International architecture and design firm Ica has rebranded its 18-year-old practice to reflect an upturn in post-Covid business.

Ian Burleigh, Ica’s Executive Chair, explains that the Glasgow-headquartered firm is seeing an acceleration in developers looking to transform office and retail space into hotels. This focused the senior team when they commissioned a new graphic identity, brand, website and series of films, all under the banner of ‘Welcome Change’.

“We’re seeing more conversions to hospitality than ever before”, states Burleigh. “That’s especially true in city centres around the world. Compared to previous periods, the shift is being led by well-resourced institutional investors. For example, L&G is developing the former Debenhams site on Edinburgh’s Princes Street, a project we’re due to complete in 2024.”

The brand and website relaunch takes place during the studio’s busiest year to date. Managing Director Susannah Macneill likens the activity to the 2008 recession.

“Back then, almost every part of the global market saw an upturn in hotel refurbishments”, she explains. “We already had a single studio covering both disciplines, but the credit crunch pushed us to go further. Today we have an almost equal number of architects and interior designers. Clients love the cross-pollination of ideas.”

Burleigh adds that the rebrand was an opportunity to reflect the way Ica works with its clients, with the practice’s focus on designing not just a building or interior, but a successful hospitality business. “Our role is to create spaces where people, brands and businesses flourish. To do that we need to bring all the disciplines together, combining creative flair with commercial insight. That’s what the new brand and website shows our prospective clients around the world.”

Read more about the firm’s rebrand in our latest issue.