Korb is an architectural and interior design firm known for their ability to engage in a diverse range of projects. They come together as a team to imagine, improve, and implement new environments—from low income housing, to the tallest mass timber building in the world.
Balancing work and play
Similar to the Savages, Korb’s team is a tight-knit group of creatives who all bring their unique flair to the table: quirks, quick wit, and cleverness included. They don’t take themselves too seriously. Their work, though? That’s a different story.
Driven by environmental sustainability and pragmatic creativity, Korb produces industry-leading architectural projects throughout the region. The challenge was to get them to stand out in the sea of Milwaukee design firms. We had to find the hot spot between artistic, playful branding, balanced with a level of professionalism suitable for the important work they take on.
In short: we set out a mission to show off the unique qualities of Korb—their charming team members, their unprecedented projects, and their honest-to-goodness priorities to enrich the community through design.
Deceptive simplicity
When working with a firm that likes to display their capabilities visually, it’s important that their branding doesn’t overshadow their work. Our strategy was to make Korb’s brand a perfect balance between bold and simple. This is how we did it:
We began with a slight tweak to their name. Originally known as ‘Korb + Associates Architects,’ with a logo that looked like it could belong to any other firm, we shortened their name to just Korb—complete with a thick, red-orange logo mark that proudly emphasizes its bold brevity. Not only is it short, sweet, and to-the-point, but it’s also original. It’s ownable. It’s deceptively simple.
We ensured that all other graphic elements consisted of muted colors and uncomplicated designs, allowing the buildings and spaces to speak for themselves.
Korb continues to back the 414
Architectural design has the power to reshape the world for a more inclusive, sustainable future. Korb helps make the community a better place—one building at a time. Their refreshed brand and website get their simple values across: Korb’s projects prioritize people. They do the right thing, and make cool spaces in the meantime.
Korb’s new website flaunts all of their unique attributes and sets them apart among other firms. Drone footage shows off their buildings from a birds-eye-view. Photography of the workplace displays the team’s enthusiasm for collaboration. Branded messaging gives them the personable touch they were previously missing.
We stocked their site with case studies to communicate the care that goes into the behind-the-scenes of each and every space they design. These case studies dive into the process and dig deeper than a building’s exterior facade. This allows Korb to walk the walk. They don’t just say they do the right thing—they prove it.
Korb continues to invest in Milwaukee’s underserved populace and eco-friendly efforts. Only now, they have a succinct story, brand identity, and website to be more recognizable—and more true to themselves—than ever before.
