ELEPHANT DESIGN
The Challenge
Elephant Design is an architectural studio that approaches every project holistically, managing all stages from the initial concept and design to implementation. What makes it stand out is the way architecture coexists and combines with graphic design, creating a unique outcome for each project. The challenge was to translate this distinctive identity into a brand that would express the studio’s principles. Although the name Elephant Design is unique and easily recognizable, it did not immediately communicate an architectural studio. Therefore, a complete identity was needed to give meaning to the name, highlight the dual nature of the company, and create a consistent brand image.
Services
Strategy
We clearly started with research. We dedicated time to getting to know the people behind Elephant Design, Eleni and Panos, understanding the way they think, their creative approach, and the process they follow when developing each project.Through this process, we shaped the brand’s strategic positioning, building the entire narrative around the meeting of these two different yet perfectly complementary worlds.
Creative direction
Our goal was not simply to create a perfectly fitting logo, but to develop an identity with substance. A brand that would naturally communicate what the company stands for, what makes it different, and why its approach to every project is unique. The creative direction was based on the principles of architecture. We designed a linear symbol that expresses geometry, balance, and structure, creating a contemporary and timeless visual identity.
Instead of focusing on a literal reference to the elephant, we used the name as a starting point to create a distinctive and flexible symbol capable of gaining long-term value. The color palette, featuring shades of yellow and grey, was selected to highlight the distinctive character of the studio. The new identity was applied across all communication touch-points, from the logo and business cards featuring specially selected colored papers and lamination, to the space signage, corporate texts, and website content which we designed and created entirely from scratch. Every detail was designed to serve a unified experience and strengthen the personality of the brand.
Results
The result was the creation of a complete corporate identity that gave Elephant Design a clear presence and transformed a distinctive name into a strong and recognizable brand. The new image communicates the studio’s philosophy in the most effective way, highlighting how architecture and graphic design coexist within every project they undertake. At the same time, the company’s professional presence was strengthened, creating a solid foundation for future growth. The Elephant Design team described our collaboration as effective, creative, and meaningful, recognizing that research, methodology, and attention to detail played a decisive role in the final outcome.
You can also read about the project for the design of Elephant Design’s SOL project.
Testimonial
An architect’s duty is to watch and understand people’s needs and mentalities. His design method does not only lie between length and width. Since our very first meeting with Vangelis, we understood that brand’s design has also many different dimensions and aspects, too. It was really hard for us to describe our office history and philosophy behind “elephant” naming. It is the first time cooperating with S & Team. They accomplished our idea about a logo that suits our architecture philosophy and practice. The team designed not only our logo but also a brand new concept brand and website; our window to the world.
Using specific fonts, designing an individual elephant that also looks like a ground plan and by applying our favorite yellow color on the logo, S & Team managed to bring out the optimism of Elephant Design. Vangelis’ minimal aesthetic and his simple but to-the-point actions appropriately guided us while the process. Our friends and clients talked about an incredible outcome. With time, our cooperation became a friendship. More amazing things are yet to come!
“They say an elephant never forgets. What they don’t tell you is that you never forget an elephant.”
Eleni Sfantou, Panos Alexiou
Founders, Elephant Design
