Ian Chalk Architects, by ATARA STUDIO

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Capturing the growth of the practice focused on enhancing spaces

Ian Chalk Architects

Overview

To mark the transition into the second decade, Ian Chalk Architects wanted to craft a brand which captures the collective personality of the practice and a website to showcase the evolving breadth and quality of work they undertake. This was the result of a close collaboration between the architectural studio, ATARA STUDIO, and strategist and copywriter Julia Nicholls. All parties were involved throughout, shaping and refining a visual language that works across different mediums.

Opportunity

Ian Chalk Architects pride themselves on working within sensitive, historically rich contexts that shape and constrain their architectural interventions. The primary goal was to ensure the practice and its message were communicated both visually and in writing, capturing the full breadth of their expertise and methodology. This was achieved through refined typography, a distinctive logomark, and concise copywriting. A clear landing page introduces the practice, their ethos, and design philosophy—followed by selected work, news, and client testimonials. It offers a compelling snapshot of the practice at first glance. The earthy, warm colour palette derives from historic building fabrics, capturing studio’s passion for working with existing structures. Additionally, well-organised project navigation allows users to explore each design’s process intuitively and in greater depth. This investigative approach is reflected not only in the projects themselves but also in the website’s design and functionality.

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Outcome

The branding captures the ambition of the practice in an engaging, professional visual language that is utilised across various touch points. In a digital sphere, people can engage with a bespoke website, Instagram posts, LinkedIn thought pieces and WeTransfer links. The internal proformas are treated with an equal care as the documents respond to the needs of the studio whilst keeping in line with newly developed layouts, colour palette and typographies. Externally, the print materials adapt to different user cases. Press release focuses on a project-specific narratives and processes, whereas engagement banners build upon that premise and distil information into a more engaging, visual format. The copy aims to communicate the complex process of architecture and studio's scholarly approach in a way that feels accessible to clients – who range from homeowners and theatre operators to local authorities and private developers. ICA's approach is expressed in human qualities such as curiosity and honesty to describe the way they address a brief or existing building. We include a targeted paragraph at the start of each filtered project section to address specific sector challenges and tell concise project stories which highlight the tangible impact of our work.

Ian Chalk, Founder