About

Nine is a magic number. It is.

Deep down, you already know this. There’s just something about the number nine. For starters, it’s the highest single-digit number. That makes it elevated, but not arrogant. Advanced, but not self-consciously superior. Being the last of the single digits, it represents conclusion — but it’s also a gateway. In numerology, the number nine reflects a personality that balances strong emotion with compassion and generosity; it marks an individual who is trustworthy and open, empathetic and approachable; it puts others first and focuses on the common good. But at the same time, nine has a strong presence. Certainly, the number nine is approachable and friendly, but nine is not going to be pushed around.

But there’s so much more about nine. It’s threaded throughout nature, science, religion and popular culture. There are nine planets in the solar system (sorry, we’re keeping Pluto in the family). It is the square of three, the power base of pyramids, trinities and triumvirates. In construction, nine is an indispensable figure when creating architecture that lasts the ages. In mathematics, nine numbers compose the smallest magic square — a mathematical figure that crosses epochs and cultures. (People of ancient civilizations often wore magic squares as talismans to help them read the stars and ward off disease.) In Christianity, there are 9 virtues. Mala, or Hindu prayer beads, are always divisible by nine. In Judaism, giving money at bar mitzvahs in multiples of 18 is considered auspicious — as in Hebrew numerology, 18 embodies the life-principle. And, hey, what about the Beatles’ Revolution 9? And 9½ Weeks? You can’t deny the mathematical, historical and cultural significance of nine. By now, you probably have a good idea why we’re called 9design.

We’re not saying we’ve somehow tapped into some secret, cosmic fire hydrant spewing the ineffable stuff of the universe. We’re saying that our firm proudly embodies the divergent principles of the number nine — strength and understanding, great power and great sensitivity, abundance and restraint. And at 9design, we bring a bit of magic into everything we design.