CASE STUDY – Symbion International

Rebranding one of Africa’s top architectural firms.

Onwards and upwards - embracing heritage and emboldening the firm for a modern outlook.

Brand Audit & StrategyRebrandBrand Identity Design

2016

Symbion is a leading multinational architectural firm with a rich heritage spanning over 35 years in East and Southern Africa. Symbion partnered with ARK to tell their story in a compelling manner, reflecting their heritage as well as embracing a modern outlook.

This was the premise of a rebrand that embodied their success, as they continue to expand to new verticals.

Brand Audit & Strategy

Firm’s History

Our comprehensive audit examined Symbion’s internal and external touch points seeking to ultimately strengthen its brand positioning.

We also documented their journey and milestones achieved as the company grew beyond the Kenyan borders.

Strategy

Once we had an understanding of the brand’s contextual position and identified existing opportunities, we developed a strategy. It would capture the essence of the brand, ensuring it was aligned as they grew, and reinforce its vision & values through its expansion plans.

Our strategy further defined Symbion’s Vision, Values, Promise, Culture and Thought leadership. This would serve as a guiding compass for future brand alignment efforts.

Rebrand

Brand Identity

The concept behind the logo focuses on a theme that reflects corporate elegance & respectability.

Monogram Design – Some will see an S, some will see Africa.
Only a few will see both, and that’s ok 🙂

Brand Architecture

The firm’s expansion had led to a diversification in their skills and services. We created sub-brand identities for each of the main focuses.

Symbion had formed an association with RMJM Africa, a renowned architectural firm across the continent. This strengthened presence for both entities and deserved a identity in-line with the system we developed.

Visual Extension

Brand Application

We proceeded to design various collateral to complete the picture and create consistency across the typical needs of an architect’s interaction with a client, including the design of Symbion’s company profile as a coffee table book.