ACE -
New Brand Identity and HQ

ACE — The brand case study

Role

- Creative Direction
- Concept Development
- Brand Strategy
- Brand Identity
- Art Direction
- HQ interior design

Project

- Environmential Design
- Motion and 3D Behavior
- Sonic and Audio Branding
- Digital Experience
- Blockchain Technology
- Cultural Programming

As an independent creative director I led a team of architects, designers, strategists and copywriters to bring 11 agencies together in a new brand identity and new headquarters in Amsterdam (NL). My role was to select and direct a group of creative studios, from concept to completion, ensuring a high degree of innovation, creativity and quality.

In close collaboration with Smörgåsbord Studio we established the ACE's strategy and translated it into a multi platform brand identity. The new ACE strategy and brand identity set the foundation for ACE’s presence in the physical and digital realm, including the architecture of the new headquarters, metaverse, sonic identity and community building. 

ACE Logo + Motion Behavior

ACE stands for 'Authentic', 'Cultural', 'Energising' and is set to make waves for a brighter future.

ACE is a family of creative agencies on a mission to activate positive change for people and brands. The new brand encapsulates the fresh perspectives that are in tune with current culture, society and technology. A collective that sparks conversations with exciting ideas, energised by curiosity and with the desire to create memorable work. 

Authentic - This is at the heart of everything. 
Cultured - Be relevant and well informed. At the very center of culture.
Energising - Emit positive energy and inspire those around us.

ACE — Brand Guidelines

The graphical concept of "Making Waves"

The graphical concept of making waves is the starting point for all things aesthetic. Across all graphic comms (where appropriate) it creates the idea of 'making waves' which suggests it's forever in motion, always in progressing, bridging one generation to the next and making waves for a brighter future. 

The brand strategy and identity set the foundation for the architecture of the new 4000sqm ACE headquarters.

Interior Design and Architecture

ACE's ground floor is a communal space where agency parties converge, create and socialise. It is also where clients and collaborators are welcomed. Our aim for this space was to remain authentic – in terms of design, material palette and furniture specification.

Together with interior architects and designers from TANK we created a place that will inspire a culture of positivity, creative energy and open-mindedness.

The space for ACE

ACE initiates encouragement programs, creative workshops, inspiration sessions and recording facilities. Through 5x 'hero pieces' we want to spark new ideas and liberate thoughts in unexpected ways. The conversation pit, circular bar (and light sculpture), chef's table, scissor table and wooden seating podium are all big and monolithic in nature. 

ACE — Coin Energising Edition

ACE — Token Waves

Ace Crypto Coin and Token

Introducing the ACE Crypto. The cryptocurrency that allows the company to involve employees in its development and growth built on the blockchain. The visual execution ties back into the core values of the brand featuring its energising colour.

'A' Icon + Sonic Identity

Logo Type + Sonic Identity

New Initiatives + Sonic Identity

Sonic Identity and Audio Branding

For ACE we envisioned a sound palette that conveys the feeling of people coming together. Heightening the sense of possibility and positivity. Inspired by pulsating heartbeats set in motion, we created an ever changing repetative beat. For human depth and layering we recorded physical instruments.

ACE — 'A' Icon - 3D liquid expression

'Making waves' through the creation of meaningful, culturally relevant and far reaching creative is a principle driver for ACE. 

ACE — 3D Exploration

ACE — Digital experience

The photographic language of ACE is one that is a true representation of society. In front and behind the camera.

ACE works with upcoming talent, from different backgrounds in order to encourage, inspire and promote individual expression.

ACE — Iconography and wayfinding

ACE — The book featuring the ACE story, values and creative credo

ACE — Digital out of home

ACE — Presents, Cultural programming consisting of listening sessions, panels, interviews, workshops, dj sets, radio and films.

ACE — Electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Team