Who We Are

We are Studio Dzo, a Black-owned and Woman-led multi-disciplinary, design-build studio based in Austin, Texas. We are committed to delivering deeply thoughtful and creative solutions that exceed expectations at every touchpoint. Doing good work for good people with good people. Always.

Inspired by the majestic dzo (Pronounced “zho” - the "D" is silent, naturally.), we are a hybrid greater than the sum of its parts. Our team's extensive experience in visual design, global branding and marketing, and design education; combined with our expert knowledge of code compliance, materials, engineering, and fabrication, along with our global relationships; puts us in a league of our own.

Studio Dzo is a certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) in the State of Texas.

Our team

**RUSSELL TOYNES**
Owner + Creative Direction

**ELIZABETH ARENELLA TOYNES**
Owner + Controller

**JIMI NICHOLAS ARENELLA TOYNES**
(Retired)

our mission

Deliver effective, unique, and memorable experiences through thoughtful and meaningful design solutions with amazing service.

Our Mantra

Do good work for good people with good people.

How We Work

We don’t want clients. We want partnerships. It takes trust and honesty to develop a strong partnership. The creative process requires that both the “client” and the “agency” be open-minded, collaborative, and trusting. When we work together with the same goals and vision the results always exceed expectations.

Let’s work together

Who we work with

We work directly with developers, architects, interior designers, and business owners. We also support design teams (in-house, agency, and freelance) to elevate their work and help bring it to life.

What is a Dzo?

A dzo is the Tibetan name given to the majestic hybrid offspring between a yak and a cow. A product of the hybrid genetic phenomenon of heterosis (hybrid vigor), they are larger, stronger, and more agile than yak and more productive in terms of both milk and meat production than cattle.