Richmond Bell Architects: Rebrand and Web Design
Award-winning sustainable architects
Richmond Bell Architects in Salisbury came to us for a rework of their brand identity and a complete redesign and build of their website. Dream project!
Services
- Brand & Identity
- Development
- Web Design
Industries
- Architecture
visual identity
We were brought on board to give RBA a fresh, contemporary visual identity that highlights their professionalism and niche expertise, while aligning the brand with their sustainable, ecological focus.
We dove into custom typography to create unique, letterform-based brand marks and ensured consistency across every element—from lockups to standalone brand elements.
When it came to the colour palette, we took inspiration from nature, leaning into tones that reflect their commitment to sustainability.
brand process
We kicked things off by meeting with Richmond Bell Architects in Salisbury, getting a feel for their vision and goals. From there, we presented a range of creative routes, each exploring a unique direction for their refreshed brand identity.
Starting with mood boards, we aimed to capture different themes that reflect both their architectural expertise and commitment to sustainability.
Moving into concepts, we developed three initial ideas, experimenting with minimalist design and bold typography. We played with letterforms, fine key lines, and balanced layouts for a modern look.
To capture a softer, more sustainable vibe, we also explored intricate serif typefaces and monogram-based brand marks, using natural negative space alongside bolder elements.
rb linework
For the final stage of development, we removed the ‘A’ from the brandmark, as ‘Architects’ was to sit as a secondary line underneath the wordmark.
We then refined the ‘RB’ by extending the leg of the ‘R’, shearing off descender terminals of the ‘R’ and ‘B’ and tightening the kerning between the two letters.
We ensured that all sheared angles and typeface weights matched accurately because when you’re an architect, attention to even the smallest detail is key. We created a grid with which we fine-tuned the brandmark to the millimetre.
brand summary
The final identity incorporates a keyline spaciously positioned between the brandmark and the wordmark, with the extension of the typeface chosen for the brandmark used for ‘Richmond Bell’, and a secondary, sans-serif typeface used for ‘Architects’ set in uppercase.
RBA’s refreshed contemporary identity sets them apart from their competitors, retaining a slick, and unique feel, whilst giving nods to sustainability.
The identity is versatile and easily transferable across multiple platforms and branded collateral.
Website
website overview
RBA’s website design reflects their identity in terms of its contemporary feel. Ample use of white space, offset imagery, and mirroring of the identity typefaces ensures brand and website are seamless.
Website Process
The Visual Information Hierachy was key to the User Experience of the RBA website; creating clear focus points and a defined content structure.
Because guiding prospective clients to RBA’s portfolio and making navigation accessible was so important, we proposed positioning tiled featured projects directly underneath the homepage banner area to initiate the user’s journey quickly and effectively. RBA can pick and choose which projects to sit within this featured area, tailoring what their clients see on arrival to the site.
website process
RBA wanted their project pages to be more than just a gallery—they envisioned a cascading tile of project thumbnails, with varied image sizes to keep things visually dynamic. We took that idea and ran with it, creating a layout that draws the eye and brings their work to life.
Each project page features large, detailed imagery to showcase RBA’s work up close, while a ‘Project Highlights’ accordion gives users a quick breakdown of project details without cluttering the space.
We made sure navigation was smooth, too, with clear contact points and a sticky burger menu that lets users explore the site effortlessly from any page.
responsive design
Along with the desktop design, we ensured that the RBA website was optimised for responsive browsing and used best UX practices such as sticky navigation and easy to click call to action buttons and links.
Photography
We rounded off the project with a set of lifestyle and team headshot photography to reflect the updated team.
photography
To ensure the images were in keeping with the new brand, we used soft lighting, contemporary angles and as many natural materials in the frame as possible.
Results
Having battled with the consistency with the presentation and usage of RBA’s previous identity, we defined a solid direction for the new brand and cemented a clearer usage framework.
Both brand identity and website design compliment one another visually in terms of RBA’s contemporary and sustainable position as a business, ensuring both brand and website are a seamless experience for their clients.
Local Clients
There’s something special about working with local clients like Richmond Bell Architects. Being a Salisbury-based web design agency means we get to collaborate closely, understanding the nuances of their brand and community impact.
We’re big believers in face-to-face connection and open dialogue, which made it easy to create a design that truly captures Richmond Bell’s essence.
