LBD Studio is an independent brand consultancy based in Edinburgh. We help ambitious organisations work out what they stand for, then build the identity, website and communications that make it visible.
The work starts with strategy. We spend time with leadership teams, staff and customers before we design anything, because a brand that isn't rooted in how an organisation actually works won't hold up. From there we build identity systems, typography, guidelines, print, packaging, motion and digital platforms — designed to be used every day, not admired once in a PDF.
We design and build every website ourselves. Each one is bespoke, built on our own lightweight framework and content management system, and accessible to WCAG 2.2 AA. No templates, no page builders, nothing shared between clients.
Our clients work across culture, professional services, manufacturing, technology and the public sector, in Scotland, across the UK and internationally.
The studio was founded in 2019 by Liam Bonar, who spent the previous decade at agencies including Moving Brands and Tayburn, working on brands such as the BBC, Google and the National Trust for Scotland. Around him, LBD brings together a close network of designers, writers, developers, photographers and film-makers, chosen for each project rather than kept on as fixed headcount.
We hold ourselves to a few plain rules: no unpaid pitching, no unpaid internships, freelancers paid within 14 days, and one pro bono project for a charity every year. Liam sits on the board of the International Society of Typographic Designers and teaches on the MDes Communication Design programme at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.
LBD Studio provides high-value design services, focusing on custom website development. Clients appreciate the attentive workflow and professional results, though specific project costs and sizes are not disclosed. Overall, they are seen as a premium option with excellent support.
LBD Studio quickly grasps client needs and tailors their services accordingly. This understanding helps in delivering solutions that align well with clients' business goals.
High-Level Initiative and Leadership
LBD Studio demonstrates initiative and effectively leads projects, transforming small ideas into actionable solutions. Clients appreciate their proactive approach and ability to deliver effective results.
Client Delays Managed Well
LBD Studio manages client-induced delays efficiently, showing patience and understanding, which contributes to maintaining a positive workflow.
Impressive Visual and Professional Output
LBD Studio is praised for their excellent visuals and professional website designs. Clients are satisfied with the aesthetic and functionality of the end products.
Effective Communication and Progress Meetings
Regular and effective communication is a key strength of LBD Studio. They conduct regular progress meetings and ensure clients are updated at every project stage.
"They are able to take a small idea into new options and ways of delivering effective solutions."
Nov 11, 2021
Director, Heath Diamonds
James Heath
Verified
Retail
London, England
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
In need of a new website, a premium jewelry business has engaged with LBD Studio. The client requested designs that reflect their family business ethos, values, and expertise to showcase all needed information.
It is too early for any metrics, but LBD Studio has delivered some excellent visuals. They’ve been efficient and timely in providing content and photography. Overall, the team has demonstrated a high level of patience, understanding, and initiative, leading the project in the right direction.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am a company director for a premium jewellery business, we specialise in the design and manufacture of bespoke, hand-crafted jewellery.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire LBD Studio?
LBD has been working with us to create a new website. We want it to reflect the ethos of our family business, so we need to work with someone who really understands what we offer and can translate this into the look and design, so that our customers are able to find all the information they need, as well as get a feel for our values and our expertise.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
LBD has excellent credentials, they take the time to listen and working with Liam is a pleasure, he's very good at what he does.
Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.
The project is still ongoing, but the process so far has been very easy. LBD has guided us at every stage, we can't wait to see the end result.
How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
Our main contact at LBD is Liam.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
Too early to say, other than the brand and visuals we've seen so far look great.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
No issues here, it's been very efficient. The only delays to the project have been due to us providing content and photography for the team to work with. But again LBD have been very patient and understanding with this.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The initiative LBD has shown in leading where needed. They are able to take a small idea into new options and ways of delivering effective solutions.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
Not at all.
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Website Development for Accounting Firm
Web Development
$10,000 to $49,999
Feb. - May 2021
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"I loved the fantastic end result. Our website was second to none in terms of its look and professionalism."
Nov 4, 2021
Director, C.I.K. Accounting Solutions
Jeff Wingham
Verified
Business services
Dundee, Scotland
1-10 Employees
Online Review
Verified
LBD Studio revamped a corporate website for an accounting firm. The client requested a site update, conveying their business messages and offers.
The company saw an improvement in their Google ranking after the launching of the website. LBD Studio arranged regular meetings, keeping track of every step and discussing progress and requirements. Overall, they delivered an outstanding output with stunning and professional designs.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
CIK Accounting Solutions is an award winning accountancy practice offering compliance and growth strategies for small and medium sized businesses.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire LBD Studio, and what were your goals?
We were in desperate need of a complete revamp of our existing website that was outdated and did not convey the message of why we exist and what we offer.
SOLUTION
How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?
We looked at a couple of potential providers but chose LBD Studio as we felt they had grasped a quick understanding of our problem.
Describe the scope of work in detail, including the project steps, key deliverables, and technologies used.
We had an initial exploratory meeting and were then guided through the process every step of the way with regular follow up progress meetings.
How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?
We worked solely with Liam.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any measurable outcomes of the project or general feedback about the deliverables?
Since launch we have seen a steady improvement in our rankings on Google.
Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.
Regular progress meetings were arranged at every step along the way with action points reinforced when an input was required by ourselves.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
I loved the fantastic end result. Our website was second to none in terms of its look and professionalism.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
Our only regret is not having done this sooner!
RATINGS
5.0
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
Branding for Candle Shop
Branding
$10,000 to $49,999
Feb. - July 2019
5.0
Quality
5.0
Schedule
5.0
Cost
5.0
Willing to Refer
5.0
"The workflow was seamless, and assets were always on time, and to a level we were very happy with."
Oct 23, 2021
Owner, Candle Shop
Anonymous
Retail
Edinburgh, Scotland
1-10 Employees
Online Review
LBD Studio provided branding services for a candle shop. The team was tasked with establishing the client's brand identity to connect with the target audience.
Thanks to LBD Studio's engagement, they successfully provided top-tier services to help client succeed. Customer retention remained strong and growing, which impacted the company's growth positively. The team's quick turnaround time and dedication were impressive in the workflow.
The client submitted this review online.
BACKGROUND
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the founding owner of a boutique candle brand.
OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE
For what projects/services did your company hire LBD Studio?
We required help to position our business, identifying a gap in the market that we could credibly claim. LBD Studio then designed our brand identity and guidelines to help us connect with customers.
SOLUTION
How did you select LBD Studio and what were the deciding factors?
A direct referral from a trusted source.
Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.
LBD Studio guided us through the process from initial discovery to brand design and launch. The process was simple, enjoyable and easy to follow. Communication was clear at all stages and the outcome was superb.
How many resources from the LBD Studio team worked with you, and what were their positions?
In total we worked with three people, the senior consulting team and web development.
RESULTS & FEEDBACK
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
The programme of work was hugely beneficial to our company. Audience retention has been strong since launch and continues to grow.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
The workflow was seamless, and assets were always on time, and to a level we were very happy with.
What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?
The most impressive thing about LBD Studio is their ability to turn around work quickly and to the standard of much larger brand agencies. In our experience, the value for money far surpasses other studios and we have complete confidence that their work will be effective and memorable.
Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?
There is nothing I can think of that I would change about LBD Studio and I would happily recommend them to anyone looking to develop their business.
RATINGS
5.0
"A great experience and a lovely team of plcreatives."
Quality
5.0
Service & Deliverables
"Exceptional standard of work."
Schedule
5.0
On time / deadlines
"Very detailed schedule and content delivery plan."
Cost
5.0
Value / within estimates
"The cost was competitive and delivered great value for money. The project has more than paid for itself."
Willing to Refer
5.0
NPS
"I would recommend them to anyone.
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3 Reviews
Our Story
LBD Studio is an independent brand consultancy based in Edinburgh. Liam Bonar founded it in 2019 after a decade at agencies including Moving Brands and Tayburn, working on brands such as the BBC, Google and the National Trust for Scotland. We help ambitious organisations work out what they stand for, then build the identity, tools and environments that make their brands memorable. Every project starts with strategy, and every website is designed and built in-house.
Meet the Team
Liam BonarCreative Director
Founder and Creative Director of LBD Studio. Liam has 15 years in brand design, including Moving Brands and Tayburn. He sits on the board of the International Society of Typographic Designers and teaches at Duncan of Jordanstone.
What Sets Us Apart
Small team. Big experience.
Founded by Liam Bonar, our small team of award-winning senior creatives have decades of hard-won, ‘big brand’ experience. We made our names working internationally, advising clients like Adidas, BBC, Google, Sonos and UNICEF.
We’re easy to work with.
Good relationships are critical to our success.
We also like to believe we’re friendly and easy to work with. We’ll make a real point of understanding your business and work with you to build a brand you can be proud of.
Delivering measurable results.
We believe in sustainable growth — for ourselves and for our clients. All of our work is grounded in measurable impact.
We put value on transparency and ethical design, and are members of the GBC and signatories of the Conscious Ad Network and Clean Creatives initiative.
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