Abstract graphic with four vertical white bars, a gold circle, and a gold semicircle on a black background.

Founded in 1909, HRD needed a brand that could reflect their rich Atlanta legacy and still speak to a cutting edge healthcare and telecommunications clientele.

A hands on approach.

The old brand wasn’t clearly communicating the firm’s design innovation, tight knit culture, and hands-on approach they are well-known for to future clients and collaborators. A play on their acronym, the be heard tagline says it all and is a succinct intro to the firm’s mission statement. A rich, warm color palette and lowercase letters lend sophistication, confidence, and ensures hrd stands out amongst the competition.

🏆 2026 National SMPS Marketing Communications Awards Winner

People of different ages and ethnicities are standing in a circle with their hands stacked in the center, smiling and engaging in a team-building activity indoors.
Comparison of a logo design before and after using a new typography style. The before logo features red vertical rectangles with white letters spelling 'HRD' and text "Howell Rusk Dodson Architects" underneath. The after logo uses a modern, minimalist font with a dot inside one of the letters."}
Comparison of a logo design before and after using a new typography style. The before logo features red vertical rectangles with white letters spelling 'HRD' and text "Howell Rusk Dodson Architects" underneath. The after logo uses a modern, minimalist font with a dot inside one of the letters."}
Abstract geometric shapes in blue, brown, white, gray, and yellow arranged in a pattern.
Abstract geometric shapes in blue, brown, white, gray, and yellow arranged in a pattern.

Branding

This modern visual identity is informed by old school tools of the trade. Blueprint, linen, and graphite ground a bright flash of chartreuse. Lush texture is used throughout, adding depth and warmth. The brandmark is based on a set of building blocks—three solid pillars that reference the firm’s history, dependability, and expertise are paired with lively curved elements—keeping their legacy alive while communicating freshness, vitality, and opening up infinite opportunities to have fun.

Business cards with the logo 'hrd' and contact details, a bubble mailer with the same logo, a framed advertising display, colorful geometric shapes, and an outdoor billboard with the same branding on a city street.

Web Design

Motion, depth and texture emphasize their mission to prioritize human connection, demonstrated further by bringing the full team to the main page. To showcase their long term relationships with clients and make specializations clear, projects are presented through a category-specific portal right alongside the firm’s iconic legacy work.

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