Visual Identity
Happy Hour Architecture
October 26, 2022–January 25, 2023
October 26, 2022–January 25, 2023
Wineries, breweries, and distilleries engage the senses through storytelling and placemaking. Happy Hour Architecture showcased award-winning projects in and around the nation’s capital, revealing how thoughtful design elevates the spaces where we gather, sip, and connect.
Each theme featured four projects presented through vivid photography and focused story text. Wine barrels, beer kegs, and a copper still framed each section, reinforcing atmosphere and place.
Objective
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Conceive, design, and deliver a themed exhibition that translated architectural excellence into an accessible, social experience.
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Conceive, design, and deliver a themed exhibition that translated architectural excellence into an accessible, social experience.
Challenge
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Develop a concept that felt both playful and substantive—inviting broad audiences in while maintaining architectural rigor. The exhibition needed to celebrate design without becoming novelty-driven.
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Develop a concept that felt both playful and substantive—inviting broad audiences in while maintaining architectural rigor. The exhibition needed to celebrate design without becoming novelty-driven.
Approach
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We built a flexible visual identity rooted in a customizable vector system, with a color palette inspired by red wine, amber beer, and blue-tinted glass bottles. Supporting imagery—grapes, brewers’ malt, a bartender at work—layered in sensory cues. Bourbon House Aged, a typeface reminiscent of vintage whiskey labels, anchored panel titles and graphics.
Programming extended the experience beyond the gallery, including three “Meet the Designers” conversations, a behind-the-scenes tour at RdV Vineyards, and a celebratory closing party with the WAAC Band.
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We built a flexible visual identity rooted in a customizable vector system, with a color palette inspired by red wine, amber beer, and blue-tinted glass bottles. Supporting imagery—grapes, brewers’ malt, a bartender at work—layered in sensory cues. Bourbon House Aged, a typeface reminiscent of vintage whiskey labels, anchored panel titles and graphics.
Programming extended the experience beyond the gallery, including three “Meet the Designers” conversations, a behind-the-scenes tour at RdV Vineyards, and a celebratory closing party with the WAAC Band.
Story Plan
Outcome
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The exhibition invited visitors to experience architecture through the lens of craft and celebration. Vivid imagery, supported by props and bold color accents, brought each venue’s character to life. Programs drew strong attendance—especially the closing event—reinforcing how thoughtful design shapes the places where we gather and connect.
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The exhibition invited visitors to experience architecture through the lens of craft and celebration. Vivid imagery, supported by props and bold color accents, brought each venue’s character to life. Programs drew strong attendance—especially the closing event—reinforcing how thoughtful design shapes the places where we gather and connect.
Project Details
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Venue: District Architecture Center
Size: 1,212 SF
Content: Panels (24), Banner (1), Props (6)
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Roles: Concept, Exhibition Planning and Design, Visual Design, Program Development
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Venue: District Architecture Center
Organizer: AIA Washington DC, with special thanks to Stone Tower Winery, Bluejacket, and RdV Vineyards.
Printer: BluEdge
Installation support: Petra Debelack
—
Venue: District Architecture Center
Size: 1,212 SF
Content: Panels (24), Banner (1), Props (6)
—
Roles: Concept, Exhibition Planning and Design, Visual Design, Program Development
—
Venue: District Architecture Center
Organizer: AIA Washington DC, with special thanks to Stone Tower Winery, Bluejacket, and RdV Vineyards.
Printer: BluEdge
Installation support: Petra Debelack