OFFICE IDENTITY FOR A GLOBAL CRYPTO CURRENCY COMPANY
Client: LMNL | Ripple
Location: San Francisco | Geneva | New York
Scope: Programming, EGD Brand Story, Murals, Art & Graphics, Wayfinding, Signage
Year: 2022-2023
Category: Workplace
Partners: LMNL
One Hat One Hand
PRESERVING THE SPIRIT OF THE OLD TOWN AT RIPPLE GENEVA OFFICE
With their growth and expansion, Ripple needed a workspace that not only accommodated their current needs but also projected a sophisticated and modern image. They aimed to establish a strong presence in Geneva, a city synonymous with financial excellence, and sought a space that reflected their innovative approach to finance.
Working in partnership with LMNL, a design firm, Ripple embarked on a journey to transform a generic building into a storytelling jewel box. The process involved creating a unified brand narrative, mapping brand opportunities onto the floor plan, and designing bespoke art murals that skillfully communicated the union of European tradition and contemporary finance. Through strategic infusion of brand elements into the art, the space became a harmonious showcase of the Ripple brand in a fresh and inspiring environment.
The outcome of this collaboration was a stunning transformation of the office space. Custom art murals, including a European Cafe mural, a Banker’s Vault (Magritte’s Room) illustration, a Watercolor Wall, an Arcade Wall, and Main Thoroughfare Art, now adorn the walls, reflecting the brand's sophistication and innovation. The space is not only visually appealing but also functional, with custom wayfinding art integrating the Ripple brand with practical design.
OLD TOWN MURAL
As a tribute to the Old Town district where the Ripple office is located, this custom graphic serves as a backdrop for the workplace café. The design is inspired by architectural and historic motifs, the waters of Lake Geneva, and loose sketches that capture the city’s artistic spirit. Certain elements of the image are intentionally erased to create depth and to diverge from the typical tourist postcard aesthetic.
THE MAGRITTE ROOM
An old bank vault, this hidden space presented architectural challenges for adapting it to a workplace setting. Initially, we envisioned it as a speakeasy—a jewel-like spot to relax and enjoy a cocktail after hours. The room is small with a low ceiling, so we aimed to avoid overwhelming graphics that could make it feel even more cramped.
Throughout our design meetings, we often referenced surrealism and René Magritte, which led to the affectionate designation of the space as a “Magritte room.” We embraced this theme and drew inspiration from vintage illustrations and abstract, dreamlike landscapes. The result is a whimsical collage that defines the room as a unique area, featuring graphics that intrigue without overwhelming the senses.
PLAYFUL VINTAGE GRAPHICS IN THE GAMEROOM
The arcade room boasts a stunning view and beautiful vintage windows that overlook Lake Geneva. Our initial concept was guided by the client’s desire for a circus-like experience, complete with animals and games, as well as creatures inspired by Alice in Wonderland illustrations.
We matched the vintage aesthetic to the rest of the space and incorporated elements of fantasy and anthropomorphic characters to create a Town Fair Tableau. While the animals felt somewhat disconnected, the carousel resonated well with the clients, as it is a prominent feature of street entertainment in Geneva.
The result is an elegant custom graphic that complements the interior and reflects the lighthearted purpose of the space.
The Ripple Geneva office transformation has had a profound impact on the client. The bespoke space has transformed a blank building into a storytelling jewel box, showcasing the brand's values and vision. It has helped Ripple establish a strong presence in Geneva, attracting young employees and enhancing their retention. The space also serves as a versatile venue for events, further solidifying Ripple's position as an agile and modern company in the financial sector.
Selected Works
Ripple GenevaEnvironmental Graphics
FFTT: Design Truck on WheelsProject with Studio O+A
Ripple New YorkEnvironmental Graphics