As the visionary clients sought to breathe new life into the storied property of Aston Magna, in the heart of Great Barrington, Massachusetts, they turned to Strong Studio to lead the brand and visual identity. Thus, Chesterfield Estate came to life, envisioned to become the center of hospitality, culture, and community engagement in Great Barrington.
This project was created during my employment at Strong Studio, and has been reproduced with the permission of Strong Studio NYC LLC © 2024.
The new visual identity captures the essence of Great Barrington's unique natural landscape. The logo, a nod to the chestnut trees that grace the estate and inspired the estate’s name, takes the form of a chestnut silhouette filled with six curved bands. These bands symbolize the rolling hills and distinct features of the local scenery, echoing tradition through a modern, abstract, and metaphoric approach.
The color palette reflects the colorful nature of The Berkshires and the vibrant community of Great Barrington, further creating a dynamic brand identity that adapts seamlessly to the changing seasons of New England.
The signage and wayfinding system, designed to navigate the 46-acre property, draws inspiration from the organic curves of the surrounding mountains and verticality of the towering trees. The modular design of the system allows for interchangeability, adapting to various events while enhancing brand visibility. The secondary wayfinding elements highlight the estate's distinct cottages, using the brand's colors and shapes inspired by the various species of local foliage.
To further support Chesterfield Estate’s transformation, we designed and developed a website that not only tracks renovations and press but also builds a strong digital presence for the brand. This cohesive visual identity brings the estate's rich history and natural beauty to life, positioning Chesterfield Estate as a cultural and community landmark in Great Barrington.