With a legacy that stretches back over 50 years, Frank Shaw Architects had built a quiet reputation for delivering thoughtful, people-centred design. NWDI was brought in to help translate that ethos into a refreshed brand identity that would support their next chapter.
In collaboration with Danny Bulmer at The Purpose Designers, we developed a brand that balances heritage with ambition, a visual and verbal system that feels both grounded and future-focused.
We kicked things off with an in-depth brand workshop held at Empire House in Slaithwaite, where we worked closely with the directors to uncover what makes Frank Shaw tick. These sessions gave us space to explore the practice’s values, tone, and ambitions. It became clear early on that people, trust, and quiet capability were central to the brand’s DNA — and we built everything from that foundation.
Using insights from the workshop, we developed a comprehensive initial response document, outlining a refreshed brand vision, mission and voice. This formed the basis of a new visual identity and communications framework that reflects the calm confidence and people-first approach that Frank Shaw brings to every project.
The deliverables included:
The final identity feels clean, confident and understated — a reflection of a practice that’s proud of its history, but firmly focused on the future.
It’s been a privilege to help shape the next chapter of such a respected architectural brand, and we’re excited to see how Frank Shaw continues to evolve with this refreshed identity in place.
