GASS Architecture Design Studio

Nicework was approached to rebrand boutique architecture firm GASS Architecture Design Studio. A website with a minimalist layout was created to reflect the studio's modernist design approach. References to architectural tools are made throughout the logo design and branding to indicate the company's service offering. The final result was a sophisticated new brand and accompanying website that clearly reflects the core characteristics of GASS Architecture Design Studio.

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Client: GASS Architecture Design Studio

GASS is a boutique architecture studio based in Johannesburg that designs housing with a strong focus on sustainable materials and practices. A large part of their effort is also geared towards the provision of low cost housing.

Services:

Branding, Design, Web Development

Discovery:

Georg van Gass approached Nicework to rebrand his architectural studio using his own name. He wanted Nicework to move away from the brand identity of W Design, which was the company from which GASS Architecture Design Studio was born. His aim was to create a distinctive identity for his new company that could be rolled out across all of the studio's communication materials.

Brief:

• Create a distinctive brand
• Design a new website
• Create logos, letterheads and business cards

Challenges:

• To create a brand with its own distinct and independent identity, that differentiated itself from its owner
• The logo had to be striking yet unobtrusive when used on architectural plotters

Tackling the brief:

The logo references architectural tools in its design. The "A" in the title is both a protractor and the tip of a pencil. The design also makes reference to a compass, which is used to orientate all architectural draughts.

The whole identity was built on a grid system shaped like bricks. This simple grid system provided the visual vocabulary to build the logo, letterheads and website. The website follows the theory of the "golden mean" for good usability and to allow the featured projects to take centre stage.

The simplicity and minimalism of the design elements contributes to the creation of a coherent identity across all platforms, from business cards to the website.

Result:

• A clean, simple yet striking logo that refers to the company's service offering 
• A coherent identity across all communication materials
• A website that reflects the design approach of the company and showcases their portfolio in a visually engaging manner
• A fruitful and long term professional relationship between Nicework and GASS that continues to this day