When we first connected with the Bandura team—a hospitality interior design company based in Washington, D.C.—it was clear they were ready for a change. Specialising in multi-family projects and hotels, they work in a highly competitive space, where every detail counts. Their website, however, told a different story. Originally designed by the owner in the company’s early years, it no longer reflected the sophistication and creativity they bring to their projects.
They came to us seeking a new website, not yet realising it is going to be complete brand realignment—one that truly matched their growth and evolving vision.
Their brief was both straightforward and ambitious: they dreamed of a site that balanced quirkiness with elegance, capturing the essence of their real-world designs. After carefully exploring their options and reviewing our portfolio, they consciously chose us to create something meaningful and exceptional—not just another cookie-cutter website.
Discovery Session
In our very first discovery session, it became apparent that this project would need to go deeper than just web design. Their existing branding, centered around a pencil logo, was a solid starting point but needed refinement. The pencil was logical for a design firm, but its execution lacked the polish and depth that their growing reputation demanded.
We proposed rethinking the logo and their broader branding strategy before touching the website—an approach they immediately embraced.
We’ve worked with architects before, so we knew what we were getting into. Design professionals tend to have strong opinions about aesthetics (it’s their job, after all), and they often approach web design with the same mindset they bring to spatial design. This can create friction, but for us, it’s a challenge we welcome. We approached this project with a clear message: web design isn’t architecture. It’s its own discipline, and we’d guide them through every step of the process.
Building the Brand
Before jumping into the website redesign, we focused on their branding, starting with their pencil logo—a meaningful symbol they were adamant about keeping. We reimagined the concept, transforming it into a sleek, modern icon that balanced sophistication with approachability.
To bring the updated brand to life, we paired it with a bold and timeless colour palette: black and white plus a vibrant accent that reflected their confident yet understated aesthetic. Clean, architectural typography added precision, echoing the structured beauty of their interior designs.
This new identity came together in a brandbook that did more than guide their website—it became a roadmap for their entire business. Seeing how these elements carried through to their physical office and reinforced their identity across all touch points was a rewarding reminder of the power of intentional design.
The Website
With the branding polished, we turned our attention to the website. The Bandura team had clear priorities: they wanted a website that was visually striking,easy to maintain, and truly representative of their dynamic team and impressive portfolio.
The team page was a key focus. Highlighting their people—not just their projects—was essential. We designed an engaging, animated layout that brought the team’s personality to life, making it far more than a simple directory.
Project pages were another priority. Each project needed its own space, with visuals and details that showcased their expertise. To ensure effortless updates, we built a database, so adding new projects could be done in minutes by their team without navigating complex layouts.
Every aspect of the site was crafted with precision, from its responsive design to the elegant motion effects that subtly enhanced the scrolling experience. The animated logo added an extra touch of personality, tying the entire brand story together.
The site was built on Wix Studio, which combined the client’s familiarity with the Wix ecosystem and the platform’s advanced features. While the move to Wix Studio was a major upgrade—offering a range of impressive new functionalities—it still provided the client with a sense of familiarity.
The result is a modern, elegant site that’s as functional as it is beautiful. It’s a digital space that reflects Bandura’s growth and creativity while being practical enough to evolve with them—a step forward in every sense, yet still easy and familiar for the client to use.
The Process
Collaboration was at the heart of this project. From the beginning, we worked closely with their team to outline exactly what we needed: videos of their office and projects, team photos, and other assets that would bring the site to life. They rose to the challenge, providing everything we asked for—right down to video clips timed to the second based on our recommendations. This level of engagement made all the difference, ensuring the final product was as dynamic and authentic as the company itself.
The Outcome
The finished website is a living, breathing reflection of their brand—dynamic, engaging, and impactful. The reimagined pencil logo, sleek design, and smooth user experience came together to create something that not only met but exceeded expectations, even impressing the most design-savvy members of their team. What’s more, the new branding became so ingrained in their identity that it influenced everything from their office decor to the way the team perceives their own growth. It’s a clear reminder that great design isn’t just about looking good—it shapes how people feel and work.
Bandura's Office in Washington, D.C.
This project is a shining example of the power of collaboration and intentional design. By starting with a strong brand foundation and seamlessly carrying that vision into every element of the website, we created a platform that doesn’t just meet the client’s needs—it elevates their business.
And as an exciting bonus, this project earned us two nominations in the Q2 2024 Online Design Awards: in the Website Design category and in the Brand Identity category. A well-deserved recognition for a project that we truly love!
