We are thrilled to announce that DeSantis Breindel has been shortlisted for the ninth annual Transform Awards North America in two categories. This proud designation means we’ll take home two trophies—whether gold, silver, bronze or highly-commended—with winners to be announced at the Transform Awards North America event on October 10th in New York City.
The Transform Awards recognize “excellence in rebranding and brand strategy,” evaluating work across strategy development, creation and execution/activation. DeSantis Breindel previously won gold in 2021 for its work with HALO (“Best Corporate Rebrand Following a Merger or Acquisition” category) and has also been honored with several silver awards and a highly-commended award.
Here are select details about the projects being honored:
Davis
Category: Best Visual Identity from the Property, Construction and Facilities Management Sector
Davis, one of the nation’s leading real estate investors and developers, had outgrown its brand. It also faced stiff competition from national players and needed to be able to stand out…and stand above.
Following a rich internal and external research phase, DeSantis Breindel developed a new brand based on Davis’s proven legacy of anticipating the economic, demographic and social trends that drive real estate value. The new visual brand highlights that it is the company’s perspective—rather than bricks and mortar—that truly defines its success.
At the heart of the new visual identity is a stylized window: a metaphor for vision, long-term focus and perspective. This versatile and innovative element forms the basis of the company’s new logo while also differentiating property photos (which tend to be a sea of sameness across real estate investing).
The new brand also celebrates the company’s values-based culture—in which everyone is empowered and encouraged to contribute their ideas and perspectives—with the memorable phrase “What Can Be.”
The new Davis brand was launched in late 2022 on a completely new website and across marketing and fundraising initiatives, receiving strong and positive responses.
MGAC
Category: Best Rebrand of a Digital Property
Global project and cost management consultancy MGAC had expanded rapidly from its headquarters in Washington, D.C., with new offices across North America and Europe. And following the acquisition of a UK-based cost management company, the company needed to build a more consistent and compelling brand to represent the full breadth of its services and promise.
Following internal and external qualitative and quantitative research, DeSantis Breindel developed a new brand built on a clear, direct idea: “Elevate Every Expectation.” The phrase calls attention to the company’s commitment to exceed clients’ requirements for quality execution, with a nod to MGAC’s focus and legacy in construction.
We completed a comprehensive overhaul of the company’s website using a unique, fast-tracked collaborative methodology. The resulting site engages users today while being purpose-built to expand easily in the future.
To highlight MGAC’s expertise and experience, we put case studies at the center of the site—telling compelling visual and verbal stories about the often-intangible benefits of working with the company through stunning photos and streamlined copy.
An interactive map now helps visitors explore MGAC’s global offices and culture, showcasing case studies from across geographies. And because recruiting is a top priority for the company, we created a new Careers page (with helpful third-party plugins) that delivers a seamless brand experience for talent.
Page views increased when MGAC’s new website launched in 2022. Since then, the company’s in-house marketing team has already expanded the site, easily building on the backend structure we designed with their growth in mind.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our clients, Davis and MGAC, for the vibrant collaborations that made this recognition possible and for entrusting us with their brands at such all-important moments.
We know that partnership is the foundation of all great work. And as specialists in building brands that drive value creation, we’re as thrilled about the results they’re seeing for their businesses as we are about this recognition from Transform Awards North America.
To learn more about how we create award-winning brands, contact us.