The Power of Good Branding
Seahorse Nursery brand Identity
Cutting Through the Noise in a Crowded Market
In an era where every business is fighting to be heard, good branding isn’t decoration — it’s strategy. It’s the difference between blending in and being remembered; between looking competent and being trusted; between being one of many and becoming the benchmark in your sector.
At REAFE STUDIO, our architectural work often gets the spotlight, but for over 25 years we’ve also been quietly shaping brands, identities, campaigns and graphic systems for businesses across the UK. Whether branding a heritage roofing company, a modern electrical firm or a children’s nursery, our approach remains the same:
clarity, intelligence, simplicity and emotional resonance.
Branding isn’t just how a business looks —
it’s how a business speaks, behaves and connects.
Below, we look at three recent brand projects that show how thoughtful design can elevate a business in even the most crowded markets.
Seahorse Nursery: A Playful, Meaningful Rebrand That Celebrates Childhood
The directors of Seahorse Nursery in South London approached REAFE STUDIO seeking a complete refresh of their brand and their physical environment. They wanted an identity that reflected their ethos: a nursery focused not simply on childcare, but on curiosity, outdoor learning, purposeful play and nurturing resilience.
We visited the site, met the directors, observed the daily rhythms of the nursery and mapped what was — and wasn’t — working within the existing brand.
Our response was a bold, joyful reimagining of Seahorse as a place full of character, colour and imagination.
Influenced by skateboard culture and the energy of sticker bombing, we developed a playful, mash-up aesthetic using cartoon characters, expressive symbols and Pop Art references. The visual language feels vibrant, fun and authentically child-centred — a brand children instantly connect with and parents immediately trust.
This new identity now stretches across:
building signage & wayfinding
a refreshed logo and brand system
nursery estate graphics
illustrations for learning, play and wellbeing
digital and print collateral
It is a brand filled with personality, shaped by the spirit of childhood, and "slapped" into life with joyful confidence.
Prime Volt: A Modern, Confident Identity for a Growing Electrical Brand
Prime Volt came to REAFE STUDIO with a clear ambition:
to grow — and to stand out — in a fiercely competitive electrical sector.
We developed a visual identity rooted in precision, bold geometry and modernist clarity. Using our six-point design approach, we explored early sketching, typography, colour theory, graphic influence and real-world application.
The result:
A custom logotype, a clean and confident type system, and a striking visual palette of burnt orange, deep black-blue and crisp white. The system is engineered for clarity, legibility and instant recognition.
The brand now works effortlessly across:
digital platforms
print and signage
vehicles and workwear
social media
technical documents and reporting
It is a brand built not just for visual impact, but for longevity, trust and consistent market presence.
Stenning Roofers: Building a Premium Heritage Roofing Brand
Stenning Roofers, a respected local roofing specialist, asked us to elevate their presence and communicate their expertise — particularly for heritage estates, listed homes and traditional Sussex buildings.
We created a premium, heritage-led visual identity, supported by:
a new website
refined brand tone of voice
workwear and protective clothing
vehicle graphics
business signage
heritage-appropriate colour palette
The results speak for themselves:
increased local visibility
significantly more enquiries from heritage homeowners
higher-value work flowing into the business
strong client feedback on the clarity and quality of the brand
a professional identity aligned with the premium craftsmanship they offer
The brand now resonates clearly within the heritage and conservation sector — a competitive niche where trust and reputation matter.
Disrupting the Noise: What Good Branding Really Does
Great branding is more than a logo.
It’s how your business shows up in the world.
Thoughtful design:
creates trust
builds recognition
signals quality
communicates professionalism
defines your audience
sets you apart from competitors
makes choosing you effortless
In a crowded marketplace, bland design is invisible.
But intelligent, distinctive branding — crafted with purpose and personality — cuts through.
At REAFE STUDIO, whether we're designing a heritage home, a retail environment or a new identity for a growing business, our goal is the same:
to create work that is simple, modern, human and memorable.
If you’re looking to elevate your business, refresh your brand or build a new identity from the ground up, we’d love to help you stand out — beautifully.
