Blackney Hayes is a leading architecture firm based in Philadelphia focused on collaboration and creativity. The firm offers architectural and interior design services across education, multi-family, hospitality, healthcare, corporate, and residential markets.
The Ask.
Blackney Hayes, an architecture and interior design agency, approached Third & Arch to refresh their brand and redesign their website. With a new generation of leadership emerging, they needed a brand that reflected their bold, collaborative approach and positioned them to compete nationally while retaining the firm’s roots of trust and transparency.
The Answer.
We developed a brand strategy that positioned Blackney Hayes as a firm committed to honest, transparent communication and thoughtful design solutions. Paired with this brand, we created a refreshed visual identity and a strategically structured web design to showcase their unique culture, process, and market expertise.
The Goods.
- Brand Identity
- Brand Strategy
- Logo Design
- Web Strategy
- Web Design & Development
The Challenge
Before our work, Blackney Hayes struggled with an undefined value proposition and visual inconsistencies. The previous logo design lacked flexibility, and the website failed to showcase their growing expertise across industries. To address these gaps, we conducted in-depth audience and market research. This process helped uncover opportunities to define an authentic brand differentiator and highlight the architecture firm's commitment to collaborative, budget-conscious design solutions.
The Solution
The brand idea “Uncompromisingly Candid” emerged from Blackney Haye's open, honest approach to architecture and interior design. They don’t just design; they listen, collaborate, and deliver thoughtful design solutions that push boundaries without compromising constraints. The new brand positioning brought this authenticity to the forefront.
An Evolved Name and Look
To reflect their expanded capabilities beyond architecture, including interior design services, we recommended simplifying the firm’s name from "Blackney Hayes Architects" to simply "Blackney Hayes." This streamlined brand identity eliminates confusion, aligns with their broader services, and positions the architecture firm for future growth. Alongside the name change, we refreshed the logo design to maintain its iconic yellow and black square—an element with strong brand equity—while introducing a responsive suite of logos designed for seamless use across digital platforms, print materials, and branded collateral. The result is a modern, versatile brand identity that reflects the full scope of Blackney Hayes’ work and sets them up for long-term success.
A Proper Brand Hierarchy
To address Blackney Haye's broad market reach, we developed a suite of sub-brands tailored for specific industries like Higher Education, Multi-Family, and Healthcare. Each sub-brand features unique color palettes and logos while tying back to the primary brand identity. This strategy allows Blackney Hayes to position themselves as specialists without losing the cohesion of their overall brand.
Bringing the Brand to Life
To showcase the new Blackney Hayes brand in action, we designed a suite of mockups that extended the identity across key touchpoints. From branded merchandise to polished print collateral and professional stationery, each element reflects the firm’s bold, clean, and versatile style. These materials not only reinforce the refreshed logo design and visual identity but also embody the firm’s new brand positioning—Uncompromisingly Candid. Whether in a client meeting or at industry events, the cohesive designs ensure that Blackney Hayes stands out with a consistent, professional presence that feels modern, confident, and aligned with their values.
Brand Consistency with Purpose
The brand style guide helps Blackney Hayes keep their new identity consistent across everything they do. It includes easy-to-follow guidelines for using the logo, colors, fonts, and tone of voice, making it simple for the architecture firm to stay on-brand. This ensures Blackney Hayes always looks polished, professional, and true to their positioning.
A Strategic Approach to a New Web Design
The new website was designed to reflect Blackney Hayes’ culture, values, and expertise while meeting their business goals. We focused on showcasing their collaborative process, robust case studies, and deep understanding of their markets through thought leadership. The site structure prioritizes usability, with filterable project portfolios, market-specific landing pages, and clear pathways for prospective clients to start a project. By combining strategic content with an intuitive design, the new web design positions Blackney Hayes as a trusted partner for clients across industries.
Translating the Brand to Web
The new website brings the Blackney Hayes brand to life with a clean, modern design that highlights both their work and their culture. Robust case studies showcase project goals, challenges, and solutions, while professional team profiles and behind-the-scenes imagery emphasize the firm’s collaborative and candid approach. Market-specific landing pages provide tailored content for key industries, reinforcing their expertise across sectors. The web design balances style and function, making it easy for visitors to explore relevant case studies, understand their process, and take the next step—whether that’s starting a project or learning more about the team.
Thoughtfully Curated Digital Assets
Behind-the-scenes imagery and office photography capture the firm's collaborative spirit, candid approach, and day-to-day dedication. This thoughtful balance of work and personality brings the brand to life, making Blackney Hayes feel authentic, approachable, and deeply human.
The Result.
