Design Bank
Based in Durham, NC, Design Bank offers a unique blend of interior and landscape design services alongside a retail shop that specializes in mid-century modern antiques. Housed in a historic bank with grand columns and elegant gray marble surfaces, this two-person design studio meets retail shop brings clients a one-stop-shop.
When the founders approached us, they needed a unified master brand that could sharpen their market positioning, boost sales, and ultimately transform their vision into a thriving design community.
- Strategically merge two distinct business offerings into one master brand with a clear, compelling market identity
- Develop a cohesive visual language across logomark, color, and imagery
- Bring the new, streamlined identity to life through a website and print touchpoints
We reconfigured the existing brand architecture by consolidating the two separate offerings—originally presented under each owner’s name—into one master brand. Design Bank, the master brand, housed two sub-divisions—retail and services. This unified approach embodied the idea of connection, seamlessly linking the design services and curated retail collections to create an integrated lifestyle experience.
The new logo was inspired by the initials “D” and “B”, crafted from a single interlocking line. This design not only symbolized the unity and purpose behind the brand but also subtly referenced the classic columns of the building that housed the studio.
The overall design system took cues from the physical space and the products themselves—the groovy marble texture echoed the eclectic vintage finds, while the shades of green nodded to the landscape design aspect. A balanced palette of vibrant hues and neutral black and white created a contemporary, versatile identity.
The digital face of Design Bank emerged through a minimalist homepage that invited users to either schedule a design consultation or shop online. Here, artful collages underscored the brand’s dual focus.
Complementing the website were meticulously designed business cards that communicated that Design Bank was more than a typical design service provider—it was a destination for creative minds and a burgeoning community rooted in a shared design philosophy.
