A new look with a new name

The name change from Vancouver Native Housing Society to BC Indigenous Housing Society (BCIHS) coincided with a rebrand for the organization. The previous logo, colour palette, and type identified the organization since its inception in 1984, but the time was right to give the not-for-profit organization a modern look and feel that aligned with its new direction.

Peter Arkell and Jim Skipp were engaged to help create a new visual identity that was vibrant and modern, yet still stayed true to the vision of BCIHS. The criteria? Simplicity so that the new logo would work well across all forms of media. Inspiration was drawn from the structure of long houses and pit houses, symbolizing shelter, protection and safety. A bright blue becomes the primary colour - welcoming and calming, evoking a sense of trust. The font and symbol have a chiseled feel, as if carved from wood.

The new brand system is already being applied to stationery, signage, and other digital materials.