Thought Partner is a New Orleans-based strategic design studio that helps individuals and small teams clarify and communicate who they are, what they offer, and why it matters. Founded by Ellen Sitkin in 2018 after more than two decades of experience across industries — architecture, real estate, hospitality, health, education, and more — we bring ideas to life visually, virtually, and spatially through close, meaningful collaboration.

Our work is driven by curiosity and clarity. We challenge assumptions, refine ideas, and shape stories that feel both natural and distinctive. Through close partnership, we uncover the essential truths that bring focus and meaning, ensuring that every project is both beautifully crafted and deeply considered.

In an era that glorifies individual “thought leadership,” our name is a deliberate response: we thrive on the power of the collective — we do the work with you, not for you.

With a global network of creative minds, our team is here to build something meaningful — together.


We are a women- & minority-owned business.

selected clients & collaborators

1504

55ip

American Museum of Natural History

Arts Council of New Orleans

Big Bite

Brooklyn Public Library

Burning Man

Celmatix Therapeutics

Chase

Cinematic Reality

Citi

Common Era

Dr. Andrew Weil

Edelman Financial Engines

Eileen Fisher

Evidation

Farouki Farouki

Formwork Development

Greenhouse Workspace

HospitalityHQ

IDEO.org

Jefferson Parish

Johnson & Johnson

Lakota Indian Tribe

Liz Lambert

Loyola University New Orleans

Lux Magazine

Marriott

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia

Melcher Media

Morris Adjmi Architects

NYC Department of Education

National Gallery of Art

New York Times

Nickelodeon

OpenSecrets

Remodelista

Riverdale Country School

Rockefeller Foundation

Sanofi

Satsuma Maple

Scandinative Spa

Shefa

SilburnNORTH

Spyre Wellness

StudioBKA

Sulinu Supplements

Swadoh Lighting/Paris

Target

The People’s Cheese

Third Person

Three Fires Farms

Toulouse St Millworks

Trepwise

Tulane University

US Department of Education

team

Ellen Sitkin
Founder/Director

Laura Sitkin Girona
Content & Operations

Juan Pablo Patino
Design & Development

Wendy Smith
Brand Strategy

Sara Siegel
Brand Design

Plus an extended network of specialists