People & Purpose
Since 1938, Rice Village has endured as a beloved local landmark and a home to mom-and-pops, boutique shops, and colorful eateries situated in a highly trafficked, historic part of Houston—where people only drive. When Rice Management Company (RMC) took leadership of the property, they recognized the need for a brand refresh to help position the area as the city’s “first walkable garden district.” We shaped a suite of tools to share the Village’s new vision, establish a sense of place, and celebrate the ongoing transformation—particularly the greening efforts—as they work to promote the area as an ever-blooming oasis within a concrete jungle.
Services
- Verbal Identity
- Logo Refresh & Visual Identity
- Writing
- Naming
- Website Design
- Print System
- Presentation Materials
- Signage & Wayfinding
Partners
- Kudos NYC
- Pep Rally Inc.
- Of Place
Single Image + Caption
Growth is the central concept that ties Rice Village together. During a long and gradual transition, it speaks to positive change yet the need for patience, and it speaks to each part of the vision.
Slideshow + Caption
1
of
2
Left Slideshow + Right Text
1
of
3
In its language, “Seedling” logo, and visual system, the new identity evokes the anchoring idea of “growing together”—highlighting progress, pointing out possibility, and using vivid words and imagery that convey lushness, beauty, growth, and ease.
Slideshow + Caption
1
of
2
Small + Large Image
Pulled from the Village’s own native palette, Ivy, Sage, and Birch comprise the brand’s primary color trio—accented by seasonal pairings of Azalea, Sky, Pumpkin, and Holly.
Single Image + Caption
Large + Small Image
Text
To create cohesion between print and environmental pieces, we called on local artists to add nature-inspired patterns and textures to outdoor environments. The refreshed walls signal a change of scenery even as new plants are introduced around the Village.
Single Image + Caption
Slideshow + Caption
1
of
3
Small + Large Image
Text
As essential expressions of the new branding, updated planters, posters, and photography help freshen up the look and feel both in person and online. Updated imagery extends to the Village’s site and social accounts, giving old and new shoppers a lusher, lighter look at the historic Houston destination.
Single Image + Caption
Single Image + Caption
Large + Small Image
Single Image + Caption
Single Image + Caption
Text
During COVID-19, Rice Village restaurants stepped up to send 5,000 meals to nearby Texas Medical Center’s ER and ICU staff—and engage the community in their efforts by matching every additional meal donated. We named the concept Fare for Care, created a sub-identity, and designed branded materials and a temporary page on their site to help quickly collect donations and share progress.
Slideshow + Caption
1
of
2
Left Image + Right Caption
Another expansion of the brand, the new Rice Village Farmers Market takes cues from the parent identity while retaining its own bit of individuality. Like the Village itself, the brand is built to grow and evolve over time, but always feel familiar and considered.
