STUDIO
KCAP
PROFILE
International architecture and urban planning studio, offices across Europe, structural work at the hundred-person scale.
INDUSTRY
Architecture, Urban Planning
CLIENTS
-
YEAR
2020 - 2023
THEMES
'Structural Recalibration Across Brand, Workflow, and Culture.'
INSTRUMENTS
Identity system, website and CMS rebuild, digital press room, recruitment workflow
ENGAGEMENT
Embedded, multi-year
STUDIO
KCAP
xxxx
PROFILE
International architecture and urban planning studio, offices across Europe, structural work at the hundred-person scale.
International architecture and urban planning studio, offices across Europe, structural work at the hundred-person scale.
INDUSTRY
Architecture, Landscape Design, Urban Planning
CLIENTS
-
YEAR
2020 - 2023
2020 - 2023
THEMES
'Structural Recalibration Across Brand,
Workflow, and Culture.'
'Structural Recalibration Across Brand,
Workflow, and Culture.'
INSTRUMENTS
Identity system, website and CMS rebuild, digital press room, recruitment workflow
Identity system, website and CMS rebuild, digital press room, recruitment workflow
ENGAGEMENT
Embedded, multi-year
xxxx
xxxx
FOCUS AREAS
Brand & Reputation
Strategy & Innovation
Talent Development & Growth
KCAP Partners. Photo by Boudewijn Bollmann
00 / HOLISTIC APPROACH
00 / HOLISTIC APPROACH
A structure built to hold four years of growth.
A customised growth strategy was developed for KCAP, built from stakeholder interviews, market research, and competitor analysis. This informed which of the studio's operating conditions needed structure, and in what order.
Competitive insight ran alongside it. Market research and industry trend analysis identified where KCAP was exposed,
and where growth was actually available, so the strategy pointed at real opportunity rather than assumption.
01 Brand Strategy
New identity, developed with Studio Joost Grootens.
02 Communication & Customer Experience
New identity, developed with Studio Joost Grootens.
03 Performance, Workflow and Reputation Management
Press room, newsroom, and publication standard, raised to match the identity.
04 Company Culture & Talent
New identity, developed with Studio Joost Grootens.
Deliverables
New visual identity, developed end to end with Studio Joost Grootens
PR team running on a self serve press room and newsroom
Website traffic up 25%
Workflow timelines down 20 to 30%
Completed internal projects:
Brand positioning strategy
Brand visual identity development
Rebranding design process
Rebranding implementation
PR strategy
PR workflow improvement
PR day-to-day work
PR news room software implementation
PR press room software implementation
HR recruitment strategy
HR recruitment software implementation
HR talent development
Photography & video art direction
Social Media strategy
Social Media workflow improvement
Social Media template development
Social Media competitor analyses
Team performance of workflows
KCAP website trailer
01 / BRAND STRATEGY
01 / BRAND STRATEGY
Thirty years of legacy, one new graphic language.
With Studio Joost Grootens, a refreshed identity was developed and implemented, new logo, colour palette, and typography, through a collaborative process of stakeholder feedback, market research, and creative exploration.
Working With 30 Years of Legacy
Stakeholder interviews, market research, and competitive analysis informed a forward-looking positioning strategy
that respected KCAP's legacy while clarifying its future direction.
New Era, New Logo
The new logo features a bold, sans serif design using GT America, released in 2016. The typography combines the vitality of late nineteenth century American Gothic typefaces with the formality of early twentieth century neo grotesque typefaces from Europe.
Development & Implementation
Discipline specific templates, documentation manuals, and drawing standards unified output across architecture, urban design, landscape, and support teams. Implementation included testing, internal calibration, and long term governance structures.
Evaluation & Guiding
Identity implementation was treated as a continuous process. Ongoing refinement, internal education, and quality control kept credibility intact across all external communications.
Visual Identity & Website: Studio Joost Grootens
Software Development: Foster
Photography & Video: Ernie Buts, Ossip van Duivenbode, Dimitri & Rene Durr
"We aimed to create a graphic language for KCAP that reflects their values and vision while being contemporary, adaptable, and versatile."
Joost Grootens, Graphic Designer
00 / HOLISTIC APPROACH
A structure built to hold four years of growth.
A customised growth strategy was developed for KCAP, built from stakeholder interviews, market research, and competitor analysis. This informed which of the studio's operating conditions needed structure, and in what order.
Competitive insight ran alongside it.
Market research and industry trend analysis identified where KCAP was exposed, and where growth was actually available, so the strategy pointed at real opportunity rather than assumption.
01 Brand Strategy
New identity, developed with Studio Joost Grootens.
02 Communication & Customer Experience
New identity, developed with Studio Joost Grootens.
03 Performance, Workflow and Reputation Management
Press room, newsroom, and publication standard, raised to match the identity.
04 Company Culture & Talent
New identity, developed with Studio Joost Grootens.
Deliverables
New visual identity, developed end to end with Studio Joost Grootens
PR team running on a self serve press room and newsroom
Website traffic up 25%
Workflow timelines down 20 to 30%
Completed internal projects:
Brand positioning strategy
Brand visual identity development
Rebranding design process
Rebranding implementation
PR strategy
PR workflow improvement
PR day-to-day work
PR news room software implementation
PR press room software implementation
HR recruitment strategy
HR recruitment software implementation
HR talent development
Photography & video art direction
Social Media strategy
Social Media workflow improvement
Social Media template development
Social Media competitor analyses
Team performance of workflows
02 / COMMUNICATION & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
02 / COMMUNICATION & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
The website became a structural extension of the identity.
Communication and customer experience were rebuilt around the new brand: a new website, targeted inbound campaigns, a new social strategy and manager, and a CRM system to hold it together.
Developing an Identity
The website became a structural extension of the new identity. Design, typography, and navigation reinforced the brand's positioning while enabling easier content management.
From Formal to User Centric
Earlier iterations carried boldness, dynamic visuals, vibrant colour, and a user-centric design that captured the spirit of modernity.
Over time, the design shifted toward a more formal demeanour; this rebuild returns to that user-centred spirit.
Sitemap & Custom Built CMS
A simplified information architecture lets visitors navigate a thirty-year portfolio without friction.
The CMS framework was upgraded to support design integrity and operational flow.
Social Media: Gain Speed and Share Stories
A dedicated Social Media Manager elevated KCAP's news hubs and expanded its digital footprint, focusing on reach and engagement.
A resilient template foundation reduced prep time and gathering effort, freeing up more time to share KCAP's stories with the world.
01 / BRAND STRATEGY
Thirty years of legacy.
One new graphic language.
With Studio Joost Grootens, a refreshed identity was developed and implemented, new logo, colour palette, and typography, through a collaborative process of stakeholder feedback, market research, and creative exploration.
Working With 30 Years of Legacy
Stakeholder interviews, market research, and competitive analysis informed a forward-looking positioning strategy
that respected KCAP's legacy while clarifying its future direction.
New Era, New Logo
The new logo features a bold, sans serif design using GT America, released in 2016. The typography combines the vitality of late nineteenth century American Gothic typefaces with the formality of early twentieth century neo grotesque typefaces from Europe.
Development & Implementation
Discipline specific templates, documentation manuals, and drawing standards unified output across architecture, urban design, landscape, and support teams. Implementation included testing, internal calibration, and long term governance structures.
Evaluation & Guiding
Identity implementation was treated as a continuous process. Ongoing refinement, internal education, and quality control kept credibility intact across all external communications.
Together with Studio Joost Grootens, we explored what information KCAP wanted to share and how to communicate it on social media while maintaining a productive workflow.
Together with Studio Joost Grootens, we explored what information KCAP wanted to share and how to communicate it on social media while maintaining a productive workflow.
More high-end publications because content and workflow improved
More high-end publications because content and workflow improved
Credits
Visual Identity & Website: Studio Joost Grootens
Software Development: Foster
Photography & Video: Ernie Buts, Ossip van Duivenbode, Dimitri & Rene Durr
"We aimed to create a graphic language for KCAP that reflects their values and vision while being contemporary, adaptable, and versatile."
Joost Grootens, Graphic Designer
03 / PERFORMANCE, WORKFLOW & REPUTATION MANAGEMENT
03 / PERFORMANCE, WORKFLOW & REPUTATION MANAGEMENT
The mechanics under the work, and the standard it publishes at.
Workflows and habits were optimised for performance: a cloud based project management tool, custom workflows and templates, and training and coaching to support adoption. The same discipline extended into how KCAP shows up publicly.
Innovative Tools For Streamlined Workflow
Prezly for sending press releases and maintaining media contact lists; Miro for optimising internal workflows.
These tools became the backbone of KCAP's efficiency.
Strive For High End Publications
Press releases were refined with stronger narrative structure and higher visual standards, increasing visibility across international platforms.
Implementing a Digital Press Room
A digital press room on KCAP's website streamlines project information for journalists and students.
It removes the need to contact the PR team directly, giving swift access to essential materials and saving time for both sides.
Adding a Digital Newsroom
A dedicated digital newsroom streamlines access to and downloads of project press releases
without contacting the PR team directly, reducing time constraints and improving overall workflow efficiency.
Improve Image Drawing Styles
The new visual identity triggered an overhaul of project drawing styles. With multiple disciplines, international markets,
and several offices, no single drawing style existed. Presentation guidelines and manuals established a cohesive approach.
Developing New Photography and Video Styles
The repositioning required a comprehensive redevelopment of KCAP's photography and video language.
Research and testing with key collaborators revamped the studio's visual storytelling.
03 / PERFORMANCE, WORKFLOW & REPUTATION MANAGEMENT
The mechanics under the work, and the standard it publishes at.
Workflows and habits were optimised for performance: a cloud based project management tool, custom workflows and templates, and training and coaching to support adoption. The same discipline extended into how KCAP shows up publicly.
Innovative Tools For Streamlined Workflow
Prezly for sending press releases and maintaining media contact lists; Miro for optimising internal workflows.
These tools became the backbone of KCAP's efficiency.
Strive For High End Publications
Press releases were refined with stronger narrative structure and higher visual standards, increasing visibility across international platforms.
Implementing a Digital Press Room
A digital press room on KCAP's website streamlines project information for journalists and students.
It removes the need to contact the PR team directly, giving swift access to essential materials and saving time for both sides.
Adding a Digital Newsroom
A dedicated digital newsroom streamlines access to and downloads of project press releases
without contacting the PR team directly, reducing time constraints and improving overall workflow efficiency.
Improve Image Drawing Styles
The new visual identity triggered an overhaul of project drawing styles. With multiple disciplines, international markets,
and several offices, no single drawing style existed. Presentation guidelines and manuals established a cohesive approach.
Developing New Photography and Video Styles
The repositioning required a comprehensive redevelopment of KCAP's photography and video language.
Research and testing with key collaborators revamped the studio's visual storytelling.
The new Press Room saves PR teams time in their daily workflow as requests for publications by journalists, collaborators, or students can be redirected here.
The new Press Room saves PR teams time in their daily workflow as requests for publications by journalists, collaborators, or students can be redirected here.
By optimising project documentation quality and the information-gathering flow for journalists,
KCAP had more time for PR Strategies.
By optimising project documentation quality and the information-gathering flow for journalists,
KCAP had more time for PR Strategies.
02 / COMMUNICATION & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
The website became a structural extension of the identity.
Communication and customer experience were rebuilt around the new brand: a new website, targeted inbound campaigns, a new social strategy and manager, and a CRM system to hold it together.
Developing an Identity
The website became a structural extension of the new identity. Design, typography, and navigation reinforced the brand's positioning while enabling easier content management.
From Formal to User Centric
Earlier iterations carried boldness, dynamic visuals, vibrant colour, and a user-centric design that captured the spirit of modernity.
Over time, the design shifted toward a more formal demeanour; this rebuild returns to that user-centred spirit.
Sitemap & Custom Built CMS
A simplified information architecture lets visitors navigate a thirty-year portfolio without friction.
The CMS framework was upgraded to support design integrity and operational flow.
Social Media: Gain Speed and Share Stories
A dedicated Social Media Manager elevated KCAP's news hubs and expanded its digital footprint, focusing on reach and engagement.
A resilient template foundation reduced prep time and gathering effort, freeing up more time to share KCAP's stories with the world.
04 / COMPANY CULTURE & TALENT DEVELOPMENT
04 / COMPANY CULTURE & TALENT DEVELOPMENT
Growth stopped being the thing that broke alignment.
KCAP developed a culture of innovation and talent development: an innovation incubator, coaching and mentorship, and a talent development programme, alongside the recruitment and onboarding rebuild below.
Talent Recruitment: Automate Systems
Implementation of Recruitee streamlined talent acquisition, reduced administrative workload by approximately 30%,
and improved cross-office transparency between Rotterdam and Zurich.
Seamless Integration & Onboarding
Cross office onboarding was rebuilt so new hires in Rotterdam and Zurich meet the same standard on day one,
same tone, same templates, same expectations, regardless of which office they join.
Stakeholder Needs & Onboarding
Application processes, tone of voice, and onboarding structures were refined to reflect the new brand positioning.
Recruitment became part of the communication ecosystem rather than an isolated function.
Innovation & Competitive Insights
Market research and industry trend analysis identified opportunities for growth and innovation,
feeding directly back into the strategy set out in Chapter 00.
25%
Increase in website traffic
20–30%
Reduction in selected workflow timelines
"A new HR recruitment process and improved workflows
between teams increased my work efficiency by at least 25%."
Malena Gysin / HR Manager
