Vakwerk – a homonym for craftsmanship and timber framing – is an unconventional new architecture practice: entrepreneurial, approachable, passionate, and attentive. The team at Vakwerk stand together with their clients and show ownership.

With a principally editorial visual identity, Vakwerk naturally starts conversations. SILO created the engaging visual identity based on the stimulating tone-of-voice, developed by Fabrique.

No logo

Rather than focus on the physical appearance of buildings, Vakwerk addresses the value buildings create for the users and the environment. The practice’s brand identity is in line with this vision. Not form or beauty, but the way in which the brand is brought to life, is what creates an impact. The attitude of Vakwerk is what it is all about, not a logo.

Toolkit for communication

A toolkit offers different easy-to-use formats that the entire Vakwerk team can use. The name of the practice forms the basis for a communication style that is simple, powerful, friendly and content-driven. The image style emphasizes the context of use. Because Vakwerk collaborates with many other parties, the identity employs easily interchangeable system fonts.

Personal signature

A series of multi-usable hand-drawn illustrations provide a personal signature. It allows the founders of Vakwerk – Ellen van der Wal, Francesco Veenstra, and Paul Ketelaars – to talk about their motives, ambitions and what they find essential for the users of the buildings they design.

“SILO was there at the start of our new architectural firm in 2017. Together we defined our office identity more clearly. SILO translated this into a fresh and recognizable communication style.”

– Francesco Veenstra, partner/architect Vakwerk