Walk into any convenience store, supermarket, or off-licence and you’ll be greeted by shelves packed with colourful drinks all competing for the same thing: attention.

For a new product entering that environment, being good isn’t enough. It has to be noticed first.

That was the challenge facing our client when they approached us with a new ready-to-drink cocktail concept. Having worked with us successfully on previous projects, they trusted us to help shape the brand from the ground up. Not just the packaging, but everything.

The name. The personality. The positioning. The visual identity.

The result was Savvy Shotz – a bold, energetic ready-mixed double-shot cocktail brand designed to stand out on shelf and appeal directly to a younger, fun-loving audience.

Starting with a blank bottle

One of the most exciting parts of this project was that we weren’t rebranding an existing product.

We were creating something entirely new.

That meant we could influence every stage of the customer experience, beginning with one of the most important decisions of all: the name.

The client wanted a brand that felt confident, playful and contemporary without falling into the trap of looking cheap or gimmicky.

After exploring multiple routes, Savvy Shotz emerged as the clear winner.

The name strikes a balance between fun and confidence. It feels energetic, memorable and easy to recognise, while giving us plenty of scope to build a distinctive visual identity around it.

A strong name is often the first step in making selling easier. If customers can remember it after seeing it once, you’re already ahead of many competing products.

Standing out in a crowded market

One of the biggest challenges in drinks branding is differentiation.

Alcohol shelves are packed with familiar colours, familiar shapes and familiar visual language. For a new entrant, disappearing into the background can happen very quickly.

Our approach focused heavily on helping the brand stand out in a crowd.

Rather than following the conventions of premium cocktail brands, we deliberately leaned into high-impact graphics, bold typography and vibrant flavour-led colour coding.

The result is impossible to ignore.

Large, industrial-inspired typography creates instant visibility from a distance, while the warning-stripe graphics add energy and movement. Each flavour is assigned a distinctive colour palette, making the range easy to navigate while creating a striking block effect when multiple products sit together on shelf.

Whether viewed individually or as a range, the products work hard to grab attention.

And in retail environments, attention is often the first sale.

Making purchasing decisions easier

Good packaging shouldn’t just look attractive.

It should help customers make quick decisions.

Many drinks categories suffer from cluttered labels and confusing messaging. Customers are often forced to hunt for flavour information, alcohol content or product details.

With Savvy Shotz, clarity became a priority.

The flavour is immediately visible. The product name dominates the label. The format is easy to understand.

Everything is designed to reduce friction and help shoppers make a decision within seconds.

This is one of the reasons effective packaging can directly contribute to increased sales. When products are easier to understand, they’re easier to buy.

Designing for the real world

Creating packaging on screen is one thing.

Creating packaging that works in the real world is something else entirely.

Throughout the project, we considered how the product would appear in different retail environments, under different lighting conditions and alongside competing products.

The bright colour palette was chosen not just because it looked good, but because it would remain highly visible across various retail settings.

The typography was tested for legibility at distance.

The label layout was developed to ensure key information remained prominent, even when bottles were grouped together on shelf.

Every design decision was made with commercial reality in mind.

Because great branding isn’t about creating something that looks impressive in a presentation.

It’s about creating something that performs when customers are making buying decisions.

Building a brand, not just a label

One of the advantages of developing a brand from scratch is the ability to think beyond packaging.

The visual identity we created for Savvy Shotz provides a flexible foundation that can be applied across future marketing materials, point-of-sale displays, social media content and promotional campaigns.

Consistency builds recognition.

Recognition builds trust.

And trust makes selling easier.

By creating a strong brand system from day one, the client now has a platform they can continue building upon as the business grows.

The result

Savvy Shotz demonstrates what can happen when naming, branding and packaging are considered together rather than as separate exercises.

From naming and brand creation through to packaging design, every element of the project was developed with commercial performance in mind. The result is a distinctive new brand that cuts through the noise of a crowded category, helps customers quickly understand the product, and provides a strong foundation for future growth. Most importantly, Savvy Shotz feels confident, energetic and memorable – exactly the qualities needed to earn attention on a busy shelf and stay in customers’ minds long after they’ve walked away.

A brand says a lot before anyone reads a single word. For DHA Architects, that first impression had started to drift away from who they are today – a practice known for thoughtful design, clear thinking, and projects that balance creativity with real-world practicality.

The challenge was simple on paper: refresh the brand so it better reflected the quality of the work coming out of the studio. In reality, as most businesses discover, a rebrand is rarely just about changing a logo. It’s about shaping how people understand your business.

And for an architectural practice, that matters.

A brand that reflects the thinking behind the work

Architects live and breathe structure, clarity, and purpose. Every line in a building drawing exists for a reason. We felt the brand should follow the same philosophy.

The new identity for DHA Architects focuses on simplicity, balance, and confidence. Clean typography, a refined visual language, and a more considered approach to layout help the brand feel more contemporary without losing the professionalism expected in the sector.

The result is a brand that feels architectural in its own right — structured, deliberate, and quietly confident.

This work sits firmly within two of our core strategic pillars.

Stand out in a crowd

Architecture is a competitive industry, and many firms end up looking surprisingly similar online and in pitch documents. A distinctive brand gives DHA Architects a clearer voice in that landscape.

Build trust, build loyalty

In sectors where projects are complex and long-term, credibility is everything. A professional, well-considered brand signals capability before the first meeting even happens.

Making selling easier

A strong brand doesn’t just look good on a website. It becomes a tool the business can use every day.

The refreshed identity gives DHA Architects a clearer visual system that works across presentations, proposals, marketing materials, and digital channels. When a brand is consistent and easy to apply, it helps teams communicate more confidently and professionally.

That might sound like a small thing, but it has a very real commercial impact.

When your materials look clear, organised, and credible, potential clients find it easier to trust the business behind them. That makes conversations smoother, proposals stronger, and decisions easier.

In other words: good design quietly removes friction from the sales process.

A brand built for the future

One of the most important parts of any rebrand is making sure it can grow with the business.

The new identity for DHA Architects provides a flexible foundation – something that works today but will continue to support the practice as it evolves, wins new projects, and expands its portfolio.

Good branding isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about creating a clear, confident platform a business can build on for years to come.

And when that happens, the value goes far beyond the visuals.

Some brands need to grab attention.

Others need to offer reassurance.

When Jukes Funeral Services asked us to create a standalone brand for their direct cremation service, Solely Cremation, the goal was refreshingly clear: help families understand their options without adding to an already difficult day.

No hype. No theatrics. Just clarity, care and a steady hand.

Starting with confidence (not guesswork)

Solely Cremation already existed as a service, but the brand itself needed strengthening. In practice, that meant building almost everything from the ground up – the logo, visual identity, icons, printed literature and all the things that quietly do the heavy lifting.

Because when people encounter this brand, it needs to feel established, credible and trustworthy straight away. Not like it’s still finding its feet.

Standing out by keeping things simple

The direct cremation market is growing, and with growth comes… well, a lot of very similar messaging.

Rather than adding more noise, we focused on doing the opposite. The Solely Cremation brand is clear about what it offers, how it works, and who it’s for – without asking people to wade through paragraphs of explanation.

It communicates:

– A dignified, respectful direct cremation
– Managed locally, by experienced professionals
– Without unnecessary ceremony, cost or complication

Clear beats clever here. Every time.

Helping people think clearly, when thinking is hard

At an emotional time, even simple decisions can feel overwhelming. Good branding can’t remove that reality – but it can make things feel more manageable.

We designed every element of the Solely Cremation brand to reduce friction:

– Clear structure and layout
– Simple, intuitive iconography
– Plain language that explains what happens next, without jargon

The aim was never to impress. It was to reassure. And to quietly guide people forward without making them feel rushed or confused.

A brand that supports real conversations

Behind every brand is a business that needs things to work in the real world.

Solely Cremation is a focused service, and the brand needed to support calm, straightforward conversations – not complicate them. By clearly positioning it as a dedicated direct cremation service, the brand helps set expectations early and keeps discussions simple and purposeful.

Which is helpful for families. And, frankly, for the team too.

Rooted locally, designed with care

Solely Cremation is part of a family-run business with strong ties to the Midlands, funeral homes in Lichfield, Tamworth and Brownhills, and over 60 years of experience in the funeral industry.

The brand reflects that quietly — not through big claims, but through consistency and tone. It feels modern and independent, while still grounded in care, experience and real people doing an important job well.

Why this approach works

This project is a good reminder that effective branding doesn’t have to shout to be heard.

Sometimes, the most powerful thing a brand can do is:

– Build trust quickly
– Make things easier to understand
– And stay out of the way when it needs to

That’s exactly what the Solely Cremation brand was designed to do.

Thinking about your own brand?

Your business may live in a very different world — but if your brand needs to:

– Be understood quickly
– Build confidence early
– Or simply feel more human

Then the same principles apply.

Good branding isn’t about making things louder. It’s about making them clearer.

And if you fancy a no-pressure chat about whether your branding is doing that, you know where we are.

When two established names in roofing decide to join forces, it’s not just a merger – it’s an opportunity to build something even stronger. That was the case when Profile Industrial Roofing and Roofclad Systems united under one roof (pun intended), creating a national powerhouse in roofing and cladding refurbishment.

And when it came to rebranding the combined business, they turned to familiar faces – us at PHd Design. Having previously branded Profile Industrial Roofing, we were invited back to help shape the new identity for Roofclad Systems.

From Two to One: A New Chapter

The merger brought together more than 70 years of combined expertise, five regional hubs, and a turnover north of £20 million – but two brands with distinct histories. The challenge? To create a unified identity that reflected their shared strengths without losing the equity of either name.

Our task was to position Roofclad Systems as a trusted, nationwide contractor that still retained its down-to-earth, hands-on approach. The goal wasn’t to reinvent the wheel, but to make sure it rolled smoother, looked sharper, and travelled further.

A Rebrand Built on Solid Foundations

We began by revisiting what each business stood for – Roofclad’s technical authority and Profile’s reputation for reliability. The new brand needed to bring those qualities together under a clear, confident, and scalable identity.

The result? A bold, modernised brand system that reflects the company’s industry expertise and future ambition. The new logo – with clean geometric forms inspired by rooftops – sits proudly in a colour palette of deep blue and construction orange, balancing professionalism with energy.

Every element was designed with purpose. From the vehicle livery to uniforms and site signage, the new brand ensures instant recognition whether it’s spotted on a motorway, a high-vis jacket, or a hard hat.

Making It Work Hard (Just Like Their Team)

Roofclad Systems doesn’t just install roofing – they solve problems. So, we created a visual language that works just as hard as they do. The system includes distinctive line icons representing their core services – from overcladding and waterproofing to solar panels and corrosion treatment – bringing clarity and cohesion to their communications.

We also considered scalability. With the company operating across five UK locations, consistency was key. The refreshed identity gives the brand room to grow while maintaining unity across every touchpoint, from digital to on-site.

More Than a Makeover

For Roofclad Systems, this rebrand wasn’t just cosmetic. It marks a new phase of growth – backed by the strength of two respected teams now working as one. And for us, it’s another reminder that great design is about more than aesthetics; it’s about helping businesses evolve confidently, without losing sight of who they are.

When Niyazis Foods approached us, they weren’t just after a new logo – they wanted to revitalise their entire brand to reflect who they’d become: a modern, reliable, and fast-growing food supplier with a loyal customer base and a strong sense of pride in what they do. Their goal? To look every bit as professional and dependable as the service they deliver.

At PHd Design, we got to work on a full rebrand covering everything from the logo and delivery fleet livery to packaging, point-of-sale, and print materials.

The Challenge

Niyazis Foods had built a great reputation, but their visual identity hadn’t kept pace with their growth. They needed a brand that felt confident, contemporary, and instantly recognisable – one that worked just as well on a delivery van as it did on a business card or cardboard box.

The Idea

We designed a bold, modern identity built around a geometric ‘N’ mark – clean, confident, and full of motion. The intertwining lines symbolise connection and flow, much like the way Niyazis Foods brings suppliers and customers together.

The colour palette – a punchy combination of deep navy and warm orange – reflects professionalism and energy. Together, they make a statement: dependable and dynamic.

The Rollout

From delivery vans to packaging, every touchpoint carries the new identity with consistency and confidence. The livery designs make their fleet instantly recognisable on the road, while the clean, icon-led graphics bring clarity to product categories across print and packaging.

Each icon was crafted with purpose – whether it’s fish and meats, sauces and condiments, or packaging and hygiene – helping customers quickly identify what’s what while reinforcing the Niyazis Foods brand.

The Result

The rebrand gives Niyazis Foods a clear, modern identity that stands out in a competitive market and positions them for future growth. It’s simple, strong, and unmistakably theirs – everything a great food supplier brand should be.

At PHd Design, we believe that a rebrand isn’t just about looking better – it’s about giving your business the confidence to go further.

When you’ve worked with a brand for as long as we’ve worked with Maguire Jackson, you get to know it like an old friend. And just like old friends, sometimes they need a bit of a refresh – not a complete makeover, but a confident update that keeps them looking sharp in the here and now.

Maguire Jackson, Birmingham’s leading independent estate agency, asked us to help evolve their brand identity. They wanted something that stayed true to their heritage while standing out on the busy high street and digital feeds alike. Our job? To take what was already recognisable and give it the polish, clarity and consistency it needed to keep pace.

From recognisable to remarkable

The previous Maguire Jackson identity had served them well, but after a decade it was starting to feel a little dated. We stripped things back and rebuilt the brand around a refreshed logo mark – one that’s clean, confident and versatile, whether it’s printed on a business card or wrapped around a van.

This wasn’t just about logos, though. The update touched every corner of the business:

– New vehicle livery that can’t be missed on Birmingham’s roads.
– Fresh office signage that brings curb appeal to their prime city-centre spots.
– A suite of for sale boards that pop out on crowded streets.
– Smart business cards and brochures that make the right impression from the first handshake.
– A set of clear, practical brand guidelines to keep everything consistent moving forward.

Evolution, not revolution

The beauty of this project was in the balance. We weren’t reinventing Maguire Jackson; we were reinforcing who they are. That meant holding onto the brand’s personality while sharpening its edges for a modern audience. Think less “midlife crisis makeover” and more “fresh haircut and a new suit”.

The end result is a brand that feels current, credible and unmistakably Maguire Jackson – exactly what’s needed in a competitive marketplace where first impressions really do count.

Why it works

Strong design doesn’t just make things look good – it makes them work harder. For Maguire Jackson, this update gives them:

– Consistency across every touchpoint.
– Clarity in a crowded property market.
– Confidence in how they present themselves to clients and prospects.

And because we’ve built everything from the ground up with longevity in mind, it’s a brand that’s set to work just as hard for the next decade as it has in the past one.

Final thoughts

At PHd Design, we love projects like this. They prove that good design isn’t about tearing everything down – it’s about knowing what to keep, what to evolve, and what to leave behind.

If your brand could do with a sharpen-up – whether it’s a subtle refresh or a full rebrand – we’d love to talk. Get in touch and let’s see how we can bring your story up to date.

Every good brand deserves a bit of TLC now and then. After all, even the most iconic logos and liveries can start to feel a little… well, lived in.

That’s exactly what happened with ARM Ltd (better known to many as ARM Reedbeds). We’d created their logo more than a decade ago, and while it had served them faithfully, it was time for a refresh that reflected the company’s evolution without losing the equity they’d built along the way.

A Company That Lets Nature Do the Work

Based in Staffordshire, ARM Ltd has been leading the way in natural wastewater treatment since the 1980s. Instead of relying on heavy machinery or chemicals, they harness constructed wetlands to do the job – transforming reedbeds into natural filters that treat wastewater sustainably. Over the years, they’ve pioneered everything from Forced Bed Aeration™ systems to the world’s first drinking water sludge treatment wetland.

Impressive stuff. But while their technology was pushing boundaries, their brand identity needed to catch up.

The Challenge

ARM’s brief was clear: update their look without throwing away the recognition they’d spent years building. It wasn’t about reinventing the wheel; it was about making the wheel look smarter, sharper, and more in line with who they are today.

Our job? To refine their visual identity – starting with a refreshed logo, updated vehicle livery, and a suite of new icons that could help communicate their services in a simple, consistent way.

Our Approach

We went back to the foundations of the original logo we created for them 10 years ago. Think of it as renovating a much-loved home: you keep the structure, but upgrade the fixtures and fittings to suit modern life.

Logo refresh: We streamlined the existing design, retaining its recognisable elements but giving it a cleaner, more contemporary finish.

Livery design: ARM’s fleet of vehicles now doubles as moving billboards – sleek, professional, and perfectly aligned with their sustainable ethos.

Iconography: We introduced a new set of icons to simplify how ARM communicate complex processes, making their services more approachable for clients across multiple sectors.

The result? A visual identity that looks modern and confident, but still feels reassuringly familiar to those who know the brand.

Why It Matters

A soft rebrand might not sound as dramatic as starting from scratch, but for established businesses like ARM, it’s often the smartest move. It shows growth and evolution without alienating loyal clients or confusing the market.

For ARM, it was about signalling innovation while holding onto trust. For us at PHd Design, it was about proving once again that small, considered changes can have just as much impact as a bold rebrand – sometimes even more.

Design is a living, breathing thing. Just like the wetlands ARM builds, a brand needs care and attention to thrive. Ten years on, we were proud to revisit our own work and help ARM move confidently into their next chapter.

When a group of industry experts with nearly 200 years of combined experience decide to get together and share their secrets, you know you’re in for something special. But how do you package a big idea like that into something people can instantly understand (and get excited about)?

That was the challenge MKT brought to our studio: take a clever concept – bite-size business growth solutions, shared in a relaxed, engaging setting – and wrap it up in a brand that felt as smart and bold as the people behind it.

Designing for appetite and attention

From the start, MKT needed to look the part. This wasn’t about stuffy lectures or dry theory. It was about sparking ideas, busting myths, and leaving attendees with wisdom they could actually use. The brand had to strike the right balance: professional, but not corporate. Fun, but not flippant.

Our answer? Clean, confident visuals that put the message centre stage, supported by bold typography and a fresh palette to give the brand energy. The MKT identity works seamlessly across digital and print — from the website that introduces the concept, right through to the branded pizza boxes created especially for the launch event (because if you’re promising bite-sized wisdom, it’s only fair to deliver a slice on the side).

The result

The outcome is a brand that makes MKT instantly recognisable, while leaving plenty of room for each expert’s personality to shine through. Whether you’re reading about SEO, watching video tips, or hearing insights on voice branding, everything hangs together under one clear, cohesive identity.

More than just looking good, the design does its job: it makes MKT approachable, memorable, and trustworthy – exactly what you’d want if you’re asking busy marketing managers to give up their lunch break.

Why it matters

Great design isn’t about adding noise. It’s about making the signal stronger. For MKT, that meant creating a visual identity that gave credibility to the idea, while keeping things engaging enough to spark conversations (and maybe even a few referrals).

Because in the end, whether it’s branding or business growth, it’s the ideas that stick. The design just makes sure they stick faster.

Some venues have history.
Four Crosses has 52 deaths and a reputation for uninvited guests who don’t check out.

Established in 1636, the building has been everything from a coaching inn to a boarding house – but in recent years, it’s made a name for itself with its haunted house tours. The problem? While the ghost stories were spine-chilling, the brand wasn’t exactly raising hairs.

That’s when they knocked on our door (and yes, we double-checked it wasn’t the wind).

Setting the scene

Our brief was clear: give Four Crosses a brand that matched the intrigue, history, and “is that a cold draft or a ghost?” atmosphere of the place. We dug deep into its past – poring over tales of tragic ends, mysterious figures, and centuries of hospitality – to create a visual identity that makes you want to step inside… even if part of you isn’t sure you should.

The result? A polished, distinctive brand that captures both the eerie charm and historic weight of Four Crosses.

Enter ‘Spirit 52’

Because one haunting isn’t enough, we also created a sub-brand: Spirit 52. The name? A nod to the 52 recorded deaths on the property. The purpose? Merchandise and souvenirs for visitors who want to take a little piece of the paranormal home with them – from T-shirts to tote bags.

And that’s not all. Soon, Spirit 52 will live up to its name in more ways than one, with a line of gin, vodka and other spirits (pun entirely intended).

Why it works

We didn’t just design a logo and call it a day. We built a brand story that feels as authentic as the building itself – one that connects visitors to its history, its mystery, and yes, its ghostly residents. The identity is rooted in the venue’s heritage, but sharp enough to stand out in the modern tourism market.

Now, when guests arrive, their first impression is as memorable as the creaking floorboards and unexplained footsteps.

Ever tried to get five strong personalities in a room to agree on one outfit? That’s essentially what our client Calztec asked us to do – only instead of outfits, it was logos. And instead of people, it was a group of different business divisions all trying to look unified without losing their individuality.

Challenge accepted.

From Fragmented to Focussed

Calztec, based in Bromsgrove, had grown into a bit of a multi-headed beast. Each division had its own identity, from energy to estates to maintenance. Great for expertise. Not so great for brand recognition. Our brief? Bring everything under one cohesive brand that still allowed the individual areas to shine. Think: Avengers Assemble, but make it design.

Enter Adroit Commercial.

We helped rename, restructure, and rebrand the business into a masterbrand with five connected (literally) divisions:

Adroit Commercial – the parent brand and new strategic umbrella

React Energy – the green-thinking division

Adroit Estates – fresh, modern, property-minded

Calztec Fitout – sleek and sharp

Calztec Maintain – dependable, cool-headed support

Each logo works on its own. But when placed together, they connect to form the vibrant, geometric “A” of Adroit Commercial. Satisfyingly modular, and a bit addictive to piece together. Like design Tetris.

Bold. Bright. Built to Last.

We leaned on angular, faceted forms and a strong colour palette to carve out a distinct visual language for each division – while keeping enough consistency to feel like part of one family. It’s bold, without shouting. Modern, without chasing trends. And, most importantly, it gives Adroit a scalable identity they can grow into.

The feedback? Let’s just say the client didn’t just like it – they clicked with it. (Literally. Once they saw how the logos fit together, there may have been some desk-based applause.)

Why It Matters

For growing businesses, clarity is currency. A clear structure helps customers understand what you offer. A joined-up identity shows you’re organised, future-facing, and serious about your place in the market.

If your business is starting to feel like it’s split across too many directions – or your logo’s still stuck in the ‘90s – we should probably talk.

Coffee’s on us.