Helio is a boutique architecture studio in Melbourne. They came to us needing a complete brand overhaul — one that reflected their philosophy of “light, materiality, and human scale.” We developed a comprehensive identity system that balances technical precision with warmth, using a refined typographic palette and a flexible logomark system that works across everything from site hoardings to business cards.
The story
What we set out to do.
Challenge
Helio had been operating for 11 years with no consistent brand language. Their existing mark was a generic serif that communicated nothing about their work. The challenge was creating an identity refined enough to compete with top-tier studios while remaining approachable to residential clients.
Solution
We built the identity around the concept of "structured light" — a nod to how architects manipulate light through form. The logomark abstracts an H into a series of vertical planes that cast implied shadows. The type system pairs Syne (geometric, modern) with DM Serif Display for contrast.
Result
Within three months of the rebrand, Helio won two major commercial pitches they attribute partly to the new brand credibility. Their website rebounce rate dropped 34% and they reported a significant increase in inbound RFQs from institutional clients.
Alex translated something we could barely articulate into a visual language that feels completely us. Every client who sees the new brand asks if we've just opened.