NEXT

The American Institute of Architecture (AIA) is the largest, most influential network of architects and design professionals. AIA’s core belief is that “Design matters” and that good design enhances our quality of life and gives us a better understanding of our community. 

Who wouldn’t agree with that? 

NEXT is the young professionals group created by AIANN to assist new and aspiring architects in fulfilling their career goals. When it came to naming, AIANN explored options like NextGen Social, Next Social Club, or salvaging their previous name, YoDeNG (Young Designers Networking Group). 

And while those are all fine options, they felt limiting. So we simplified, amplified, and presented the NEXT name and logo simultaneously. 

We believe every great sub-brand is rooted in its parent brand. Maintaining that familiarity with AIA gave NEXT valuable recognition and plenty of design opportunities for its identity. 

By referencing elements of the organization’s storied history and repurposing them into bold, new graphics, we created a visual identity centered around illustration and typography that allows NEXT and AIA to live side by side. Fresh, yet familiar – the perfect recipe for the next generation.

AIA’s original word mark is a custom font called AIArchitype. Hand-drawn by Pentagram type designer Jeremy Mickel, it’s crafted from a hybrid of two classic sans serif fonts, Akzidenz Grotesk and Trade Gothic.

For NEXT, we leaned on Trade Gothic as the basis for the identity. It offers just enough familiarity with the AIA brand while giving us the versatility to work across various mediums.

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