Watts & Dray
Watts & Dray Branding.
Watts & Dray is a New York-based, woman-owned design studio specializing in full-service hospitality design. Founded by Vanessa Watts and Erika Dray in 2022, the studio creates extraordinary spaces through distinctive materials and bespoke objects. From supper clubs to luxury resorts, their work pushes boundaries and captivates audiences, shaping the future of hospitality design.
Task
Creating an identity with a playful spirit, industrial edge, and imaginative vision that is as bold and dynamic as the spaces they design.
Watts & Dray’s brand system is a seamless extension of their design philosophy—bold, tactile, and richly layered. Rooted in an earth and stone-inspired color palette, the brand exudes warmth, depth, and a connection to natural materials. This foundation sets the tone for a visual identity that feels both grounded and refined, evoking the studio’s dedication to craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
At the core of the identity is a distinct wordmark that plays with materiality, echoing the studio’s expertise in blending textures and forms. A playful monogram adds an element of surprise, introducing movement and personality into the brand. Custom patterns, inspired by architectural motifs and organic shapes, further reinforce the studio’s dynamic approach, weaving storytelling into every touchpoint. Together, these elements create a system that is both sophisticated and spirited—a perfect reflection of Watts & Dray’s imaginative and boundary-pushing work.
