Ground

Ground is a workplace brand built on dual meaning. In a professional sense, it reflects workplace language such as “let’s touch ground”. In a more human sense, it is tied to nature, roots, and growth, and the idea of taking time away from the screen.

Located in Camden, the building features a rare landscaped garden with a mature apple tree. Rather than take the obvious route of using an apple or tree, the identity focused on the architecture of plants at a closer level, such as leaves and roots, and paired this with the architectural character of the building itself. The result is a brand that celebrates the harmony between nature and structure.

Overview


Close-up of a small rectangular sign with the 'ground' logo. The shadow of a tree is cast on the wall, and the lower part of the image shows a reflective glass window or door.

The client initially approached the project with a typical address-led name. While functional, it lacked character and would not stand out in the creative and technology markets they were hoping to attract.

The challenge was not only to create a brand identity but also to rename the building in a way that felt more memorable, more meaningful, and more appealing to forward-thinking businesses.

Challenge

Illustration of a green plant with roots, stem, leaves, and soil.
A small plant with green leaves and visible roots, growing on a white background.
Close-up of a young sprout emerging from dark soil, with two small green leaves attached to the stem.
A small plant with green leaves and visible roots against a black background.

Renaming the property to Ground set the foundation for the entire identity. It is short, memorable, and layered with meaning. It speaks to both professional language and to the natural qualities of the building.

The concept took inspiration from the roots of the apple tree in the garden rather than the tree itself. Roots symbolise the starting point of ideas, campaigns, and businesses, with the potential to grow into something larger. This metaphor became the backbone of the design.

The logo is typographically led, crafted with references to both the roots of plants and the structure of the building. It reflects the duality of organic growth and architectural precision, providing a system that feels professional yet warm, structured yet human.

Strategy & Concept

Close-up of a leaf with a stylized letter 'g' on it.
Smartphone resting on a small table, displaying a webpage with the text 'Where ideas take root' and a background of green leaves.
Six circles vertically aligned, each with different colors: black, dark green, grayish green, brown, beige, and an empty circle outline at the bottom.
A white envelope with two grey circular buttons and string closure, placed next to a card titled 'Welcome pack' with a dark green leaf image and the words 'ground' and 'welcome pack' in black text.

Ground stands apart from the typical address-led office developments in London. It is a brand that feels rooted in its environment, professional in its tone, and appealing to the creative and tech businesses it seeks to attract.

The identity highlights the building’s rare garden and unique sense of calm while avoiding predictable visual tropes. By focusing on roots and architectural detail, the brand presents Ground as a place where ideas take shape, grow, and thrive.

Outcome

A woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a taupe coat, is holding a large tote bag with a leaf pattern and the word 'ground' printed on it, standing against a plain dark background.
Close-up of a textured leaf with the word 'ground' written in the center.
More Projects
Make Contact