
Constellation
THE ASK
Design a cohesive brand identity for Constellation, a café and eatery in Arlington, Virginia, inspired by the region’s rich aviation and space exploration heritage. Embody themes of discovery, collaboration, and community while delivering a sophisticated yet inviting experience for guests. As part of the larger National Landing neighbourhood redevelopment, Constellation requires seamless integration into a vibrant mixed-use environment.
THE RESPONSE
To bring Constellation’s vision to life, we crafted a brand identity rooted in Arlington’s rich aviation and space exploration heritage while emphasizing discovery, collaboration, and community themes. The logo design features an underscored wordmark capped by circular elements, evoking the constellation structure and symbolizing connection and guidance. This celestial theme is reinforced by a warm, sophisticated colour palette with copper accents, adding a tactile layer of luxury. Typography choices balance approachability with elegance, ensuring readability and cohesion across digital and physical touchpoints.
The guest experience was carefully designed to immerse visitors in the brand’s narrative. Packaging elements like coffee cups, loyalty cards, and tote bags feature playful celestial illustrations and minimalistic layouts, while environmental details such as illuminated celestial-inspired signage, arched seating nooks with copper finishes, and sleek menu boards enhance the café's ambiance. The tone of voice reflects Constellation’s ethos of cosmic wonder paired with grounded hospitality, creating an inviting, inspiring space where moments of discovery naturally lead to creativity and connection. These efforts positioned Constellation as both a neighbourhood hub and a distinctive element of the National Landing redevelopment.
IMPACT
Successfully led a collaborative process involving multiple stakeholders, including the REIT client, hospitality operator, and a cross-disciplinary design team, ensuring alignment of diverse visions.
Delivered a cohesive and distinctive brand identity for Constellation that integrates seamlessly into the wider Arlington, VA, National Landing neighborhood development.
Balanced Constellation’s individuality with the broader branding and marketing strategy of National Landing, creating harmony within a mixed-use urban environment.
Enhanced the neighborhood’s appeal by positioning Constellation as a cornerstone hospitality brand that supports the area’s dining, living, and working experiences.
CREDITS
Architecture & Interior Design: Architecture + Information
Wayfinding Design: Tosin O Hoskins
Brand Design: Tosin O Hoskins
Typefaces: Nautica by Giuseppe Salerno, Brandon Grotesque by Hannes von Döhren
Architecture + Information Team: Tosin O Hoskins, Carol Ciccarelli, Rina Sebastian, Virginia Chiappa-Nunez, Chris Shelley, Cydney Bibbs