Upstairs Downstairs

Upstairs Downstairs is a communications consultancy based in Paris, France, at 269 Rue Saint-Denis. Founded in 2023, the agency positions itself as a young, agile, and reasonable firm that acts as a catalyst for collective intelligence. Rather than a traditional agency structure, Upstairs Downstairs operates as a collective of multi-skilled professionals—what they describe as "Swiss army knives"—who are mobilized to serve an organization's missions, ambitions, and brand. The central conviction is that the most powerful stories are built by activating all energies across every level of an ecosystem, both internal and external.

Specialist Expertise: Internal Communication and Brand Storytelling

Upstairs Downstairs brings a distinctive focus to internal communication (communication interne) and brand narrative (récit de marque). The agency's approach is rooted in the belief that a brand's identity is not just a marketing function but a story that must be lived and told by every member of the organization. This is reflected in their emphasis on collective intelligence and the integration of internal and external communication. By working on the employee experience (QVT - Qualité de Vie au Travail) and employer brand (marque employeur), Upstairs Downstairs helps companies align their internal culture with their external promise, ensuring that storytelling is authentic and consistent across all touchpoints. The agency also specializes in advocacy, advising leadership (conseil aux dirigeants) on how to articulate a clear vision and raison d'être that resonates both inside and outside the company.

How They Apply Their Expertise

The agency applies its strategic counsel through a blend of consulting, content production, and event management. Upstairs Downstairs develops storytelling campaigns for both internal and external communication, creating narratives that are not only compelling but also grounded in the reality of the organization. They work on brand development and customer experience, ensuring that the brand story is coherent from the boardroom to the front line. The collective model means that each project is staffed with the right mix of specialists—from strategists and writers to event planners and digital content creators—allowing for flexibility and depth. This approach is particularly effective for companies undergoing transformation, seeking to strengthen their employer brand, or wanting to build a more engaged community of ambassadors (ambassadorat) among employees and stakeholders.

Key Services and Specialties

Based on their stated keywords and positioning, Upstairs Downstairs likely offers a comprehensive range of services designed to build and amplify brand narratives:

• Strategic counsel for leadership and executive communication
• Internal communication strategy and employee engagement (QVT)
• Employer brand development and ambassador programs
• Brand storytelling and narrative creation for internal and external use
• Content production (written, visual, digital) for brand communication
• Event management and experiential communication
• Influence and advocacy campaigns
• Project management for integrated communication initiatives
• Brand identity development and customer experience consulting

Who They Work With and Ideal Clients

Upstairs Downstairs is a good fit for organizations that recognize the need to connect internal culture with external reputation. The agency's emphasis on collective intelligence and "all stakeholders" makes it particularly suited for companies in transition—those merging, restructuring, or launching new strategic directions. It is also ideal for businesses that want to strengthen their employer brand to attract and retain talent, or for those seeking to build a more authentic and impactful brand story that resonates with both employees and customers. Because of its agile, project-based model, Upstairs Downstairs can serve a range of clients, from mid-sized companies to larger enterprises, especially those based in France or with significant operations in the Paris region. The agency's approach is best for leaders who value collaboration, transparency, and a narrative-driven strategy that engages people at every level of the organization. By working with Upstairs Downstairs, clients gain a partner that acts as both a strategic advisor and a creative producer, helping them tell their most compelling stories from the inside out.