two decades now. In that time I’ve worked with some fantastic people including (but definitely not limited to) Wilkinson Eyre Architects, Warren and Mahoney Architects (NZ), Thirteen, City ID, Smith & Milton Bristol, Mytton Williams, Steers McGillan Eves, Taxi Studio and Spooner Fitzgerald. 

Cowen & Co was the name of my grandfather’s paint and wallpaper shop, many moons ago. Sadly neither are still with us, but it felt fitting to carry on his legacy by using the name for my company.

In keeping with my grandfather’s supply of wall coverings, I have created my own shop, where you can buy vinyl sheet wall planners to organise your whole life, or maybe just an aspect of it. Either way, they’re all designed to help you get your sheet together.

[All photographs of my work were taken by the wonderful Charles Watkins who never fails to inspire me. Thanks Charlie.]

“Isobel has worked with Mytton Williams many times over a number of years. Design projects have included campaigns, identity projects and signage schemes. She is professional, conscientious, hard-working, an excellent team player and a real joy to work with.”

Bob Mytton
Mytton Williams founder and design hero

“Every collaboration with Izzi feels like a masterclass in thoughtful design. This year, we've partnered on several projects where her keen eye for detail elevated our joint work to new heights.”

Arron Taylor-Peter
Fellow designer, developer and thoroughly decent guy