The Dunlin

A scenic aerial view of a waterfront community nestled along a winding river, surrounded by lush green marshlands and dense forest. The neighborhood features charming white cottages with metal roofs, a dock extending into the river, and a small kayak on the water. In the bottom right corner are subtle logos reading “The Dunlin,” “Charleston Sea Islands,” and “Kiawah River.”

Objective

Craft the name, story, identity, materials, and experience for a soulful sea island retreat.

Services

Strategy
Naming
Positioning
Brand Development
Copywriting
Photography
Illustration
Print
Signage
Digital Assets

The front desk at The Dunlin hotel, decorated in shades of green with botanical and coastal decor. A smiling staff member in a light green patterned dress stands behind a wooden reception desk with a scalloped wicker lamp. The backdrop features built-in shelves filled with books, coral artwork, a white birdcage, and tropical-themed prints.

A marble table featuring elegant mint green stationery from

Nestled on the banks of the Kiawah River, The Dunlin is a soulful sea island retreat that celebrates the richness of the Lowcountry and life along the water — sunlight dancing; egrets in flight; soft breezes; pastel skies.

Inspired by iconic Lowcountry summer retreats in design, experience, and spirit, The Dunlin elevates relaxation and rejuvenation to art form — from its 72 cottage-style guest rooms, signature restaurant, and cocktail lounge to the riverside pool and vintage-inspired bar, spa, gathering spaces, and an endless collection of experiences.

A bright and cozy bedroom in The Dunlin features a four-poster canopy bed with a green gingham pattern on the top and behind the headboard. The bedding includes white sheets and a light green patterned quilt. On either side of the bed are white nightstands with wicker accents and table lamps. The walls are painted soft blue with vertical paneling. A green gingham upholstered chair sits near glass doors that open to a balcony with an outdoor soaking tub and a small wicker stool. The room has a clean, coastal style with soft green and blue hues.

A riverside marsh landscape close to The Dunlinat sunset, with golden light reflecting off the calm water. Tall grasses and reeds grow along the banks and in the shallows, and dense trees line both sides of the river. The sky is partially cloudy, with sun rays peeking through, casting a warm glow over the scene.

A collection of branded stationery for The Dunlin and objects arranged on a wooden surface. Items include a mint green pen labeled "The Dunlin," a vintage-style metal bell with a wooden handle and green striped ribbon, a striped booklet with the text "Return to the River," a mint envelope, a wood card engraved with "Return to the river," and a printed card featuring a crest with coastal elements, a perched bird and the letter "D."

A cream-colored canvas tote bag with tan leather handles sits on a made bed with white linens and a textured pale green quilt. The bag features a decorative emblem with the letter “D” surrounded by coastal elements with a bird perched on top. The words The Dunlin are on the bottom. The bed has a mint green upholstered headboard, a checkered curtain behind it, and a woven rattan wall sconce on the side.

An assortment of printed materials and a room key from The Dunlin, Auberge Resorts Collection at Kiawah River, arranged on a wooden surface. The items include a mint envelope, a booklet with a striped cover titled

Working in concert with the development and marketing teams, we came up with a name that celebrates the brand’s sea island roots.

The Dunlin, a native, assuming yet playful little seabird, set the stage for this Lowcountry riverfront retreat that carries with it a casual elegance, a love for life along these treasured waterways, and a desire to share its goodness with all who arrive.

An illustrated graphic features a small Dunlin shorebird with a speckled back dipping its beak into a puddle, above the phrase “RETURN TO THE RIVER” in uppercase serif font. The design is centered on a pale mint green background, flanked above and below by small minimalist dashes.

Close-up of a wooden boat partially resting in tall grass. The interior features natural wood finishes, and the exterior stern is painted pale blue-green. The text The Dunlin and “KIAWAH RIVER” is painted on the outside panel. A wooden oar is visible in the background.

Close-up of cream-colored sweatshirts for The Dunlin on white hangers hanging from a gold clothing rack. The back of the sweatshirt neck area features the printed text

A close-up of an olive-green canvas and leather weekender bag with two front zippered pockets and brown leather handles. Attached is a branded tag reading “The Dunlin – Kiawah River” with an illustration of a dunlin bird. A partially visible luggage claim tag with handwritten text is tucked into the pocket.

A man stands behind a light blue-striped valet stand under a mint green umbrella with a dark green wavy trim. In front of him is a silver Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV. The background features a large white two-story building with mint-colored shutters, palm trees, and landscaped greenery.

A black door handle mounted on a light blue door has a natural oyster shell hanging from it by a white string with a wooden bead. The oyster shell is painted on the inside with the phrase “Laying Low” in script lettering.

Close-up of a person wearing a button-down shirt with vertical navy and white stripes. The shirt features an embroidered crest on the left chest area that includes the letter “D” and decorative branches.

A rectangular outdoor directional sign sits among green plants and mulch. The sign has vertical white and light mint green stripes, with gold lettering. It lists directional arrows to: LINNETTE’S WILLET ROOM SPRING HOUSE THE COVE RESTROOMS ASTER SPA

A pastel green building labeled “ASTER – An Auberge Spa” in white text on a light teal sign. There are crisp white shutters with cut-out dot patterns and French doors. The porch includes black wicker chairs with mint cushions, rattan lanterns, and potted plants in green and black barrels.

The typography is timeless yet eclectic with subtle serifs on several of the letterforms that imbue them with character. A hand drawn dunlin mark is iconic, playful, and inviting.

A hand drawn crest is built from flora and fauna found along the Kiawah River along with hand rendered typography and illustrated in a colored pencil hatching technique. The crest nods to the brand’s commitment to sustaining the ecosystems of which it’s part.

A light green binder menu lies open on a marble table. Inside, there's a printed breakfast menu on the right and a snacks and drinks list on the left. A cup of coffee sits on a pink-patterned coaster, next to a silver spoon. Nearby are a modern white kettle with a wooden handle and a ceramic sugar pot in a wicker dish.

A decorative mint-green built-in bookshelf. Items include framed botanical prints, books, a palm fan, a rope knot, glass vases, a white birdcage, a rattan-textured wall sconce, and small decorative objects.

A woven basket on a marble table top holds a Dunlin Resort welcome packet, featuring a striped

Outdoor pool area with light green umbrellas, cushioned lounge chairs, and private green cabanas. A round hot tub is adjacent to the rectangular swimming pool. Palm trees and marshland landscape the area.

A small light-green snack and beverage menu placed on a patterned wooden surface next to two white coffee cups on pink checkered coasters. The menu is titled "Snacks" and lists drinks, beer, cocktails, wine, and salty and sweet snacks.

A stack of green plaid-patterned paper cups branded with "The Dunlin KIAWAH RIVER" are neatly arranged stacked on a counter. Beside the cups are white plastic lids. In the background, pastries are displayed on pastel-colored cake stands with glass covers.

Close-up of an employee wearing a navy baseball cap embroidered with the phrase “Return to the river” in white cursive lettering. They are adjusting the brim of the cap with both hands. They are dressed in a vertically striped shirt in navy and white.

Nature-inspired hues calm and enliven. Evocative copy invites the world into this magical, one-of-kind place. From in-room materials, signage, and merchandise to social media and photography art direction, we created a robust guide to empower The Dunlin team to effortlessly translate the brand in any medium or platform.

A mint green pen with gold accents branded with “The Dunlin” rests atop two white notepads with pink edges. The top notepad features a black illustration of a dunlin bird and the words “THE DUNLIN” near the top, and “AUBERGE RESORTS COLLECTION” at the bottom. The items are placed on a dark glossy surface.

A lounge space with soft pastel tones, featuring mint green sofas, striped armchairs, and brass-accented tables. The room has large windows with white. The coffered ceiling is painted in soft teal with beige panels. Decorative wall art, patterned throw pillows, and hanging teal wicker lampshades are seen in the room. A curved mint green bar is visible on the right side.

In addition to the hotel branding, we were tasked with creating the identity, materials, and experience for Linnette’s, The Dunlin’s signature restaurant and Aster, its riverside Auberge Spa.

A person holds open a green menu book labeled a set dining table. The left page lists food items under “Beginnings,” “On Ice,” and “Special.” A yellow insert on the right is titled “To Drink.” The table is set with white plates on woven chargers, a glass of white wine, a cocktail with a striped straw, and a vase of pom-pom flowers are in the background. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

A bar interior with a long curved counter painted mint green and topped with dark wood. Dark green barstools with woven straw seats line the front. Behind the bar is a large structure containing shelves with bottles and decor items. Pendant lights with woven shades hang from the light green ceiling. The floor is checkered with green and white tiles. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

A smiling hostess with red hair, dressed in a light pastel teal shirt, speaks on the phone while writing on a notepad. She is at a white reception stand labeled "Linnette's." The interior features light wood flooring, a wicker vase with greenery, and a pale teal arched doorway. Behind her, there's a rattan peacock chair and elegant wall decor, including a painting and gold accents. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

A yellow cocktail garnished with two dried lime slices sits atop a white napkin. The napkin features a vintage-style illustration of a hand holding a coupe glass with golden bubbles, and the words “Warm regards, Linnette” written in elegant red script. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

Paying homage to the abundance of John’s Islands fields and waterways, Linnette’s delights guests with coastal, seasonally inspired cuisine. With an open kitchen, wood-fired oven, welcoming bar, and river views, Linnette’s is destined to be the place to be for hotel guests, residents, and locals.

A dark green paper takeout bag with light green text reading "Linnette’s" is displayed on a polished wooden bar counter. The bag also reads, “Oysters Cocktails Desserts. Good Times Are Always in Season at The Dunlin, Kiawah River, S.C. 29455.” on the bottom of the bag. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

A green hardcover menu book labeled “Linnette’s” lies on a white table, partially covered by a smaller green-striped book with “Bar” written in gold script. The table is set with woven placemats, white plates, silver cutlery, blue dotted glassware, salt and pepper shakers, a wine glass, and a small vase of colorful pom-pom flowers. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

Plate of grilled shrimp garnished with herbs, served with cocktail and creamy dipping sauces, a lemon wedge, and a fork resting in the lemon. The dish is placed on a white embroidered napkin featuring a blue crab illustration. A glass of white wine is partially visible in the foreground. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

Playful, bespoke illustrations of fresh seafood, decadent desserts, and cocktails add personality and allow the brand to be joyfully expressive in multiple mediums. A layered approach gives the brand a lived-in look that feels storied, sophisticated, and as inviting as a dear friend. A comprehensive suite of materials and assets include everything from matchbooks and cocktail napkins to menus, plates, and to-go packaging.

Illustration of a stylish bar with pendant lights, barstools, and plants, signed “Warm regards, Linnette.” in the bottom right corner.

Open cocktail and beer menu from Linnette’s restaurant, displayed on top of a green hardcover menu book labeled

Person in a light green shirt with an embroidered bird holding a plate with a cheeseburger topped with lettuce, a pickle, and a toothpick marked “D,” served with a generous portion of French fries and a side of ketchup. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

Golden brown background with centered white text. At the top is a simple outlined “L” monogram. Below it reads: “CELEBRATE THE FLAVORS OF PLACE & SEASON” “Oysters Cocktails Desserts” “at The Dunlin” “KIAWAH RIVER, S.C. 29455”. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

Scattered packets of raw sugar in brown packaging and stevia in light teal packaging on a green surface, Each packet is labeled and stamped with a small bird illustration. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

Two elegant hardcover menu books rest on top of each other on a white tablecloth. The green menu is labeled “Linnette’s” with “Kiawah Restaurant & Bar” and an

Light yellow and white thick striped background with the word “Linnette’s” in a large dark green font. Centered under the text is a small dark green text reading “Oysters Cocktails Desserts

Brunch table setting with Linnette’s brunch menu, a bowl of hushpuppies with dipping sauce, a Caesar salad, citrus cocktail, and fresh flowers. There is a fork on the left side of the menu and a knife on the right. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

A green dessert menu folder with an illustration of a cake on a stand is on top of striped paper and a woven charger plate. Beside it is an orange drink with a dried citrus slices and a green striped straw on a napkin featuring a retro cocktail illustration. A small vase of colorful pompom flowers decorates the table. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

Illustration of a hand with a bracelet on, holding a champagne coupe as a diver in a striped bathing suit plunges into the bubbly drink. Bubbles are created from the dive. For Linnette's at The Dunlin.

Aster Spa is a rejuvenating haven where guests enjoy artfully integrated skincare treatments and warm hospitality.

A textured amber and honey-colored marble background. Centered in the image, the text reads

Orange gift bag with “ASTER” branding and tissue paper, placed beside a lit candle on a white surface. Several orange bags in the background out of focus. For The Aster at The Dunlin.

Spa treatment bed at The Aster at The Dunlin. with a wooden tray holding an orange glass oil bottle and fresh herbs, set near a large window with sheer white curtains and greenery outside. Curved text in a warm golden-orange color reading "HONEY & TUMERIC" in an arch above the centered words "ALL NATURAL BODY SCRUB."

The brand design takes cues from the flower for which the spa is named, French-inspired approach, and skincare products infused with honey from local apiaries. Elegant letterforms feel organic and nod to the river and native flora.

A monogram incorporates interwoven letterforms, like the intricate cells within a beehive or honeycomb. Simple yet refined illustrations and organic patterns are inspired by Lowcountry landscapes.

A beige background with an abstract botanical pattern composed of fine orange lines. For The Aster at The Dunlin.

Elegant spa gift card set featuring an orange embossed card labeled “ASTER

Stack of scalloped-edge brown leather coasters embossed with a geometric monogram in the center for The Aster at The Dunlin.

Branded notepad with "ASTER" "An Auberge Spa” in orange lettering placed on a woven surface beside skincare products and a complimentary embossed orange envelope for The Aster at The Dunlin.

From strategy to visuals to activation, we developed an array of materials — from exterior and interior signage, shopping bags, and branded tissue paper to notecards and hangtags to breathe life into the brand and physical space.

In location, amenities, design, and story, The Dunlin is poised to be one of the most exciting hotel openings of the year.

Credits