Ashton Design’s 30th year in business, 2015, was marked by some of the largest, most complex and rewarding projects in our history. Whether we were in our own city revitalizing a historical theater or halfway across the globe completing an international science exhibit, we approached every project in the same way: designing solutions and experiences that were uniquely tailored to each project and its audience.

1.
ABET Rebrand
Identity, Print, Web, Environments

One of our largest and most extensive projects of the year was developing the new identity and logo for ABET, a global organization that sets the standard for higher educational programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. We created a contemporary identity that mirrors its forward-thinking purpose and implemented it across the full spectrum of ABET’s brand imagery, media and materials, as well as environmental graphics for the organization’s headquarters and corporate training facility in downtown Baltimore. We also conceptualized and designed two of their largest special events—their annual Awards Gala and Annual Symposium Conference.

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2.
ABET Website
Web

We transformed the existing ABET website into a streamlined and engaging experience that reflects the organization’s work in global accreditation for cutting-edge science and technology related educational programs. Bold applications of color, custom icons and defined typographic styles help to create a dynamic user-friendly site with intuitive navigation for both ABET members and first-time visitors. The website, along with the identity, were recognized with two international marketing and communication awards.

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3.
Konya Science Center, “Our Bodies”
Environments, Illustration

We completed our first international exhibit—“Our Bodies”—one of seven permanent galleries in the Konya Science Center—Turkey’s first interactive science center. We created stylized scientific and anatomical illustrations and a simple bilingual visual system for the exhibit graphics that create a fully immersive environment with the goal of producing an informal learning setting for kids between 4 and 9 years old. The exhibit is part of a greater complex with an LEED-certified museum that is expected to attract 1.7 million visitors a year.

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4.
Old Ellicott City
Identity, Print, Environments

Old Ellicott City is a beautiful and thriving historic main street in the heart of Maryland. We were tasked with capturing its quirky and independent spirit with a new identity and tagline. We had the opportunity to work with historic wood type for the logo from Baltimore’s famous Globe Poster Printing Corporation, now managed by the Globe Press Studio at MICA. The tagline—“Individually Crafted”—refers both to the unique personalities that make up Old Ellicott City and to the ability for each visitor to create his/her own unique experience in this eclectic downtown.

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5.
Harley-Davidson Museum, “Willie G Davidson:
Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend”
Identity, Environments

This summer’s special exhibit at the Harley-Davidson Museum, ‘Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend’, celebrated the life, career and legacy of Willie G. Davidson, the man behind the iconic look, shape and feel of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Working closely with Willie G. and the museum’s curatorial staff, we created the show’s identity, layout and interpretive graphics. Running from June 13th—September 7th, the exhibit gave visitors access to one-of-a-kind vehicles, original designs, art and rare artifacts that provided an insight into his unique creative process and personal style.

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6.
Sagamore Development Headquarters
Environments

Working with Sagamore Development and Patrick Sutton Interiors, we designed the signage for Sagamore’s new headquarters. Owned by Under Armour CEO and founder Kevin Plank and one of the firms leading Baltimore’s transformational development, Sagamore’s modern, industrial interior offices are finished with custom cold rolled steel walls, which inspired our simple yet effective signage. More recently, we were asked to collaborate with Colorado-based Finndustry, and interior designer Patrick Sutton to create a comprehensive sign package for the new hotel being established on the Fells Point Recreation Pier by Sagamore.

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7.
The Centre
Environments

This year we had the opportunity to help revitalize Baltimore’s beautiful but long-neglected Centre Theatre and transform it into an award-winning multi-purpose space. Working with non-profit developer Jubilee Baltimore and Ziger/Snead Architects, we created Art Deco-inspired graphics and signage and the restored marquee to once again illuminate North Avenue in the Station North Arts District. The space, recipient of a ULI Baltimore Wavemaker Award, is now home to local businesses, community organizations and the joint filmmaking program of Johns Hopkins and Maryland Institute College of Art.

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8.
Georgetown University
Web

Georgetown University’s Center for Intercultural Education and Development (CIED) was in need of a more user-friendly and visually-appealing website and we were excited to help. Working in close collaboration with the school, as well as Ashton’s writing, development and strategy team, we helped to develop a new system, using current brand standards, in which potential students and teachers could easily navigate the expansive and engaging website. After its launch, we worked with Georgetown on improving their website for the English Language Programs.

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9.
Maryland Distillers Guild
Identity

In recent years, Maryland has experienced a resurgence in small craft distilleries, and we were excited to be asked to create the logo for the Maryland Distillers Guild (MDG), which represents and raises awareness for the growing Maryland spirit industry. The MDG logo is inspired by Maryland’s long tradition of rye distilling, taking inspiration from historic wax stamps and ornate typography but updated for its contemporary use.
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10.
Latitude Residences
Identity, Print, Environments

In 2015 we started work on the identity and environmental design for Latitude, an innovative apartment complex in Champaign, Illinois. Home to University of Chicago students and young professionals, Latitude aims to provide an innovative and collaborative atmosphere with extensive co-working spaces and amenities reminiscent of a tech startup.
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11.
Sunnyfields
Identity, Print, Web, Environments

Sunnyfields, a “new kind of home centre for the Baltimore region”, needed a new look to go with their newly opened showroom for high-end custom cabinetry and home goods. We worked closely with the client to create a logo, website, signage and various print materials, and in doing so, helped to define their brand position and marketing strategy. The result is an identity that is as elegant, unique and experience-driven as their showroom.

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12.
BMA African Wing
Print

After the success of the American Wing family guide, we again teamed up with the Baltimore Museum of Art to create another kid-friendly piece for their newly expanded African Art gallery. Wanting to avoid overly themed cliches, we took a more contemporary approach to the guide by balancing bold color and typography with a collage-style layout within each spread. The result is a piece that is playful, accessible and engaging for kids.

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13.
Arris
Environments

Arris is the newest apartment building to open in The Yards, one of the trendiest areas along the Capital Waterfront in Washington DC. We were tasked with creating interior and exterior signage that will complement this unique and dynamic building designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. As the project is nearing completion, we will soon be able to share more of our signage.
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14.
St Paul’s School Annual Fund & Annual Report
Print

For over 20 years, we have been partnering with St. Paul’s School to create their development, fundraising and strategic plan materials. For the 2015 Annual Report, we wanted to have the message be about St. Paul’s donors and how their past contributions had enhanced the school. We had over 400 students from 1st-12th grade write personal thank you letters describing how donations had helped to improve their school experience. These hand-written messages were carried throughout the printed Annual Report and one of the 400 letters was included with each mailed report for a one-of-a-kind thank you.
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15.
KIPP DC Panthers
Logo

Inspired by European soccer club logo crests, the new identity we created for the KIPP DC College Prep Panthers takes a sophisticated approach to school athletics graphics. The mark and seal will soon be applied to uniforms, supergraphics and the main gymnasium floor. In addition to the Panthers’ identity, we are currently working on the school’s exterior signage, donor recognition and interior graphics.
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