As predicted by PhoneReport, High-Tech Computer (HTC) has acquired San Francisco-based One & Co, the design studio that visualized the HTC Touch Diamond.

The designer company will keep its name and client base, which features names such as Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Dell, Motorola, Sony, among others. It will not be anything of strange having a sub-contractor to HTC's rivals. Earlier this year, the Taiwanese manufacturer built Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1, which is in direct competition against some of its own products.

"Design is key, it is why you love or hate something," said Horace Luke, Chief Innovation Officer, HTC Corporation. "Integrating iconic design into HTC products is an inspiring and dynamic challenge that requires a unique combination of consumer insight, creativity, innovation and an appetite to take risks; attributes that embody One & Co."

Press release after the break.

HTC Bolsters Design Credibility With Addition of One & Co

Leader in lifestyle design will be cornerstone of HTC’s design capability and philosophy while continuing as an innovative design consultancy

TAOYUAN, TAIWAN and SAN FRANCISCO, December 3, 2008 – Furthering its reputation as a global leader in mobile innovation and design, HTC Corporation today announced the continuation of its design focus with the acquisition of San Francisco-based lifestyle design firm One & Company Design, Inc. (One & Co).  Recognized for its award-winning work with some of the world’s best known and most design-savvy lifestyle brands, One & Co will maintain its name and client base while it joins forces with HTC to create an unparalleled force in global mobile design.

“Design is key, it is why you love or hate something,” said Horace Luke, Chief Innovation Officer, HTC Corporation. “Integrating iconic design into HTC products is an inspiring and dynamic challenge that requires a unique combination of consumer insight, creativity, innovation and an appetite to take risks; attributes that embody One & Co.”

HTC and One & Co first began collaborating in 2006 on the initial incubation and creation of the HTC Touch Diamond, a highly touted phone with iconic design that blended unprecedented use of material and industrial design.

“One & Co is excited to bring our lifestyle, user focused approach to HTC and we look forward to creating iconic, compelling products together,” said Scott Croyle, partner of One & Co. “Knowing about HTC’s cutting edge technology and proven track record of innovation, we are excited to collaborate with HTC as a global lifestyle brand.”

In addition to its work with HTC, One & Co has broad design experience in a variety of industries that range from footwear, snowboarding and skiing, furniture, packaging, houseware, timepieces and more.  One & Co has been recognized by the design and business communities by winning numerous BusinessWeek/IDSA IDEA Awards, the Good Design Awards, CES Innovation Awards, and ID Magazine awards.