Interesting things happen when project identity and public art team up.  Equity Residential provided that opportunity when they asked us to design an identity piece for their new residential project in San Jose, California.  The challenge was to incorporate the "Sphere of Hope", created by Steve Zaluski, into the design of the feature without compromising the impact of either the artwork or the project's brand.  Working with WeidnerCA, we responded with a simple monument that gracefully supports the art piece while allowing it and the brand to occupy their own spaces.

When viewed at close range, it becomes apparent that the sphere is fabricated using hundreds of human figures abstracted from "Dance II" by Henri Matisse. 

In today's urban mixed-use residential developments, the parking garage often becomes the front door. At Wilshire La Brea Apartments in Los Angeles, our work enhanced the garage to welcome future residents and guide them to the leasing center. Click to see photos.

Next time you are in Las Vegas, take a break from the Strip to visit the Nevada State Museum and the Las Vegas Springs Preserve.

Located in the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, the Nevada State Museum needed strong identity and effective branding to establish it's presence in the dense landscape and complex built-environment of the Springs Preserve.  We responded by designing bold new identity for the museum, then applying that brand at key points of visual importance.  We then developed a branded wayfinding program to reinforce the identity of the museum while facilitating navigation along the complex arrival path.

Inside, we developed a system of destination branding and area and room identification elements that leverage the Nevada brand by incorporating the shape of the State of Nevada.  Destination markers also include graphic panels that can easily be changed to reflect the nature of current exhibits.  Consistent with the values of the Museum, all graphic elements utilize elegant, high-touch recycled materials.  The end result is a highly visible, easy to navigate environment that is consistently and appropriately branded. 

Creative Team: Pacific Studios, Weidner Architectural Signage

Alliance Residential's premier mixed-use apartment project opens in Glendale to rave reviews and active leasing interest. This project sets a new standard for finishes, amenities and lifestyle in Southern California apartment living.

The Aviara story celebrates the natural beauty of the Lake Washington area with understated, but contemporary style.  BRE engaged Ross/Luthin Creative to help communicate that story to the world. Recognizing the value of the future resident experience in the competitive apartment market, we took it up a notch by creating distinctive identity that embraces the architecture of the building, then enhancing the arrival path of prospective residents with fresh, welcoming graphics that lead visitors to the leasing center.  

Click here to see our work being installed.  We will post updates as the graphics continue to be installed, so check back in the coming weeks.

This amazing night photo of the town of Bodega, California and St. Teresa's Church was taken by neighbor Jim Nevill.  It has been entered in National Geographic's photo competition. It is also featured in the Press Democrat. 

Prints can be purchased at Jim Nevill's website by clicking here.

Fox Partners asked us to design new signage for Whole Foods Market in downtown Sebastopol and to enhance the "market" feel of the project.  We responded with a new arch design conjuring images of Pikes Place and other famous outdoor markets.  The sign design uses unlit dimensional letters with white faces and green edges that match Whole Foods Market's logo color.  Lighting is provided by LED gooseneck fixtures by RAB Lighting that complete the vintage look but utilize cutting edge, energy saving technology.


See more photos by clicking here and see below for some of the imagery that informed the design process.

Gordy and Ted relive their college days designing environmental graphics and signage for Chegg's new office in Santa Clara. Working with Perry Stephney at Studio O+A, the graphics program includes life size silhouettes of students, Greek Row and mascots from leading universities. See more at here

Learn more about Chegg by clicking here.

Ross/Luthin was pleased to participate in the rollout of the new Levi's logo by updating Levi's Plaza and adding sculptural branding elements to this popular San Francisco destination. 

More photos can be seen here.