Brand architects. Brand builders.
We build beautiful brands for consumers who value authenticity, design & experience.
Strano + Pettigrew is a Toronto-based creative and branding agency with a passion for strategic design, fully integrated campaigns and brand building.
S+PDA has always strived to pursue an architectural approach to projects—meaning a well-researched, strategic framework supports each execution.
With a strong emphasis on traditional typography, S+PDA develops compelling creative solutions in the areas of brand strategy, campaign development, visual identity, packaging, editorial, experiential, print design, interactive and broadcast.
Although our expertise is primarily food and beverage, we have also worked with brands in the hospitality, entertaiment, aviation, education, telecom and non-profit sectors.
The agency serves clients nationally and abroad, primarily Canada, the U.S.A. and the U.K., always ensuring that the authenticity of a client’s brand is at the core of every execution.
headquarters
Focus
Portfolio
Air Canada, Aramark Canada, Beam Suntory, Careers Group University of London, Childhood Cancer Canada, Dentalcorp, EndoCanna Health, Jenny Betts London, MaRS Discovery District, Second Cup Coffee Co, University of Toronto, Zone·tv
Second Cup—Holiday Packaging 2017
Each year, Second Cup Coffee Co. makes the holiday season special for their customers with unique new beverages and seasonal favourites. It also gives us the opportunity to design new cups, in-store material, and packaging for their tea and hot chocolate varieties.
This, along with food and beverage photography makes it a fun time of year for us as well.
Zone TV dynamic channels
Zone·TV is redefining the TV viewing environment by delivering a personalized entertainment experience filled with expertly curated, exciting new content.
Jenny Betts London branding + packaging
Jenny Betts London is a luxury home fragrance brand based out of London in the UK.
The Tannk Clothing Co.
Founded by philanthropist, entrepreneur, author and mother Anita Okoye, the Tannk Clothing Company is a children’s apparel company with an unwavering dedication and commitment to helping improve the lives of African children.
Tannk's vision is to become Africa’s most trusted and philanthropic children’s clothing company with a promise to produce, and make affordable, the best possible children’s apparel, while contributing to the education and empowerment of African children. A significant percentage of proceeds will be donated to several children’s education causes across Africa—staying true to its vision.
Strano and Pettigrew worked closely with Anita Okoye to develop an overarching brand strategy and visual identity that would reflect a sense of positivity, caring and playfulness.
The Walper Hotel Look Book
The Walper Hotel is a luxurious, boutique hotel situated in the heart of Kitchener. Built in 1893, The Walper was meticulously restored in 2017 with no design detail overlooked. From the finest rugs and curated wallpaper to the locally crafted millwork and art, every inch of this elegant hotel is exquisitely designed.
Rightly so, C.K. Atlantis, the hotel’s management team, wanted to produce a look book that was designed with the same contemporary elegance and attention to design detail as the hotel itself—a piece that would be present in each room and used by the hotels management team as a sales tool.
The hotel’s interior design team had incorporated two primary colours, used sparingly in each room as accents. We took those colours and used them as part of the master palette. Additionally, the luxury wallpapers play an important role in the hotel’s aesthetic—we incorporated some of those as patterning.
The Walper Hotel is a showpiece of design and sophistication. We would like to thank C.K. Atlantis and Perimeter for this amazing project.
Second Cup - Flat White National Launch
Second Cup Canada had introduced the Flat White to its menu of espresso based coffees. Strano + Pettigrew was asked to develop a nation-wide launch campaign that would introduce this antipodean favourite to Canadians. Since the Flat White was new to most Canadians, our mission was to “Educate and Advocate”—and there’s no better way to do that then by letting Canadians taste one!
So we commissioned two, custom made, Piaggio Ape50s from Ireland to be the focal point of our experiential sampling campaign.
Stockyards Small Batch Distilling Co.
Stockyards Small Batch Distilling Company represents the future of handcrafted, small batch spirits. Their approach is grain to glass production with a “no-compromise” focus on organic, local, single estate ingredients.
Although their ingredients are the main story, the Stockyards package design plays a crucial role in ensuring a distinct and highly visible shelf presence. We wanted to explore a direction that would clearly stand out in a cluttered, highly competitive, sea of clear glass. We chose a white, matte overall coating for the bottle and a fairly minimalist approach to the bottle decoration. The brandmark is a testament to the ingredients with a space for the distiller to mark each bottle with its unique batch number. Craft spirits the way they were meant to be.
Flash Cold Brew
Summer of 2017—Second Cup Coffee Co. introduced their new Flash Cold Brew. Along with branding and developing a full launch campaign, this was one of two spots we created to help drive awareness.
Momentum Jets
You have arrived.
Momentum Solutions was adding a new service to their portfolio of divisions to address the growing need for luxury and executive travel. Our brief was to capture their clear mission to elevate and redefine the premium, private air travel experience.
With careful consideration to differentiating Momentum Jets as a category-defining experience, we developed a well-researched brand strategy and visual identity.
The complete brand identity system included all touch-points throughout the client journey—the brandmark, the livery design, website design, print and digital business collateral, P.O.P materials and on-board amenities package design.
Momentum Jets—You have arrived.
Effica - QuadTX
Precision life sciences and the efficacy of personalized, genomics-based medicine.
Effica was created as the medical division of one of Canada’s leading cannabis holding companies. The brand’s ethos was centred around efficacy—evidence-based, personalized health and wellness solutions which all start with a simple genomics test.
Strano and Pettigrew began by synthesizing the company’s research into a cohesive brand strategy. This was followed by a rigorous name generation exercise, culminating in the name Effica for the corporate brand and Quod:TX for their DNA kit and nutraceutical products line.
Effica comes from efficacy.
The name Quod:TX, pronounced “quad,” is a reference to the four chemical building blocks of the DNA molecule. “Quod” in latin translates to “evidence.” Combined with TX, or treatment, Quod:TX stands for evidence-based treatment.
Built from the ground up—a complete branding exercise from strategy to naming to visual identity.
Eclipse Technology Solutions
Technology Solutions. Business Performance.
Eclipse Technologies was in the process of reinventing their client value proposition. They engaged us for a complete brand revitalization in order to capture their transition from technology reseller to future-focused, end-to-end technology solution partner.
S+PDA amplified their sophisticated offering within the marketplace with a revitalized brand and visual identity system including an actionable strategic framework and brand positioning. Strano and Pettigrew designed every touchpoint for both print and digital, from stationery and print collateral to social media templates and their new website.
This project represents a complete brand revitalization solution—from brand strategy to creative development to production of all assets.
Perimeter Developments Corporation
Creating extraordinary spaces that transform and inspire.
Founded in 2010, Perimeter Development Corporation is a leader in acquiring and uncovering the hidden potential of underutilized or vacant properties. Approaching their tenth anniversary, the leadership team at Perimeter felt it was time to revitalize their branding and their website.
S+PDA, being respectful of the branding elements Perimeter wished to keep, we developed a slight evolution of the brandmark, introduced new typography, patterning, custom icon design, colour palette and overall design system.
Reviews
the project
Branding & WordPress Web Dev for Civil Infrastructure Company
"A rebrand is not typically done in a chaotic, archaic industry like ours, so their work has really set us apart."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the president of a heavy civil infrastructure company that specializes in demolitions, sewer and watermain installations, and mobile concrete crushing.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We have three different operating companies running under different individual identities. We wanted to take all of those companies and combine them into a single entity and brand. To do this, we sought the help of Strano + Pettigrew.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We first met with Albert (Principal & Creative Director) and Jennifer (Brand Strategy & Development) who had one-on-one interviews with our key personnel to determine how each person saw the company. They took all of that information and created an initial review and three brand concepts. Each concept came with a logo, typefaces, a new vision and values statement, and designs that show how the logo and color palette would look on our uniforms, trucks, and equipment.
After we had chosen the concept that we liked best, their team went into implementing that brand on our stationery, uniforms, and other materials. They developed a new website for us through WordPress as well.
What is the team composition?
Albert was the main designer and Jennifer was the one who coordinated the initial interviews. She was also our main point of contact.
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We found Strano + Pettigrew through Clutch, which seemed to be the number one rating platform for branding and marketing companies. We read through their customer reviews and ultimately decided that they would be a great fit.
How much have you invested with them?
We invested between $50,000–$100,000 CAD (approximately $39,000–$78,000 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
We first engaged the team in January 2021, and we were able to do a hard launch for our new brand last January 2022.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The quality of Strano + Pettigrew’s design was absolutely phenomenal. It’s only been a couple of months since we launched the new brand, but we’ve already seen a lot of traffic on our website and Instagram page. We’ve also received a lot of positive comments. A rebrand is not typically done in a chaotic, archaic industry like ours, so their work has really set us apart from everyone else.
How did Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates perform from a project management standpoint?
They did exactly what we asked of them and produced everything within budget. We just used standard email and phone communication.
What did you find most impressive about them?
We were really impressed by Strano + Pettigrew’s professionalism and design capability. Albert has extraordinary attention to detail, and he’s certainly one of the top designers out there. He did a fantastic job.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, I didn’t have any problems whatsoever.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Trust the process. Just put your faith in their team and allow them to do their magic because they’re good at what they do.
the project
Branding for Pizza Restaurant
"They were very professional and did a good job adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the owner of Vito’s Pizza and Wings, a 24-year-old pizzeria.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We needed help with our branding.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Strano updated our branding — they created a new logo, brand assets, and boxes. They also helped us revamp our packaging and uniforms and developed a brand strategy for our restaurant.
Strano worked on everything related to Vito’s image and marketing. They have already finished all their tasks, and right now, it’s a matter of us implementing their output.
What is the team composition?
I worked with Albert (Co-Founder & Creative Director) and Jennifer (Brand Strategist)
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
I saw them on Clutch. We chose to work with them because they had high ratings and we easily connected with their team.
How much have you invested with them?
We spent roughly $24,000–$25,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
Our engagement lasted from May–September 2021.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
This was the first time in our restaurant’s 24-year history that we worked on our brand. Strano went above and beyond in guiding me through the process, taking me each step of the way, and explaining everything.
The amount of money we spent on this project is a lot considering our small business operation. Strano explained every detail about what they’re doing and why they’re doing it. Overall, I feel I got my money’s worth; I learned about marketing, branding, and strategy.
I know Strano gave their 100% for this project — they had done their best.
How did Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates perform from a project management standpoint?
Strano was excellent at project management. We communicated through email, and they were very responsive. They were on top of everything — they followed through on their timelines and commitments. In addition, they were very professional and did a good job adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I appreciate that they worked around my budget as a small business. They understood our financial situation, and they kept everything as affordable as possible. They went above and beyond in helping me out.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Strano’s work ethic and approach were impressive; they were the best. They had set a high standard for a branding company for me moving forward.
I didn’t know much about branding, but they were very patient and answered all my questions.
Are there any areas they could improve?
As of now, I can’t think of anything. Their work had been excellent from what I saw.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
They want to help people that want to be helped, so come in with a clear and concise plan. Know precisely what you want to achieve.
the project
Web Dev. & Branding for Executive L&D Company
"Our experience with Strano + Pettigrew was really good."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m a managing partner for Maigus Consultants, an executive L&D company. We do learning and training for executives. We run programs in mindfulness and resilience, providing our services in person and virtually.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We engaged Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates to redesign our website and our collateral material, which we use in the programs we run like Powerpoint and our brochures. We wanted them to make a website that was more amenable to look at.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Firstly, Strano + Pettigrew came up with a brand theme for us. From there, we decided which one we wanted to go with, and they created the website and collateral material around that. Through a Divi WordPress platform, Strano + Pettigrew developed and completely redesigned our website. They made it more user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and innovative, which is what we wanted. They also made it a more interactive and less wall-of-written words kind of website, which allowed it to snap and pop the way we wanted it to.
What is the team composition?
Our main point of contact was Albert (Co-founder & Creative Director), who did all the key branding and design work for us. He also had a number of people that worked with him. They worked on our documents, such as our brochures, and designed them in PDF files and Word. That way, we could change anything we needed on an ongoing basis.
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We worked with them before, and they were always incredibly responsive. From a design point of view, they’ve been very innovative and always come up with great ideas.
How much have you invested with them?
For the rebrand of the website and all the collateral material, we invested around $19,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We’ve used them before, about 5-6 years ago. However, for this particular project, we engaged throughout January–March 2021.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We’ve been extremely happy with the website they created. They were very innovative. For example, on the website and the marketing materials, like LinkedIn, they created a poster within a poster, where people were walking on a street view, and a major poster in the picture. I thought it was such a cool look to come up with.
We’ve also received general feedback from LinkedIn, where people commented they really liked the design and our marketing material. We’ve had very positive feedback from our clients on the website. Moreover, from an analytics point of view, we’ve had a 300% increase in our website traffic.
How did Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates perform from a project management standpoint?
When we first started the project, they set up some time frames and would reach out to us to look at the initial materials. Then, they’d help us with fine-tuning and updating changes along the way.
We mostly had routine Zoom calls, or as needed, and we also worked with Google Docs. They presented the project in a very seamless and accessible way.
What did you find most impressive about them?
One of the main attributes they had was the creative ideas they came up with, which were excellent. The themes they made us choose from were what we were looking for. Strano + Pettigrew delivered beautifully, and their responsiveness was something we were very happy with. If we had any questions or issues, they’d jump on it right away.
That’s why we’ve used them over the years. There’s a lot of people we’ve worked with, but not many are good at it. Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates are really good at what they do.
Another attribute we found important is how we didn’t have to spend a large amount of time going back and forth over the project. That allowed us to serve our time doing what we’re busy at. The way the ideas and the aesthetic were presented, as well as the way they conducted themselves, saved us a lot of time. It wasn’t something onerous, and it was done very quickly.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can't think of anything. Our experience with Strano + Pettigrew was really good.
Any advice for potential customers?
Go into it with a clear idea of what you’re looking for. In any business, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. They’ll come up with the vehicle to make it possible, and they’ll do it extremely well.
the project
Branding & Design for Technology Solutions Re-Seller
"The Pettigrew team truly amplified our messaging through their expert use of visuals."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m one of the partners as well as the president and CRO of Eclipse, a technology solutions reseller. We manage, install, and resell technology solutions for both the public sector and commercial businesses. We generally serve Canada but have customers in both New York and the UK.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We started out as a voice telephony supplier but had evolved into a much more comprehensive IT managed services provider. To reflect that transition, we needed to establish a new image for and front face for our marketing. Our website and logo particularly needed an overhaul.
What was the scope of their involvement?
The team conducted an expansive study to reconfigure our company vision and target customers. They interviewed internal stakeholders at all levels, as well as supply partners and end-customers.
Based on the insights generated from that data, they came up with three proposals based on input from stakeholders. We further refined our needs and chose a design they suggested — the first one they suggested. They formulated our visual identity in a way that captures our refreshed corporate strategy. Our website, presentation decks, and marketing collateral now all reflect this new vision.
What is the team composition?
We work mostly with Albert (Co-Founder & Creative Director) and Jennifer (Senior Executive, Brand Strategy & Development). We had a larger team supporting us with the content that goes on our website.
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
Our supply partners recommended a couple of companies. We had a few competing agencies come in and pitch to us. Albert and Jennifer presented their methodology and vision, we felt that their approach really fit what we were looking for.
What is the status of this engagement?
The engagement started in April and wrapped up in July 2020.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
It’s been a tough year to reap quantitative results because of COVID-19, but I can confidently say that our customers have been pleased with the evolution of our company. The Strano + Pettigrew team truly amplified our messaging through their expert use of visuals. Our branding has been received well by new customers and partners, and we’ve been very pleased, in general.
How did Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates perform from a project management standpoint?
They’re excellent on this front. We were challenged to meet the deadline they set; they were definitely driving the project forward. They’re flexible enough to accommodate delays on our end, but they also pushed us towards our goals.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They captured our vision artfully and accurately by condensing the messaging they received from all our stakeholders and partners.
Are there any areas they could improve?
There was some back and forth on a few odds and ends when the engagement was wrapping up. In general, though, the project was very driven, and we weren’t disappointed at all.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
They may look like a smaller shop, but they really have a better perspective on how to drive forward with the product you want — more so than other providers. Our major partners recommended merger firms that wouldn’t have provided the care and detail that these guys did.
the project
Branding and Design for Air Travel Support Services Company
"There’s a level of excitement internally at the elegance of the new identity we’re putting forward."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the Director of Commercial Operations at Momentum Solutions.
We supply a wide range of emergency response and support services, as well as air charter services for both cargo and people. In addition, we support the UN by supplying construction equipment and labor, as well as providing services for NATO troops and government support workers in Africa.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
As a result of growth in the company, we were looking for professional branding support.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates worked in several stages. First, they helped us develop concrete branding strategies to rebuild our brand architecture. The team created a clean, new visual identity as well as all print and digital materials associated with that.
From there, they began to advise us on various social media strategies, a process they continue to support.
The team also worked on consolidating our web presence, SEO requirements, and understanding our digital presence. Following those efforts, Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates is now developing our new website.
What is the team composition?
We worked with about four or five people from the company, but our primary points of contact were Albert (Co-Founder & Creative Director, Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates) and Jennifer (Brand Strategy & Development, Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates).
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
After conducting a great deal of research, I narrowed our list down to six companies. I visited each of their offices and collected proposals. Ultimately, Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates grasped the niche qualities of our market more effectively than any other company. We were also impressed by their visual aesthetics and the strength of their communication.
How much have you invested with them?
We’ve spent roughly $34,000 so far.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working together in August 2019, and the engagement is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
While we haven’t publicly launched yet, our CEO, CFO, and senior stakeholders have been blown away by the look and feel of Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates’ work. There’s a level of excitement internally at the elegance of the new identity we’re putting forward.
How did Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates perform from a project management standpoint?
One of the main reasons for our ongoing relationship with the team is the level of transparency and communication they offer. The team provides in-depth proposals, mapping out detailed timelines and ensuring they line up with our expectations. They almost always finish work ahead of schedule, which is excellent.
We mainly use GoToMeeting, as visuals are important throughout the meetings.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They’re a very cohesive team. Albert has an incredible ability to merge the client with creative materials, while Jennifer provides content to back up his visuals seamlessly.
Are there any areas they could improve?
Occasionally, the process was slowed down a bit because of the team’s apprehension in guiding us away from ideas that wouldn’t ultimately serve our goals. Perhaps if they explained the reasoning behind their visual choices upfront, we could’ve avoided those delays.
the project
Branding & Design for Cannabis & DNA Technology Platform
"Their core differentiator is their agility, attention to detail, and brand ownership."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the chief marketing officer for EndoCanna Health, an endocompatibility technology platform that uses your unique genomic profile - your DNA - to match you with a personalized cannabinoid formulation that is available in your geographic area.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We were initiating a new look and feel of our brand that articulate our unique value to our target segment. It was important to differentiate ourselves from existing DNA brands, and existing cannabis and CBD products. We're focused on optimizing cannabinoid use, so we wanted a brand that was more focused on wellness than cannabis.
We needed a creative partner to translate our positioning and value proposition in a way that would carve out some geography in the hearts and minds of our audience. We wanted to elevate the conversation into wellness solutions, rather than simply genomics, cannabis, or CBD products.
What was the scope of their involvement?
We started out creating the brand identity for Endo·dna, as well as the parent company, EndoCanna Health. S+PDA were instrumental in helping me define the levels of engagement for the different customers for both our B2B and B2C strategy.
We leveraged both their creative and strategic sides to refine our position to our customers and our key messages. We translated that into a brand identity for the parent company and the consumer-facing product and service.
In particular, they designed our website and collateral pieces to support our marketing efforts.
They were great at providing us exactly the level of strategic insight and capability that we needed at the time we needed it. They became more of a partner — almost a full-time creative department. They added a much-needed reality check when we started going down rabbit holes.
What is the team composition?
Albert (Principal & Creative Director, Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates) is our main point of contact, and we work closely together to articulate deliverables. Jennifer (Brand Strategy & Development, Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates) was a part of our strategy conversations.
Jennifer was instrumental in helping us simplify our position and value. She has a unique ability to go from the 30,000-foot view of the brand, while simultaneously honing in on the minutia. From the design side, Albert has a couple of people he mentored through the process to ensure their deliverables were on brand.
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
I found them through Clutch. I wanted to find someone who wanted to build their reputation in the cannabis space at the same time they were helping me build my brand.
I was looking for a boutique agency, and a specific type of agency that could deal with the challenges inherent in the cannabis space. I research companies in both Canada and the US, and settled on S+P.
Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates was a great fit because of the portfolio they presented online. They had been involved with some very unique campaigns for established brands and supported the growth of some new brands that were in the same position we were in.
How much have you invested with them?
So far, they've billed us for about $30,000. We have another $30k scheduled for the next six months.
What is the status of this engagement?
We began working with them in May of 2019, and the projects will be ongoing for the next 18 months.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
The team stepped up as collaborators to help me work through some of the deliverables that we needed. For example, we had to build a website rather quickly to meet a deadline. They worked me into their schedule and provided exactly what was needed to help us execute. Their ability to accommodate my needs as a design team is what I value the most. They’re coming to me with solutions instead of sticking me with problems.
How did Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates perform from a project management standpoint?
They are exceptional — unbelievable. They accomplished the tasks in record time on a strict budge. They are an extraordinary group of people who really worked hard to understand who we were. They offered a lot of opportunities for us to hone in on the value proposition to our target segment.
In terms of our process, I basically book time with them, run through the briefs, and then we settle on the timelines and budget. Then, they’ll meet my timelines and budget.
They are always willing to look at, “can we do this slightly differently to meet your deadline?” That is the value of a small, agile agency— they’re willing to work with you to execute.
Are there any areas they could improve?
It was challenging that Albert didn’t have any CX experience for the website design. That was something I had to bring to the table. But, it’s a trade-off, they can’t be all things for all people.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Their core differentiator is their agility, attention to detail, and brand ownership. If you’re looking for somebody to partner with you on your brand, and you’ve got limited resources to manage that, this is your perfect fit.
the project
Branding for Optometry Practice
"They did everything we wanted them to and everything they said they would do on budget and on time."
the reviewer
the review
The client submitted this review online.
Please describe your company and your position there.
I am the Director of Operations for an independent Optometry office in Port Alberni, BC on Vancouver Island. We are a medically based optometry office that offers customized solutions to everyday visual challenges to enhance our patients' lives. In addition to primary eye health care, we also offer care in Vision Therapy, Low Vision, Dry Eye Syndrome, Macular Degeneration and Myopia Management.
For what projects/services did your company hire Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We hired Strano + Pettigrew to take us through the strategic branding process for a new business idea. We worked extensively with our staff on ideas for the brand. Although we had a good idea of what we wanted, we were seeking the expertise to take the idea and make it something that would speak to our new business opportunity, would communicate our beliefs and would have longevity and stand the test of time.
What were your goals for this project?
We wanted a professional brand. Not just a look -- but a feel! we needed to create something that our team would be proud of and our patients could connect with. We were looking for a brand concept that could answer who we are and why we're doing what we're doing.
How did you select this vendor?
We looked at review on Clutch. We wanted someone that looked like Branding was "their thing", rather than something they just dabbled in.
Describe the scope of their work in detail.
We liked working with Strano + Pettigrew right from the first phone call. It was about forming a relationship and partnership rather than a mere business transaction. We felt that they were vested from the beginning...after all....our new brand is part of their brand :) The initial exploratory meetings laid out how a branding strategy would evolve and all the steps that would be necessary, including payment schedules. We meet with them on several occasions and had very lengthy conversations. They dug deep and did their homework. They were very good at ensuring they understood what we wanted. They gave us a branding strategy complete with naming, creative design, logo, and complete visual identity.
What was the team composition?
We worked with Albert and Jennifer. They were both great and easy to work with. The whole experience felt quite seamless.
Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?
We are not ready just yet to launch the new brand however we were very pleased with the work they did. They proved that they were listening and understood our goal.
How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?
All of our work was done by phone and email. Albert and Jennifer were very organized and incredibly responsive.
What did you find most impressive about this company?
Strano + Pettrigrew are the real deal. They know what they're doing. It's obvious they don't dabble in branding. We like that they were very clear about how they work, timelines, payment schedules, deliverables, etc. They are very professional.
Are there any areas for improvement?
Honestly, nothing comes to mind. They did everything we wanted them to and everything they said they would do on budget and on time.
the project
Brand Identity & Packaging for Fragrance Company
“My customers love the entire design package.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm a director at Jenny Betts London.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We needed a vendor to help us with branding and visual identity.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They did a whole design package for me, including website design and brand identity. I told them what I didn't like about my old website, and they sent me a new template within three days, coming up with some incredible ideas. They also designed boxes of all sizes and different types of labels for my products. They continue to manage my website and help update my products every six weeks.
What is the team composition?
I mostly work with Albert (Principal and Creative Director, Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates).
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
They were recommended to me by someone who had worked with them previously.
How much have you invested with them?
I've spent about £15,000 (approximately $19,600 USD).
What is the status of this engagement?
I started working with them in 2012, and the relationship is ongoing.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
My brand is quite visual, so I get a lot of compliments. Everything they designed looks very high-end, which has helped my online business grow. My customers love the entire design package.
How did Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates perform from a project management standpoint?
We mostly use email to communicate because there is a time difference, but we've also used Skype and phone. They're very responsive and address my requests almost immediately.
What did you find most impressive about them?
Albert is very creative and thinks outside the box. Also, he understood my needs from the first phone conversation we had.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can't think of anything. They always come up with new ideas and make valuable recommendations.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Let him be creative in his work and don’t be too rigid with your outlines. If you're too specific with what you want, he'll do that for you. But you'll get the best value if you give him some creative freedom.
the project
Print & Graphic Design for Hotel Asset Management Company
"As far as creative talent goes, they provided unbelievable results and high level of service."
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I’m the marketing and communications lead for C.K. Atlantis. We’re an asset management company for several hotels.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
We needed a team to help us form a lookbook for the hotel’s guests. We wanted the books to convey as much information as possible about the services and history of the establishment.
What was the scope of their involvement?
Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates orchestrated the photo shoot and created all graphics for the books. They also developed the copy and content. From there, their team managed the printing process. They forged all materials for us and put the lookbook together.
What is the team composition?
We worked with Albert (Co-Founder & Creative Director, Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates).
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates?
An associate of ours recommended them. After reviewing their portfolio, we knew they were a good match for our brand.
How much have you invested with them?
The entire project cost around $12,000.
What is the status of this engagement?
We worked together from July-December 2017.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We utilized the lookbook as a tool for our sales team. Additionally, guests frequently take the books with them after checking out, which we view as a positive sign. Everyone on our internal team loved the final product.
How did Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates perform from a project management standpoint?
Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates were highly organized and managed the project excellently. Their responsiveness made for amazing communication, which was primarily through emails, conference calls, and on-site meetings. They traveled to our properties to make the collaboration smoother.
What did you find most impressive about them?
As far as creative talent goes, they provided unbelievable results and high level of service. The finished product was better than we imagined—they went above and beyond.
Are there any areas they could improve?
No, there’s nothing they could have done better. Even though it was a smaller project, they treated us like we were their biggest client.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
The best choice is using Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates for your project. Their team was talented and they understanding branding, even if it’s for a niche market or a high-end luxury company.
the project
Branding for Custom Home Builder
“They can interpret your vision in a unique and creative way. … I'd definitely recommend them.”
the reviewer
the review
A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.
Introduce your business and what you do there.
I'm the president and founder of 4Front Consulting. We focus on building custom homes.
What challenge were you trying to address with Strano + Pettigrew?
I wanted my brand to stand out among competitors, so I was looking for a company to help me with branding.
What was the scope of their involvement?
They spent some time understanding what I wanted my brand to be and what type of collateral materials I needed. Then, they chose the best tools to achieve my goals and developed a brand package. They designed all the creative pieces, such as business cards and a letterhead. They also designed a website for me.
What is the team composition?
I mostly worked with Albert (Co-founder and Creative Director).
How did you come to work with Strano + Pettigrew?
I had worked with Albert and saw some of his work. I knew that he could do very creative things, so I wanted to bring that talent to my office.
How much have you invested with them?
We paid about $3,000 for the creative work and about $3,000 for the website.
What is the status of this engagement?
I worked with them between July–September 2016.
What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?
We have a small business and don't do a lot of tracking, but we got a very positive feedback from our clients. Many people have commented on how unique my business card is, so it helps me stand out.
How did Strano + Pettigrew perform from a project management standpoint?
Albert was very responsive and provided me with different rounds of peer review. If I ever had any questions, he always got back to me quickly. We usually communicated via email or phone.
What did you find most impressive about them?
They can interpret your vision in a unique and creative way. That’s the reason I chose them–I knew they'd be able to come up with out-of-the-box ideas on how to brand my business.
Are there any areas they could improve?
I can't think of anything. I was very pleased with what they did.
Do you have any advice for potential customers?
Albert is creative and brings excellent ideas to the table. Tell him what your vision is and give him some creative freedom. You'll be pleasantly surprised with what you get back.
Strano + Pettigrew Design Associates demonstrated excellent attention to detail and design expertise. By capturing the companies' identity through the eyes of stakeholders, they were able to create a unifying brand that increased the client's online engagements and set them apart in the industry.