Ravenna Partners - Identity Design

A new venture by previous coworkers, Ravenna Partners is a real estate investment and development firm dedicated to urban infill mixed-use and multifamily projects in the greater Seattle area. They take a multidisciplinary approach to providing innovative solutions within the complex environment where we live and work. By combining these different types of projects in Seattle, they strive to improve the urban environment for the people who call these neighborhoods home. By incorporating greenspaces, increasing walkability, and improving convenience, new life is injected into these communities.

They needed a new brand identity for their new business venture. Located in, and named after, the Ravenna neighborhood in Seattle, they’re rooted in local pride and desire to see this city continue to grow. The challenge for them was trying to bring their local pride and history into their business. This challenge is why I decided to use the cross streets of the neighborhood they’re named after for their logo. While these streets might not be familiar to some, it gives a sense of local pride to anyone who recognizes it.

I was provided with a basic set of inspiration and ideas. These included fellow competitors in the space as well as other industries that resonated with the partners. Their intention was to have an identity that is in the same stadium as their competitors, but in different sections. Keep it recognizable yet not the same. Starting with client calls and idea generation, this process went fairly quick as we discovered we were on the same page from the very beginning. My research led me to discover all types of real estate developers of all different sizes. This allowed me to examine the pros and cons of the competition and build this identity from those findings.

The rest of the identity followed with the goal of using a unique typeface that wasn’t too boring but also didn’t stray too far from the industry standard. The goal of the color palette is to emphasize their love for use of greenspaces and their continuing efforts to pursue smarter and more sustainable projects. Multiple signage and advertising opportunities are present on all job sites. By creatively showcasing the goals and vision of Ravenna Partners, visibility and awareness is conveyed to everyone around.