Design that listens

Sam and Nicola approached us on a recommendation while working with our long-term collaborator and self-described ‘ink in the veins writer’, Des. Sam had recently completed the purchase of the company, and with that shift, there was a desire to break free from assumptions: no generic corporate image, no templated “executive search” visuals. Des had already reshaped the narrative through words, giving the company’s values and approach a clear, confident voice. Unfortunately, this left the visual identity lagging behind, still hinting at old constraints and expectations.

How could we help the new Riverhouse Partners truly reflect who they are, without overselling or overcomplicating?

Early discussions focused more on listening than on proposing ideas. We explored clients' experiences, the rhythm of internal dialogues, and the subtle details in Des’s copy that expressed freedom, rigour, and care.

Our initial instinct was to create a simple, precise logotype with minimal imagery and a restrained palette accented by a touch of gold — small details intended to resonate like the pinstripe of a classic car or the subtle gleam of an ocean liner. However, the design itself was less important than the clarity that surfaced from our conversations. As we tested concepts with the team, the focus shifted: visuals weren’t mere decoration but a space where writing, storytelling, and people came together. Ultimately, the identity didn’t just reflect quality and service - it endorsed them quietly, without fanfare.

What started as an effort to find a “beautiful logo” transformed into a reimagining of presence, perception, and the conveyance of integrity without words.

Project deliverables

Identity design, Website design & build, Photographic Art Direction