It’s been almost four years since we designed the original Chandlers Steakhouse website for it’s opening in Boise, in May of 2007. It was definitely time for a new look, and of course features, lots of new features. To think of all of the changes on the web and technology in the last four years is overwhelming. We have a lot more tools in our chest than we did for the original design, but more importantly, we know the client and it’s patrons very well now.
The design process and messaging came very naturally, and it definitely shows in the new site’s design. Easy to use, but full of features, and of course, in your face, mouth-watering photography. The best designs are those you don’t think about during interaction. It just works the way you would expect it to work, and you easily find what you are looking. We also added a few welcomed surprises along the way though, so start exploring.
Thankfully, Boise has restaurants such as Chandlers Steakhouse, offering world-class dining and unbelievable service. Go check out the site, and while you’re there, book a reservation online. You’ll thank me.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know Idaho’s year-round resort, Tamarack, has been in trouble for awhile now. Unfortunately, the real estate market has been less than stellar and contributed to the downfall of many business ventures. Tamarack had to file for bankruptcy and has been stuck in legal battles for some time now. The future of the resort is in complete limbo.
In mid-November I was contacted by a company named Green Valley Holdings, who needed an impressive website that could be launched in less than two weeks. Normally, my workload would never allow that quick of a turnaround, but after talking in-depth with the Green Valley Holdings representatives, I knew it was a project I couldn’t pass up. Sure, I would have to give up some of life’s luxuries, like sleep, but it’d be worth it. Green Valley Holdings had a super-secretive plan, but all their ducks were in a row, and I was impressed. They were going to make an offer to buy Tamarack. So, I kept my lips sealed and started feverishly working on their new website to support their efforts.
The site launched on November 22nd, minutes after they held their first press conference announcing their $40 million cash offer to purchase Tamarack. Immediately it was all over the news, and the site was getting hit like crazy. Good thing they had this to show off…
I’m happy, and at the same time a bit sad that this piece has gone to print. It was an amazing experience working on this piece with John Brunelle at City of Boise’s Office of Economic Development. We first discussed this project nearly a year ago, and after lots of concepts and ideas we finally settled on one very ambitious idea…capture the successes of 16 local companies or individuals in entertaining saga format.
After identifying a good mix of companies and people to highlight, we iconicized them through silkscreen-like design elements. Each person or company would have a related icon designed for them, and another more detailed image to compliment the saga. We also needed to connect our target market of prospective Boise-based businesses with the opportunities and advantages of being based in Boise. We accomplished this through alternating page spreads from the sagas to mouthwatering full-page photo spreads accompanied by informational content. Each page turn draws the reader deeper into what Boise is all about, and why it’s the best location for their business.
This 24-page brochure spreads a whopping 22″ wide, and the imagery does as much work as the copy in telling the story. The brochure is being mailed out to businesses across the country in individually unique, two-color metallic ink silkscreened 12″ x 9″ black linen envelopes. No two envelopes are alike, just like the sagas told in the brochure. Each have their own story, and the stories are excellent here in Boise.
Check out an interactive version of the brochure online: www.BoiseIdaho.gov
Chandlers is a fantastic Boise restaurant offering the highest quality dining experience with live jazz seven nights a week! Their web presence now embodies these characteristics…and causes website visitors salivate. Go there now….located in downtown Boise, on Grove Street, just off 9th Street.
Launch the website: www.chandlersboise.com
This website is part blog, part newsfeed, and part foundation history. There were a lot of goals for the functionality of this site which proved challenging to overwhelm to present clearly without overwhelming site users. It came together quite well though!
Launch the website: www.jkaf.org
Heritage Safe Company continues to set the standard in home security, value, and elegance. They are awesome people to work with and the quality of their craftsmanship is remarkable. If you need a safe, these are the guys…Buy Idaho!
Launch the website: www.heritagesafe.com
Barb Bergeson Studio Gallery is dare I say the best photography studio in Idaho! This project was actually a co-op with graphic designer, Rob Neely, of High Dive. Working together with Rob on the design of the site proved quite easy once we saw the photography we had to work with!
Launch the website: www.bbsgphotography.com
The owner of Hoddoggies called me out of the blue from Washington D.C., to design a logo and print collateral for his business. He wanted a classic looking logo that would still be eye-catching, bright, and fun…and oh yeah, the hot dog shouldn’t look to “cartoony”. Did he get what he wanted? Well, his exact words were “You definitely have not let me down…I am very pleased! These are fantastic!”
Censport Graphics is rapidly becoming recognized as one of the best motorsports related design and custom paint studios in the world. This website was a lot of fun to build and it’s been an honor to update the portfolio gallery and see the quality of paint work just get better and better.
Launch the website: www.censport.com
