About 20 years ago, I was honored to be selected to redesign the logo for the City of Redmond, WA—one of the top five cities in the United States. This project wasn’t just a logo refresh; it was a meaningful exercise in capturing the city’s unique identity, values, and natural beauty.

The Challenge

The City of Redmond wanted a logo that reflected both its rich natural surroundings and its “built green” urban character. The Heron—a bird closely tied to the city’s wetlands trails—was a required element, symbolizing the city’s commitment to nature and community.

The tricky part? How do you fit a bird, bike paths, office buildings (none taller than five stories), and a river into a logo without it feeling cluttered or awkward? Balancing these diverse elements into a simple, elegant, and timeless design was the core challenge.

We went old-school, starting with hand-drawn sketches to explore different ways of incorporating the city’s key features. Early on, I worked closely with City Council members and the Mayor to understand their vision and priorities, which informed a clear list of must-haves.

After iterative drafts and feedback sessions, we refined the design digitally, ensuring it worked well across a range of applications—from park signs to police vehicles and city stationery.

The Outcome

The final logo successfully balanced nature and urban life, creating a distinct visual identity for Redmond that was both modern and respectful of its heritage. The rollout was gradual, as city signage and materials were updated over several years.

This project set the tone for my approach to complex branding challenges—blending strategy, creativity, and craftsmanship to create designs that matter.