The Dunlin
Craft the name, story, identity, materials, and experience for a soulful sea island retreat.
- Brand Identity
- Brand Positioning
- Copywriting
- Digital Media
- Illustration
- Merchandise
- Naming
- Signage
- Social Media
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aster Spa is a rejuvenating haven where guests enjoy artfully integrated skincare treatments and warm hospitality.
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.
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.
- Photography
- Peter Frank Edwards
